Post-cholecystectomy or gallbladder removal surgery

Hello, how is your diet? I know for about 6 months fatty foods would give me pain. After the 6 month period things started returning to normal . It gets better. I'm now 3 years after and I don't even know it's gone

Hi all, I had my gallbladder removed 6 weeks ago. My question is how long does it take to recover? My incisions have all healed nicely. But my main concern is lower abdominal pain. This is either side of my tummy button. It is brought on my walking & movement. My surgeon checked for post op hernia & it's not that. So he said I'm still recovering & to give it time. Has anyone else had this symptom 6 weeks post op? I expected to be fully recovered by now & it does worry me. I do still get the odd upper twinge & pain were the gallbladder was, but again only if I move around alot. I'm eating normally & have no other symptoms. My only worry is my lower abdominal pain.
Thank you in advance

HI @daisydoo and welcome to Connect. You may have noticed I moved your post to this existing discussion on gallbladder removal surgery so that you can connect with others who have similar experience. Simply click VIEW & REPLY in your email notification to get to your post.

I also wanted to tag fellow Connect members @claytamos @kozlo52, @roisemaire, @paula1957, @sq2753sw, @johnetteg, and @bertbiz as they have all underwent this surgery and may be able to offer you support.

Back to you @daisydoo, the question @claytamos posed would be a great place to start, how is your diet?

Hello & thank you for replying.
My diet has been ok. I'm eating lots of fruit & vegetables. Keeping fat to a minimum, although I have been eating chocolate 😁. I might try & cut out chocolate & see if that helps.
I wondered if it was muscular pain with not really doing much the last 6 weeks. I just don't know what to do for the best. Do I move around more or try & rest more. Whilst I'm resting I don't feel the pain. But once I'm walking around, it tends to come on after about 10 mins. All in my lower abdomin either side of the tummy button. I could just still be recovering, but I didn't think it would take 6 weeks to fully recover. You hear about people going back to work after a couple of weeks. Maybe I just need to give it more time & try to stop worrying.
Thank you for your help.

You may want to cut back on the fruit to see if that helps. Sugars can contribute. Watch what veggies you eat as well. Some will cause gas and bloating. I found fish, chicken, potatoes, pasta, rice worked well. Good luck.

Thank you. I'll try that & see how I go.

Just remember now that without a GB your bowel needs to adjust to bile draining directly into it. It sounds like that is what's going on. I am 7 weeks post op and along with the Post-Cholesectomy Syndrome I am having my bowels are also adjusting and I have Crohn's. I strongly suggest a probiotic supplement like Align to help with the change to your bowel. Good luck.

Another quick update:. I had my HIDA scan to check for any duct leaks, obstructions in the duct or Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction last week. I saw my surgeon this AM and was diagnosed with Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction as my surgeon suspected. I have been referred to Gastroenterology Surgeon in a larger centre to look at the possibility of a Sphincterotomy to permanently relax the SOD. Quite discouraging but I hope by sharing this it can help others. I am lucky to have an excellent General Surgeon who never gave up on getting to the bottom of this PCS.

@woodsiechris
I'm glad for your update after the HIDA scan. I commend you in your persistence in finding an answer. Sharing this will undoubtedly be of help to others.
Is your appointment with GI surgeon scheduled yet?

Thank you, I will try that & see if it helps. My bowls do seem ok though. I'm still in pain but it seems to be with movement like walking & bending. I'm getting so fed up with it when I know most people are back on track by 7 weeks. I have an appointment with my surgeon again in 2 weeks, so I'll see what he says.
Are you having similar pain either side of your lower tummy? I hope you feel better soon. Good luck! And thank you for your help.