How long does laparoscopic gallbladder removal take

Avoid sleeping on the side that you had surgery on, if possible since the pillow can irritate the affected eye. Instead, sleep on your back or the opposite side. Use pillows to keep your body from rolling onto your affected side or onto your belly. Your Recovery After your surgery , it is normal to feel weak and tired for several days after you return home. Your belly may be swollen. If you had laparoscopic surgery , you may also have pain in your shoulder for about 24 hours.

You may have gas or need to burp a lot at first, and a few people get diarrhea. Recovering from laparoscopic cholecystectomy will take up to 6 weeks for most people. You may be back to most normal activities in a week or two, but it can take several weeks to return to your normal energy level. You may have some of these symptoms as you recover: Pain in your belly. For most people, weight loss after gallbladder surgery is a temporary issue.

Once the body has adjusted — usually within a few weeks — weight loss will typically slow down or stop. Avoid lifting more than 10 pounds for four weeks and excessive bending or twisting for one to two weeks following surgery. This is to allow healing of the incisions. You should avoid sexual intercourse for days or until cleared by your doctor. Avoid driving until you no longer need narcotic pain medication.

Advertisement Go easy on the fat. Avoid high-fat foods, fried and greasy foods, and fatty sauces and gravies for at least a week after surgery. Increase the fiber in your diet. Comfortable clothing is a must when you are recovering. Choose garments that stretch and have soft material. Little movements go a long way. Moving around may feel like the last thing that you want to do if you are sore and tired, but actually getting up and moving around every few hours will expedite the healing process and help reduce the build-up of gas in your belly.

Even if it is only to make a cup of coffee, getting up and around really does help. Take time off of work. Your surgeon will tell you how long you should take off from work. If you are self-employed or do not have paid sick leave, make sure your finances are covered while you heal.

If you are concerned, call your doctor! You know your body better than anyone else. Powered by. Toggle navigation. Email Me. Log in. This pain comes from the gas still left in your belly after the surgery.

The pain should ease over several days to a week. A sore throat from the breathing tube. Throat lozenges may be soothing. Nausea and maybe throwing up. Your surgeon can provide you with nausea medicine if needed. Loose stools after eating. This may last 4 to 8 weeks. However, in some cases it can last longer. Bruising around your wounds. This will go away on its own. Skin redness around your wounds. This is normal if it is just around the incision. Do not soak in a bathtub or hot tub, or go swimming, until your doctor tells you it is OK.

Go for a follow-up visit with your provider 1 to 2 weeks after your surgery. When to Call the Doctor. Your surgical wounds are bleeding, red or warm to the touch or you have a thick, yellow or green drainage.

You have pain that is not helped with your pain medicines. It is hard to breathe. You have a cough that does not go away.

You cannot drink or eat. Your skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow. Your stools are a gray color. Alternative Names.