The recovery time after gallbladder surgery can vary depending on the type of procedure that is done.Recovery from open gallbladder surgery, for example, may take up to six weeks, while recovery from laparoscopic surgery may only take a week or two. You can expect to feel some pain while you recover, and you may also feel fatigued or have other symptoms like diarrhea.
Although there are some general postoperative guidelines that apply to most surgical procedures, the number of days in the hospital, thetime that it takes to return to normal activities, and other recovery factors will be different for different people.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-986510534-49c4771b603c403395971f7c9640d1e6.jpg "Gallbladder Surgery: Recovery (1)")
Gallbladder Surgery Recovery Timeline
Recovery after a cholecystectomy can be hard. Recovery time varies depending on the type of surgery performed. For example, recovery is much faster for a simple cholecystectomy (removal of the gallbladder only) compared to a radical cholecystectomy (a gallbladder removal procedure involving the removal of the gallbladder, part of the liver, and adjacent lymph nodes).
The recovery process may also vary depending on the reason for your gallbladder surgery. For example, if you had surgery due to gallstones, the recovery process of regaining your strength and getting back to a normal diet may be challenging.But if you had gallbladder surgery due to cancer or other chronic conditions, there may be quite a long road to recovery.
Recovery times are also different for a minimally invasive/laparoscopic surgery (provided there are no complications) vs. an open surgery (traditional surgery, involving a large incision). After minimally invasive surgery, a person is often discharged the same day or the following day. The hospital stay after open surgery is two to four days longer, and overall recovery takes longer as well.
You can go up and down stairs on the day of your surgery. The next day, you may take your bandages off and take a shower.
You can expect to feel a little better each day after going home. If not, consult with your healthcare provider.
The first few days after you return home:
- You will probably feel weak and tired.
- You may have some swelling of the abdomen.
- If you had laparoscopic surgery you may have pain in your right shoulder for approximately 24 hours. This is due to the carbon dioxide gas that is inserted into the abdomen (during the procedure) to make space for the surgeon to perform the procedure and to view the surgical site.
24 to 48 hours after surgery:
- You may take your bandages off and shower if your healthcare provider gives you the OK to do so.Be sure to gently pat the incision dry (avoid rubbing it).
- Avoid taking a bath for the first two weeks or until you have your healthcare provider’s approval.
One to two weeks after surgery:
You may get the OK from your surgeon to return to work and go back to normal activities, if you had laparoscopic surgery, depending on what type of work you do.But it’s important to follow the instructions of your surgeon or family healthcare provider before resuming a normal schedule.
The first two to four weeks after the surgery:
- You may burp often.
- You may get diarrhea (it may last two to four weeks or longer).
Four to six weeks after surgery:
You may be given the OK to return to work and resume normal activities if you had open surgery. But, be sure to consult with your healthcare provider before resuming normal activities.
Open Surgery Timeline
If your gallbladder removal surgery was performed via an open surgery method, you will need to stay in the hospital a few days after the surgery. Expect to return back to normal activities in around four to six weeks after your procedure.
Recovery time will be slower in other ways as well, for example, your pain may last longer. Your healthcare provider will explain what you should expect in terms of normal recovery time.
Surgery Follow-Up
After gallbladder surgery, it’s important to follow up with your surgeon in two to three weeks after you are discharged. There are some situations in which you should see your family healthcare provider or surgeon sooner than two weeks.
If you have any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider right away:
- Fever over 101 degrees F
- Severe pain
- Swelling in the abdomen
- Jaundice (a yellowish tinge to the skin or the whites of the eyes)
- Nausea or vomiting
- Inability to eat or drink
- Bleeding or pus around the surgical site/s
- Redness surrounding the surgical site/s (that worsens or spreads)
- Pain that is unrelieved by pain medication
- Breathing problems
- A cough that does not improve
- Gray bowel movements
Managing Pain As You Recover
You will experience pain after your surgery.The severity of your pain will depend on several factors including your pain tolerance, what type of procedure you had, and more.After laparoscopic surgery, it’s common to experience shoulder pain for the first 24 to 48 hours.
Your surgeon may suggest that you take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve). Using ice on the incision site may help to alleviate pain, but be sure to discuss the best way to use ice with your healthcare provider.
Your surgeon may prescribe narcotic pain medication for the first few days after surgery. If you have any questions about taking pain medications, side effects or other inquiries, be sure to discuss your questions with a healthcare provider.
It’s common to experience some nausea and vomiting from the anesthesia; these symptoms should resolve in a day or two.Narcotic pain medications are likely to worsen nausea and vomiting.
Try taking your pain medication after you eat (unless your healthcare provider advises against it).Be sure to contact your healthcare provider if you are unable to take the pain medication or if your nausea doesn’t resolve itself in a day or two after surgery.
Other Medications
Your healthcare provider will advise you regarding when to start taking your regular medications again after surgery.If you are on blood thinners (or other medications) and you stopped taking them before surgery, be sure to consult with your surgeon or family healthcare provider about when to resume taking them.
If you were prescribed antibiotics, after surgery, be sure to take the full course, as prescribed; do not stop taking antibiotics when you begin feeling better.
If you are constipated after surgery, consult with your healthcare provider.A change of diet, walking as tolerated each day, and increasing your intake of water may help alleviate constipation.
If not and you've been backed up for two or more days, they may prescribe a mild laxative. Don’t take any type of laxative or other over-the-counter medication without your healthcare provider’s approval.
Gallbladder Surgery Recovery Diet
For the initial few days after gallbladder surgery, you will need to follow a clear liquid diet (e.g., broth, gelatin, and other transparent liquids).
You will then be able to gradually add solid foods back by following the BRAT diet, consisting of bread, white rice, applesauce, and toast.
It's only once your stool is no longer liquid that you can gradually introduce regular solid foods. It’s common for people to return to eating a normal diet within a month after gallbladder surgery.
The following diet guidance can help you make food choices as you recover. These are particularly important in the four weeks after gallbladder surgery. In some cases, they may be recommended beyond that.
Foods to Eat and Foods to Avoid
This list provides examples and is not a full review of all recommended/discouraged foods after gallbladder surgery. Take guidance from your healthcare provider as to what you can eat and when you can eat it.
| Diet in the Weeks After Gallbladder Sugery | |
|---|---|
| Foods to Eat | Foods to Avoid |
| Fruit, especially avocado | Foods fried in oil (e.g., French fries, doughnuts) |
| Broth and clear soups | Meats high in fat (e.g., bacon, sausage) |
| Eggs and egg substitutes | Whole milk and high-fat dairy/dairy products, including cream-based soups |
| Dairy-free milk and low-fat Greek yogurt | Spicy foods |
| White meat chicken and turkey without skin | Pizza |
| Omega-3 rich fish (e.g., salmon, cod, sardines) | Lard, shortening |
| Flax seeds, chia seeds | Butter |
| Gravy made from meat drippings | |
| Skin from chicken or turkey | |
| Chocolate | |
| Oils (coconut oil, palm oil, and other types of oil) and oil-based products (e.g., mayo) | |
| Gas-producing foods (e.g., beans, cabbage) | |
| Convenience foods | |
| Alcohol | |
As you shape—and re-shape—your eating plans:
- Make smaller meals that you eat more often.
- Drink plenty of fluids, unless your healthcare provider advises otherwise.
- Keep eating bland foods (such as plain white rice, broiled chicken, toast, and yogurt) if you have an upset stomach.
- As you start to re-introduce fats, select foods with no more than 3 grams of fat per serving. Choose foods that contain healthy, unsaturated fat vs. saturated fat.
What to Eat After Gallbladder Removal
Type of Fat Matters
You might notice that the list of approved/discouraged foods contains some that have fat.
The body’s absorption of fat is compromised after the gallbladder is removed. But that doesn't mean fat needs to be avoided outright.
Rather, it’s important to limit your intake of foods that are high in omega-6 fatty acids (the type of fat that most people on the Western diet get too much of).
Foods rich in omega-6s include vegetable oils (e.g., canola sunflower, corn, grapeseed, lard) and products that contain them, such as mayonnaise, bottled salad dressing, and convenience foods. Those made with white flour and/or sugar should be particularly avoided.
Instead, focus on eating more foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These can be found in:
- Fish (wild-caught selections of sardines, oysters, salmon, cod, herring, sardines, and anchovies)
- Flax seeds
- Chia seeds
- Avocados
You can also get them from supplements, including fish oil , cod liver oil, and krill oil supplements.
Returning to a Normal Diet
Reintroducing new foods too quickly can result in gas, bloating, and abdominal cramps. Gradually reintroduce foods that are high in fiber, such as:
- Whole grains (including whole grain bread, quinoa, brown rice, oats, and more)
- Legumes
- Nuts and seeds
- Beans
- Vegetables (such as cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts)
Keep track of the foods you eat in writing.Keeping a food journal will help you to remember which foods you’ve recently reintroduced, which cause GI upset, andwhich ones don’t.
When to Call Your Healthcare Provider
If you experience any of the following as you progressively return to a normal diet, contact your healthcare provider:
- Severe nausea or vomiting
- Worsening or severe abdominal pain
- Jaundice (yellowish tinge to the skin or whites of the eyes)
- No bowel movement or inability to pass gas for more than three days after surgery
- Diarrhea that lasts more than three days after surgery
Activity
Even on the day of your surgery, it's important to get up and walk as often as possible. This will help you recover faster and avoid blood clots.
General guidelines after cholecystectomy include:
- Be sure to rest whenever you feel tired; getting plenty of sleep will promote healing and help you recover.
- Attempt to take a walk each day after the first 24 hours.Initially, walk a short distance, then increase the distance (by a little further) each day and gradually increase the distance that you walk.Walking will improve your circulation while helping to prevent pneumonia and promoting normal bowel function.
- Avoid any type of lifting for at least two to four weeks after your surgery (this includes lifting your child, carrying objects such as groceries, a briefcase, backpack, dog food bag, cat litter, a vacuum cleaner, or more).Again, be sure to follow your surgeon’s instructions on when you can resume lifting heavy objects.
- Avoid any type of strenuous activity, including exercising such as bike riding, running, lifting weights, aerobic or other types of exercise until you get the OK from your healthcare provider.
- Once you stop taking pain medications, you can sit comfortably for relatively long periods of time and you can quickly move your foot from the gas pedal to the brake, it is usually OK to drive, but be sure your healthcare provider has given you the OKbefore resuming driving.
- Don’t have sex until you get the OK from your healthcare provider.
Post-Gallbladder Surgery Diet
Coping Emotionally
It’s important to learn to take care of yourself.Reach out when you need help (both physically and emotionally).Strive to implement self-care techniques every day (such as mindfulness, meditation practice, or deep breathing/relaxation techniques).
Oncolink, a website aimed at educating patients and healthcare practitioners about cancer, recommends deep breathing exercises after gallbladder surgery; deep breathing can offer many health benefits, including:
- Helping with pain management
- Keeping the lungs healthy after anesthesia
- Promoting good drainage of lymphatic fluid
- Lending itself to relaxation and lowering stress and tension.
Oncolink suggests closing your eyes while sitting in a comfortable position, taking five to 10 slow, deep breaths, relaxing your muscles, slowly rolling your head and shoulders.This deep breathing exercise should be done a few times each day and any time you feel tense, particularly in the first week after surgery.
Outlook After Gallbladder Surgery
Many people go on to lead normal lives without a gallbladder, but the gallbladder does help in the digestion of fatty foods.The function of the gallbladder is to store and secrete bile (a greenish-yellow substance that helps breakdown and absorb fats). Without it, you may experience bloating and gas when you eat these types of foods. For most people, however, long-term dietary changes aren't necessary.
It's estimated that around 10 to 15% of those who have had their gallbladder removed will experience post-cholecystectomy syndrome (PCS). This is a condition where you still experience symptoms like upper abdominal pain and indigestion even after your gallbladder has been removed.
One study found that post-cholecystectomy syndrome was associated with eating cholesterol, animal protein, and eggs. The study concluded that eating vegetables did not cause negative symptoms.
Post-cholecystectomy syndrome is typically treated with adjustments to your diet. Some people may need a second surgery to relieve symptoms.
8 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
UW Health.org. Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery for gallstones.
SAGES. What is laparoscopic gallbladder removal surgery (laparoscopic cholecystectomy)?
My Health Alberta.ca. Cholecystectomy: What to expect at home. Your recovery.
Healthlink BC. Open gallbladder surgery for gallstones.
Cleveland Clinic. What to eat after you have your gallbladder removed.
OncoLink. Surgical procedures: Cholecystectomy.
Shirah BH, Shirah HA, Zafar SH, Albeladi KB. Clinical patterns of postcholecystectomy syndrome. Ann Hepatobiliary Pancreat Surg. 2018;22(1):52-57. doi:10.14701/ahbps.2018.22.1.52
(Video) New Approach to Gallbladder Surgery Uses A Tiny IncisionShin Y, Choi D, Lee KG, Choi HS, Park Y. Association between dietary intake and postlaparoscopic cholecystectomic symptoms in patients with gallbladder disease. Korean J Intern Med. 2018;33(4):829-836. doi:10.3904/kjim.2016.223
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By Sherry Christiansen
Sherry Christiansen is a medical writer with a healthcare background. She has worked in the hospital setting and collaborated on Alzheimer's research.
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FAQs
Gallbladder Surgery: Recovery? ›
After open surgery, you'll usually have to stay in hospital for 3 to 5 days, and your recovery time will be longer. It can take around 3 to 4 weeks to return to your normal activities, and 6 to 8 weeks if you have a more manual job. In either case, you'll need to arrange for someone to take you home from hospital.
How long does it take to recover from gallbladder surgery laparoscopic? ›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.
How long is bed rest after gallbladder surgery? ›Keep moving. You'll need to take it easy after we remove your gallbladder, but that doesn't mean you should sit and watch TV for the next three weeks. Generally, you should only need complete rest for the first 24 hours. After that, you should attempt to get up and walk as often as possible.
How painful is gallbladder surgery recovery? ›There is usually minimal pain associated with this operation. The abdomen will be sore as well as the small incision sites, and some patients have shoulder pain for the first day or two. The shoulder pain is caused by gas left in your abdomen during the operation. It will disappear on its own.
What happens after gallbladder removal? ›You can lead a perfectly normal life without a gallbladder. Your liver will still make enough bile to digest your food, but instead of being stored in the gallbladder, it drips continuously into your digestive system.
What happens the first week after gallbladder removal? ›You may have gas or need to burp a lot at first. A few people get diarrhea. The diarrhea usually goes away in 2 to 4 weeks, but it may last longer. How quickly you recover depends on whether you had a laparoscopic or open surgery.
Do you lose weight after gallbladder surgery? ›You may lose weight—at least temporarily.
Between the decreased appetite that is common after undergoing surgery and the dietary changes you will make as you recover, you may find that you are dropping some weight in the weeks after your gallbladder is removed. This is not unusual.
Avoid strenuous activities, such as biking, jogging, weightlifting, and aerobic exercise, until your doctor says it is okay. Ask your doctor when you can drive again. For a laparoscopic surgery, most people can go back to work or their normal routine in 1 to 2 weeks, but it may take longer.
Can you drink alcohol with no gallbladder? ›Drinking alcohol without a gallbladder can lead to problems like pancreatic inflammation, migraines, allergic reaction, and stomach pain and discomfort. As we previously mentioned, alcohol intolerance after gallbladder removal is normal.
Should I sit up or lay down after gallbladder surgery? ›Try not to lie flat. Elevate your head on several pillows and place a pillow under your knees to promote comfort and decrease risk of developing shoulder soreness.
How long does a gallbladder surgery take? ›
How long does the surgery last? An uneventful laparoscopic cholecystectomy or gallbladder removal requires about 30 to 45 minutes of operative time, one to two hours of preoperative preparation and approximately an hour or two of recovery time.
Why is gallbladder removal so painful? ›This temporary discomfort comes from gas left in your abdomen during surgery. Along with incision and shoulder pain, you may feel throat discomfort. This pain occurs because general anesthesia used during surgery requires a breathing tube.
What is dumping syndrome after gallbladder surgery? ›Dumping syndrome is a condition in which food, especially food high in sugar, moves from your stomach into your small bowel too quickly after you eat. Sometimes called rapid gastric emptying, dumping syndrome most often occurs as a result of surgery on your stomach or esophagus.
What is daily life like after gallbladder removal? ›You can expect to live a perfectly normal life after gallbladder surgery but may experience temporary side effects related to the way your digestive system processes fatty foods. These symptoms may include loose stools or diarrhea, bloating, cramping, and excess gas in response to meals or certain foods.
What are the disadvantages of not having a gallbladder? ›Without a gallbladder, there's no place for bile to collect. Instead, your liver releases bile straight into the small intestine. This allows you to still digest most foods. However, large amounts of fatty, greasy, or high-fiber food become harder to digest.
Why is my stomach bigger after gallbladder surgery? ›The gallbladder, a small organ in the upper right abdomen, stores bile, a digestive fluid that helps break down fats in your food. When the gallbladder is removed, your body no longer has access to this stored bile, necessitating alternative methods of fat breakdown, which can lead to an increase in stomach size.
How should you feel 3 days after gallbladder removal? ›3 days • There should be much less pain in your midriff and shoulder. You should be able to move a lot more easily than in the last couple of days, but you'll still get tired more quickly than you did before the operation • Continue as day 1-2.
What are the best foods to eat after gallbladder surgery? ›This may ensure a better mix with available bile. A healthy meal should include small amounts of lean protein, such as poultry, fish or fat-free dairy, along with vegetables, fruits and whole grains.
What are the benefits of having your gallbladder removed? ›What are the benefits of gallbladder removal? Removing the gallbladder will stop the pain and treat the infection caused by gallstones. It can also stop gallstones from coming back. If gallstones are not treated, pain and infection can get worse.
Why am I gaining so much weight after gallbladder surgery? ›Metabolism Rate
Post-surgery, your body acclimates to changes brought about by gallbladder removal, it impacts how the digestive system process food. In a few cases, this prompts weight gain. The body will be unable to digest fat and sugar productively.
What helps break down fat after gallbladder removal? ›
Share on Pinterest Lean proteins, whole grains, and vegetables can aid digestion after gallbladder removal. The gallbladder is a pear-shaped organ up to 10 centimeters in length that resides below the liver. It stores bile acids, which the liver produces. Bile acids help the body digest and absorb fats.
What foods trigger gallbladder attacks? ›- Chocolate, whole milk, ice cream, processed cheese, and egg yolks.
- Fried, deep fried, or buttered foods.
- Sausage, salami, and bacon.
- Cinnamon rolls, cakes, pies, cookies, and other pastries.
- Prepared snack foods, such as potato chips, nut and granola bars, and mixed nuts.
Why Does Your Gallbladder Need To Be Removed? You may need gallbladder surgery if you have pain or other symptoms caused by gallstones — small stones that can form in the gallbladder. They can block the flow of bile and irritate the gallbladder.
Can you drink Coke with no gallbladder? ›During the recovery period, you should not eat certain types of food, and you should also eat in much smaller quantities. The foods you should avoid are: Carbonated drinks such as soda. Alcohol (Wine, spirits, and beer)
Can I drink coffee with no gallbladder? ›Getting to know “what to eat after gallbladder surgery” is not enough, you should try to avoid caffeine for example. Caffeine is a diuretic, which stimulates your nervous system and speeds up the digestion process, causing you to urinate more often.
Which alcohol is best for gallbladder? ›Go ahead, enjoy a glass of wine or beer with dinner. Studies show that alcohol can lower your chances for gallstones and gallbladder cancer.
How long does a drain stay in after gallbladder surgery? ›The drain will need to stay in place for at least 6 weeks. This allows a muscular tract to form around the drainage, so that you do not leak bile into your belly when we remove the tube. You will need to keep the drain site clean, dry (covered while showering) and protected from accidentally getting pulled out .
Is it OK to bend over after gallbladder surgery? ›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.
What should I do the night before gallbladder surgery? ›Eat nothing the night before your surgery.
You may drink a sip of water with your medications, but avoid eating and drinking at least four hours before your surgery.
Bladder catheterization is widely employed for laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
What is the cost of a gallbladder operation? ›
On average, gallbladder surgery can cost between $3,044 and $6,321.
Why do I have 4 incisions for gallbladder surgery? ›Standard laparoscopic cholecystectomy is done by using 4 trocars. The fourth (lateral) trocar is used to grasp the fundus of the gallbladder so as to expose Calot's triangle.
How much work will I miss after gallbladder surgery? ›It can take around 3 to 4 weeks to return to your normal activities, and 6 to 8 weeks if you have a more manual job. In either case, you'll need to arrange for someone to take you home from hospital.
Why do I feel worse after gallbladder surgery? ›After gallbladder removal surgery, some people experience stomach pain, indigestion, diarrhea, and fever--symptoms mirroring those that cause gallstones. This is called postcholecystectomy syndrome (PCS) and is thought to be caused by bile leakage or remaining gallstones left in the bile ducts.
Why do you throw up after gallbladder surgery? ›Post-cholecystectomy syndrome sometimes occurs when abdominal symptoms develop after surgery to remove the gallbladder (cholecystectomy). About 5% to 40% of people who have the gallbladder removed may experience symptoms. Symptoms of post-cholecystectomy syndrome may include: Upset stomach, nausea, and vomiting.
Can gallbladder removal cause pancreatitis? ›The most common cause of severe acute pancreatitis is gallstones blocking the pancreatic duct. This can sometimes occur even if the gallbladder has been previously removed.
Does removing gallbladder help fatty liver? ›Having no gallbladder won't cause a fatty liver, but it does increase the risk of developing a fatty liver. High-fat foods may not be digested as easily and can cause digestive problems, such as diarrhea or constipation.
Can you have liver problems after gallbladder removal? ›Secondary biliary cirrhosis can happen after gallbladder surgery, if the ducts are inadvertently tied off or injured.
Is not having a gallbladder a disability? ›Veterans can receive a 0, 10, or 30 percent rating for the removal of a gallbladder. 30%—Veterans who experience severe symptoms as a result of the removal of the gallbladder can receive the 30 percent rating.
Why do I eat less after gallbladder surgery? ›Loss of appetite is a common side effect of gallbladder removal surgery, as the removal of the organ may cause bile to fill the digestive tract. But, a patient's appetite may return to normal a week or two after the surgery.
Is laparoscopic gallbladder removal considered major surgery? ›
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a major surgery in the sense that a body organ, the gallbladder, is being removed. However, it is now considered routine surgery, with over 600,000 such surgeries being performed yearly in the United States.
What precautions should be taken after gallbladder removal? ›- Go easy on the fat. Don't eat 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. This can help make bowel movements more regular. ...
- Eat smaller, more-frequent meals. This may ensure a better mix with available bile.
Gallbladder removal surgery is known as a cholecystectomy. This isn't a surgery that most doctors will rush into. While it's a common surgery, it's still major surgery with some serious risks and complications.
How long do you stay in hospital for laparoscopic gallbladder surgery? ›Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery requires a shorter hospital stay; usually the patient is home within 24 hours. In some cases you may need to stay overnight. In contrast, patients undergoing open cholecystectomy are often in the hospital three to seven days.
Do you fart more after gallbladder removal? ›You can expect to live a perfectly normal life after gallbladder surgery but may experience temporary side effects related to the way your digestive system processes fatty foods. These symptoms may include loose stools or diarrhea, bloating, cramping, and excess gas in response to meals or certain foods.
Can you drink alcohol without a gallbladder? ›Drinking alcohol without a gallbladder can lead to problems like pancreatic inflammation, migraines, allergic reaction, and stomach pain and discomfort. As we previously mentioned, alcohol intolerance after gallbladder removal is normal.
What should you not do before gallbladder surgery? ›Eat nothing the night before your surgery.
You may drink a sip of water with your medications, but avoid eating and drinking at least four hours before your surgery.