Gallbladder surgery.....what can I expect?!

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I have to have this next month, so your question is helping me out too! Hope everything goes ok xx

I got my gallbladder taken out back on June 13th (friday the 13th) 2008. At that point I was so sick (I wasnt eating, in so much pain, etc) I was put on meds to dull the pain. I dont remember much of the surgery day but I do remember that you have a gown on. not sure if I had a bra on but I did have my underwear and hospital slipper socks on. the way it worked for me was I got wheeled down to the OR waiting room and sat there for about a half hour before I was wheeled into the operating room where they gave me anesthesia and I passed out.after the surgery I was a little weak but that was due to me not being able to eat and the surgery combined. It was tough to get up and walk around at first. My stomach felt very tight. I sometimes forgot what not to eat and then I would get the pains back but ten times worst. A month later I was doing fine. Just try to take it easy after the surgery. I have 3 tiny scars from it thats all.

you may be able to keep your socks on but that's all. you will wear a patient gown that is open in the back. underwear comes off. the reason for this is you will probably have an EKG running while you are having the surgery and, just in case, if they need to do something quickly, they will not have time to undress you. you should not need a catheter because as soon as you awake from the surgery and are able to, you will probably go home. one of things they make sure you do before you go is urinate. you can expect to be very sore at the sites where they put the scope in to your belly but they will most likely give you adequate pain meds. you will be fine. the doctors do these procedures many times every day.

RN

They will make 3 to 4 small incisions on your stomach. One by or in your belly button, and two on your right side. You won't be able to eat anything 12 hours before surgery but your will a couple hours after. Your incisions may be a little sore, and as weird as it sounds you may have shoulder pain. This is caused by the CO2 that is insufflated into your stomach to do the surgery and some people complain of this after. No catheter will need to be put in, unless by special request from your doctor. Underwear will have to come off, but don't worry the surgery staff keep your modesty and cover all your parts, I'm one of them:) The surgery is very quick about 30-45 minutes long. Good luck, everything will be fine. You probably won't remember much because we like to slip patients happy drugs before you go under anesthesia:)