Question:
I found out that I have multiple gallstones and wanted to know just how painful

is the surgery to have it removed. How long did recovery take. I am pretty sure it will be done lap. Thanks for any answers.    — Dawn H. (posted on March 29, 2002)

March 28, 2002
Dawn, I was told it is normally an outpatient procedure.. I had JUST had a baby when I had mine done, and ended up staying overnight because my pain was bad. As soon as I got up in the morning though, got up and moved and ate breakfast, I was just fine. I went on regular tylenol for the pain and it took me about a week to feel "normal" again. Mine was done lap too...
   — Elizabeth D.

March 28, 2002
Dawn-I had emergency surgery to have my gall bladder removed by Lap procedure and I was released the next morning. I didn't have any real pain just some discomfort. I never had to take any pain medicine. It was actually easier than my RNY which was also done Lap. Good luck to you. In this case the cure is easier than the pain before surgery! Vicki
   — vmize

March 28, 2002
Dawn, Mine was supposed to be lap and the doctor had to change to open. Even at that I was back at work in 2 weeks. I didn't think it was all that bad, even though it was open.
   — garw

March 28, 2002
I had mine out LAP. It was a piece of cake. In fact it WOULD HAVE BEEN an outpatient procedure, however I had Rotator Cuff surgery at the same time. Perhaps the LAP would have hurt, but I was in so much pain from my arm/shoulder surgery that I sure did'nt feel the gallbladder. I did'nt have to much pain (gallbladder) pre op, but I have had some painful episodes post op... which has really surprised me. It's like I still have gallstones and they are acting up.
   — Danmark

March 29, 2002
I checked in to the hospital on a Thursday morning early and was home by noon. I even went in myself and had the pain medication filled. I went shopping the next day and went back to teaching on Monday. It was easy, way easier than all of the pain I had before with the bad gallbladder.
   — cindy Q.