Question please for those who have had lap cholecystectomy: I am approximately 5 weeks post-op and feeling pretty good and am in general pleased with the surgery, but have a few very brief (just a few seconds to a couple of minutes) episodes of sharp pains in the mid-epigastric region. They seem to be rather close to where the uppermost incision was made (I had four incisions).

I have noticed this only a few times, and have experienced other, different types of pains all around the abdomen at various times that I assume are gas, since the surgery.

I was told pre-op to expect various discomforts for awhile, but am wondering if the epigastric sharp pains are normal or not. My gastro doc is currently out of town, as is the surgeon. I guess they are entitled to their vacations!

In truth, I have noticed these pains primarily when I am either stressed or have just eaten inappropriately, i.e., I was at a concert last night (Simon and Garfunkel at Hollywood Bowl!) and had consumed nothing in hours other than a very rich brownie and some M&Ms. (I know, I know, that's probably asking for trouble.)

Another time the pains occurred after eating my regular cereal with soy milk, and were on the morning I was returning to work for the first time after the surgery (two weeks post-op).

Without any professional advice, I wondered if anyone who has had lap chole experienced mid-epigastric sharp brief pains at any time in the post-op period, say, within a few weeks to months.

I am certainly hoping that this is just bile irritation or something like that. It doesn't feel like the pain of gas, nor does it feel like the pain of a stone passing. Like I said, it's sharp, brief, like little stabbing pains that quickly abate.

Thanks in advance for any comments anyone can contribute!

Question please for those who have had lap cholecystectomy: I am approximately 5 weeks post-op and feeling pretty good and am in general pleased with the surgery, but have a few very brief (just a few seconds to a couple of minutes) episodes of sharp pains in the mid-epigastric region. They seem to be rather close to where the uppermost incision was made (I had four incisions).

I have noticed this only a few times, and have experienced other, different types of pains all around the abdomen at various times that I assume are gas, since the surgery.

I was told pre-op to expect various discomforts for awhile, but am wondering if the epigastric sharp pains are normal or not. My gastro doc is currently out of town, as is the surgeon. I guess they are entitled to their vacations!

In truth, I have noticed these pains primarily when I am either stressed or have just eaten inappropriately, i.e., I was at a concert last night (Simon and Garfunkel at Hollywood Bowl!) and had consumed nothing in hours other than a very rich brownie and some M&Ms. (I know, I know, that's probably asking for trouble.)

Another time the pains occurred after eating my regular cereal with soy milk, and were on the morning I was returning to work for the first time after the surgery (two weeks post-op).

Without any professional advice, I wondered if anyone who has had lap chole experienced mid-epigastric sharp brief pains at any time in the post-op period, say, within a few weeks to months.

I am certainly hoping that this is just bile irritation or something like that. It doesn't feel like the pain of gas, nor does it feel like the pain of a stone passing. Like I said, it's sharp, brief, like little stabbing pains that quickly abate.

Thanks in advance for any comments anyone can contribute!

Hi again - just to let you know - I'm 7 years GB post-op and I still get fleeting, phantom pains every once in awhile. If the pains become disabling, see your doctor, but otherwise they are probably no big deal.

Katie G

Hi Katie --

Thank you for responding -- I know I'm being a big baby about these various discomforts at (as of today) just six weeks post-op. I had been told to expect anything and think I've been lucky so far. Seven years seems like a long time to deal with after-effects but from what I gather it's not all that unusual. At least we don't have the diseased gall bladder still stuck in there!

The strangest pains pop up from time to time and they are rarely identical so since nothing thus far has been disabling I will shut up about it now :)

In general, I feel a whole lot better than I had for over a year so am glad I had the surgery. You are so helpful to many people on this Board and I know I speak for others in saying a big THANKS!