diagnosed with gallbladder stones - Gallbladder Message Board

inquirer2005 · 08-24-2005, 04:08 PM

My doctor just informed me this week (after ultrasound) that I need to have surgery to remove my gallbladder due to many stones within my gallbladder. I have done research on the procedure and although, I am not anxious to go through surgery, I don't want to have anymore severe pain attacks. But, I've heard many stories that one has to limit their diet.. i.e., no nuts, fatty foods, etc. And if I did overindulge, the pain would be just as bad as if I did have a gallbladder. And what is overindulging? Does that mean, no more homemade chocolate cookies (even limiting to one a day), no ice cream, in other words, eat healthy and forget about your sweet tooth

I appreciate any help you can give me.

Ladybandit08 · 08-25-2005, 03:39 AM

I have just been diagnosed with the same thing. I am 25 yrs old, just had my first baby 5 weeks ago. ( she was a preemie spents tons of time in NICU ) --I DO NOT want to have surgery. I too am tired of the attacks, but I am afraid of the surgery. I don't like the idea of going under anesthisia ( sp??) . I have read many stories on the net about people having a hard time after they got their gallbladder out. Of course my best friend had hers out 5 yrs ago and said she is fine. I tried to discuss alternatives with my PCP, and he spent all of 5 mins with me, and said NO they arent effective . And set me up with a surgeon. He walked out the door and left me and my SO just staring at each other like what in the world. Please let me know if you find anything out , or if you go through with the surgery.
Good Luck!
Ohh I haven't ate anything but soup and crackers in 2 days , and havent had an attack hehe. I also am craving the good stuff!!

diamond79 · 08-25-2005, 09:06 AM

Alot of the stories you read on the internet are from those who are having problems and trying to find help. The ones that are doing fine aren't going to be posting on here because they are too busy getting on with their lives--more than likely. Don't let the bad stories scare you. I was the same way. I had my GB removed in March. My mother had hers removed years ago the old fashion way and she's doing fine and can eat anything and everything. Unfortunately I don't think my GB was the issue in the first place--yes it did get rid of the rib cage pain, but the nausea, bloating, gas I was experiencing before are still with me. I also have gastritis so that could be causing my symptoms.
Surgery-wise, it really isn't that bad. I had 4 incisions (laparoscopic) and was up and walking around a week later. The first couple of days are the hardest, as with any surgery.
As for the sweet tooth--some can tolerate anything while others have to stick to a low-fat diet. You won't know until you have the surgery. The decision to have it removed is up to you.

Good Luck!
Donna

Titchou · 08-25-2005, 09:36 AM

I had mine out in February...am 59 year old female. I concur with the first couple of days being the hardest part but it wasn't all that bad. Surgery itself took only 20 minutes and I was out only 40 minutes! Pretty amazing if you ask me. Anyway, was home 2 hours later. Really had to watch what I ate for about 4-6 weeks and then started slowly adding back fatty things. Didn't have trouble with sweets though. Oh, and I'm a jogger and I did two miles ONE WEEK to the day after the surgery and was a little sore from it but went right back to my schedule of every other day with no trouble. Now, doing weight work was a little more problematic but was back up to speed on that in about 3 weeks. i have a digestive problem every now and then but nothing that I can't handle. It is so much better than the constant pain. As it turned out, I had only one large stone but the gallbladder itself was very scarred and damaged so that added to the pain. Good riddance as far as I am concerned! Good luck and let me know if you have any questions.

Ladybandit08 · 08-25-2005, 11:15 AM

Wow so it isn't as bad as I have been reading? I haven't had an attack in 2 days so I know one will be coming soon. I haven't ate anything but broth in 3 days. I really guess I should just get it out so I can live normally and take care of my newborn. I am just afraid of going under, as I had a friend in highschool go and get her arm operated on and never came out of it. But I also have had two friends who had their gallbladders out, and one that had to have tumors removed and they are all fine. So it is an outpatient surgery?? I dont want to leave my baby over night.
I am waiting for someone to call me with an appointment with the surgeon, I guess I will just be a big girl and go through with it =)