Question:
I am having my surgery in two weeks..I told my friends and family that I was having

my gallbladder taken out. Some of them want to visit me in the hospital. When they come to the hospital will they be able to tell that it was not gallbladder surgery? I did not tell anyone, besides my fiance because I dont want any negative opinions. I just need to know will they be able to tell when they visit at the hospital. Thanks    — Ang B. (posted on March 15, 2001)

March 15, 2001
It's totally up to you what you tell them; you're doing this for yourself not your family. But to answer your question, if you're having an open RNY then they may know, but if your procedure is LAP (which is the most popular way today to take out gallbladders) then no one will be the wiser. If you don't think that your family will be supportive, keep your own counsel. It sounds like you have a supportive significant other which will make all the difference in the world. Good luck!
   — Michelle R.

March 15, 2001
I don't think they'll be able to tell. You'll be laying in bed, with a gown on. Unless they want to see your scar, which will be "not" the same as a gallbladder scar. My recommendation: tell them you'd rather not show it to them (say it's covered, or it's messy or something). I think most folks will be considerate of you and won't force you to get up and walk if you don't want to. Good luck!!!!!
   — Kristy J.

March 15, 2001
My mother had the surgery last June. I had a spleenectomy in August 1997. She came out of surgery with all the same paraphenalia as I had--morphine pump, nasal gastric tube, etc. The only difference was the small tube in her stomach, but people can only see that if you show it to them. I couldn't really eat after surgery either and had the same bathroom troubles as she did because it was abdominal surgery. So don't worry.
   — PT LawMom

March 15, 2001
hi...i am 18 days post op and i did not want any visitors...i felt awful. only my parents and husband came and i sent them all home cause i was so tired. maybe you could just tell them you would rather not have visitors until you are home.
   — Kathy831

March 16, 2001
Although I did not have this problem because I did not tell anyone except my mom and husband that I was even having surgery. However, I was asked on admission if this was "public knowledge". I am assuming if I had been expecting visitors, then they would have marked my chart to reflect my desire to keep this private. I would tell the nurses of your wishes early on (on admission) and that way it can be recorded in your chart and given in report. I believe the nurses will take your request to heart. You can also verbally remind them just before your visitors are to arrive. If other staff come in while you have visitors, then I would ask them to return when your guests leave-just in case they didn't get the message. I would not be very welcoming and chatty with anyone that comes in. Also, if someone does mention it you can always play "dumb" and I do believe they will get the hint.
   — Shelley.