Out Patient Gallbladder Surgery

who knew?

from JoeUser Forums

I recently (as in yesterday) had my gallbladder removed.

This surgery is so common, that it is now out patient.  It's done laprascopically, and leaves you with 4 small incisions and a swollen belly.  It is also only about an hour long surgery.  My surgery started at 12:30pm and I left the hospital at 3pm.  How fast was that????

I know many people who have had the same surgery previously, however, I am the first that did not have to stay at least one night.  I am *totally* happy that I could go home.  I was able to snack on what I wanted when I wanted, took my Vicodin as needed, and watched movies all day while stoned on Vicodin.  At night, I was able to sleep in my own bed and wasn't woken up every half hour by a nurse "checking" on me.  Of course, my poor husband had to help me up and get me drugs in the middle of the night, but he didn't complain and I think he was happy that I was at home instead of the hospital.

The other thing that I was impressed with was the care I got to prevent nausea.  EVERY surgery that I have had in the past has made me puke.  But not this time!  I was given Emend (a new anti-nausea drug that was developed for Chemo patients), a patch behind my ear (forgot the name) and also meds in my IV.

I have to say that it was the best surgery experience that I have ever had.  And I give great thanks to Dr. Kulick and her staff at Chelsea Hospital!

surgery
8,095 views 11 replies
Reply #1 from JoeUser Forums Top

Wow!  I had my gallbladder removed back in '99 and I was in the hospital for 3 days - even though I had mine done with a 'scope too.

I'm very impressed that you're home so quickly, and I hope that the rest of your recovery is uneventful and pain-free!

Reply #2 from JoeUser Forums Top
Chelsea Hospital - is that phase I of the Universal Health Care from Hillary?
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Reply #3 from JoeUser Forums Top

I'm glad this surgery went well, and I'm glad you can still get stoned on Vicodin! (heh, i barely feel it anymore.)

I take a double dose of Vicodin, the single does doesn't do much.  I try to only use Vicodin for after surgery, I have a totally different cocktail for "regular" pain.

Chelsea Hospital - is that phase I of the Universal Health Care from Hillary?

Yes, but don't worry, it only raised the cost 500%, but your tax dollars are going to good use. 

Reply #4 from JoeUser Forums Top
That is incredible.

But man, you just never get a break, do you?

I am glad you are home and recovering well.
Reply #5 from JoeUser Forums Top

But man, you just never get a break, do you?

It doesn't seem that way, does it?  lol  Oh well, this was a cake walk compared to some of the surgeries that I have had.  I'm sore now, but not in huge pain, so I think I'll be in pretty good shape by the end of the weekend.  It's amazing how exact they are getting with some of these surgeries.

Reply #6 from JoeUser Forums Top

Hey,  where's the "gross pictures"? 

I don't think that "emend" was around in 04 when I had my gallbladder out cause I the nausea and vomiting was horrid.

Glad you're done with it and it went so well!  Hope you don't need more surgery soon,  sounds like you've been through a lot.

Reply #7 from JoeUser Forums Top

I don't think that "emend" was around in 04 when I had my gallbladder out cause I the nausea and vomiting was horrid.

It wasn't, it is very new.  I am the first one that my surgeon has tried it on, and she figured that I would be a good case study since I have had nausea and vomiting after every surgery no matter what other drugs they have given.

The worst after surgery experience that I had was when I had my thyroid removed.  Nothin' better than throwing up when you have a swollen and sore neck.  Ack!

Reply #8 from JoeUser Forums Top

Nothin' better than throwing up when you have a swollen and sore neck. Ack!

I can't imagine that!  Owie!!

Reply #9 from WinCustomize Forums Top


yes it is very common...last May 2006 I had mine out...outpatient they call it *day surgery* here..My brother had his out Feb. of 2006 and my sister, hers in October, I believe...we thought it really odd that all three of us siblings had the same type of surgery in the same year...I hope that doesn't happen again!!
Reply #10 from JoeUser Forums Top

had mine out...outpatient they call it *day surgery* here..My brother had his out Feb. of 2006 and my sister, hers in October, I believe...we thought it really odd that all three of us siblings had the same type of surgery in the same year...I hope that doesn't happen again!!

Yikes!  I guess your gallbladders were trying to keep up with the siblings.  lol

Reply #11 from WinCustomize Forums Top



I just hope it doesn't happen with any other important body parts!!! lol!!!