Female Gallbladder Surgery Recovery Time: What to Expect & Healing Tips

Overview of Gallbladder Surgery 

Before moving on to what to expect in the recovery phase after gallbladder removal surgery, let’s have a look at what gallbladder removal surgery is and its various types. 

The gallbladder is located beneath the liver and resembles a sac or pouch. Its purpose is to retain bile produced by the liver and release it into the small intestine to aid in fat digestion. 

When the gallbladder is surgically removed, bile flows straight from the liver into the small intestine. This unexpected shift may initially make food digestion somewhat difficult, but your body slowly adjusts to this new process over time. 

Surgery to remove the gallbladder, known as cholecystectomy, is performed in two methods: 

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy:

• According to PubMed, laparoscopic cholecystectomy has been accepted worldwide and is currently considered the “gold standard” for treating gallstones.
• This is known as “keyhole surgery,” which involves making multiple small incisions in the abdomen instead of a single large one. Special instruments are inserted through these openings, and the gallbladder is removed. 

Open Cholecystectomy:

• This is a more invasive method involving a single large cut to take out the gallbladder. This approach is applied in complex situations, such as the spread of infection to adjacent tissues. 

In many instances needing gallbladder removal, laparoscopic surgery is preferred because of its shorter hospital stay, faster recovery, and lower risk of complications.

Gallbladder Surgery Recovery Time

Surgery is essentially a controlled form of trauma – one that happens with our knowledge and for our benefit. But just like any other injury, your body needs rest and time to heal. Let’s take a closer look at what to expect during each stage of recovery from gallbladder surgery.

1. Immediate Recovery (First 24–48 Hours)

When the effects of anaesthesia wear off and you wake up after the surgery, you will find yourself in the recovery room. You will remain there for a few hours till you regain complete consciousness and your vitals become stable. In the first 24 to 48 hours post-surgery, you may experience the following:

• Pain at the site(s) of incision.
• Nausea or dizziness is caused by anaesthetic medicines.
• Bloating, gas, or abdominal discomfort because of the gas used to inflate the abdomen for better visualisation during laparoscopic surgery.

Most women who have undergone a laparoscopic cholecystectomy are able to go home the same day or after an overnight stay at the hospital. However, if you have undergone an open surgery, you may be required to stay in the hospital for at least 3 to 5 days before getting discharged.

What can you expect during the first 48 hours after surgery?

• Your doctor prescribes pain medications to help with the discomfort.
• You may be advised to take complete rest and to limit physical activities.
• It’s important to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery while on pain medications as they can cause drowsiness, reduce coordination, and increase the risk of accidents.

2. Short-Term Recovery (1–2 Weeks)

In the first week or two following the surgery, your body continues to actively recover from the procedure. If you have had laparoscopic surgery, you might be able to return to regular activities during this period, although the recovery time differs from individual to individual. 

Here’s what to anticipate in the initial two weeks following the surgery: 

• Discomfort and tenderness might still exist at the incision site(s). 
• You might experience fatigue as your body utilises additional energy to recover from the surgery. 
• You may begin engaging in mild physical activities, but avoid straining yourself with heavy lifting or intense workouts. 
• If a follow-up appointment has been scheduled, go to your surgeon to evaluate your progress. 

Here are some expert tips to help your recovery process go more quickly and smoothly: 

• Take your medications as instructed by your surgeon. 
• Drink plenty of water to prevent constipation and bloating. 
• Stick to easy-to-digest meals. Heavy and oily foods may irritate the gut and slow down digestion. 
• If you experience constipation, you may need to take stool softeners or other medications after consulting your doctor.

3. Long-Term Recovery (3–4 Weeks)

If you have undergone laparoscopic gallbladder removal, you can expect to have recovered almost completely and can resume your normal life activities, including work, as long as it doesn’t involve heavy physical activity and lifting heavy weights.

After assessing the progress in healing, your doctor may advise you to gradually start doing more challenging physical activities during this period of recovery.

But if you’ve had open surgery, recovery and return to work take slightly longer, that is, about 6 weeks.

Here’s what you can expect 3 to 4 weeks after your surgery:

• The pain at the site of the incision will be mostly gone, but you may experience discomfort while bending or lifting objects.
• As your body is still adjusting to the absence of the gallbladder, you may experience digestive issues like bloating, gas, and diarrhoea. However, these symptoms get better with time as your body adapts.

Here are more tips for you to help your body heal faster:

• Eat smaller meals more often to aid digestion.
• Avoid high-fat, greasy, fried, and spicy foods as they may irritate the gut and cause symptoms like bloating and diarrhoea.
• Gentle exercises like walking can improve blood circulation, make a recovery faster, and help you regain strength.

4. Full Recovery (1–3 Months)

For most women, a complete recovery after gallbladder removal can take anywhere from one to three months. The recovery time depends on the type of surgery, your overall health, and your lifestyle.

Here’s what to expect during this phase of recovery -

• Your body will start adjusting to the absence of the gallbladder. Digestive symptoms like diarrhoea, gas, and bloating you experienced after the surgery will slowly start becoming less frequent and more manageable.
• If you had an open cholecystectomy, the large incision on the abdomen may take a few more weeks to heal completely, and it may take a bit longer for you to make a full recovery.

These pro tips can help you during the final phase of your healing journey:

• You can usually resume your normal life activities a month following the surgery.
• Mild to moderate-intensity exercises are beneficial during this phase.
• Your body will heal in its own time. Listen to your body and avoid pushing yourself too hard.
• If digestive issues like gas, bloating, and diarrhoea are still bothering you, consult a doctor for a tailored diet plan and other remedies that help ease the discomfort.

Tips for a Smooth Gallbladder Surgery Recovery

Heal faster and comfortably with these easy tips: 

1. Follow Your Surgeon’s Instructions

You rely on your doctor for your well-being and protection during the surgery. It’s crucial that you do this during your recovery phase as well. Make sure you follow the advice and directions given by the medical team and get back to them if you have any doubts or concerns. 

Follow your surgeon’s instructions on: 

• Caring for the incision promotes healing and avoids infections. 
• Use the recommended medications and painkillers as instructed. 
• Obtaining adequate rest and avoiding strain. 
• Going to your doctor for follow-up visits to evaluate the progress. 

2. Avoid Straining or Lifting Heavy Objects 

When your body is healing after the surgery, you should avoid lifting heavy weights to prevent strain on the abdominal muscles and reduce the risk of complications. You can gradually return to your normal routine and lift weights 4 to 6 weeks post-surgery after your doctor has cleared you. 

3. Eat a Balanced Diet 

A nutritious diet aids in wound healing, diminishes inflammation, and restores the energy your body expends during surgery and recovery. Digesting fats and heavy foods can be challenging at first after gallbladder removal. However, over time, your body gradually adapts and gets used to its absence.

To help support digestion, eat smaller meals and include low-fat and nutrition-packed items in your meals. Consider adding these foods to your diet: 

• Low-fat proteins like chicken, egg whites, and fish for tissue repair. 
• Fibre-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains prevent constipation. 
• Healthy fats like nuts, seeds, and avocados. 
• Probiotic-rich foods like yoghurt, kefir, and other fermented foods support digestion.
• Herbal teas are prepared from ginger, chamomile, or peppermint to boost gut health and reduce inflammation. 

4. Stay Active, But Rest When Needed 

Your body needs sufficient rest to heal well. It takes a lot of energy to repair tissues, making rest essential. You can try simple and mild activities such as walking to improve blood circulation and speed up the healing process.  

You can engage in light and gentle activities like walking to enhance blood flow and expedite the healing process. Don’t push yourself too hard – make sure to rest occasionally. 

5. Manage Your Stress 

Stress or anxiety can lead to slower recuperation and prolonged pain and discomfort after surgery. Control stress through methods like meditation and deep breathing.

When to Contact Your Doctor

Cholecystectomy is one of the most common surgeries performed around the globe, and its recovery is usually smooth and uncomplicated. However, certain signs require immediate medical care and should not be ignored.

Contact your doctor immediately if you notice:

• Severe pain in the abdomen or around the incision.
• Swelling, redness, or pus from the incision site.
• Fever over 100.4°F or 38°C.
• Chills or cold sweats.
• Diarrhoea lasting for more than a few days.
• Persistent nausea or vomiting.
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes.
• Dark urine or pale stools.
• Increasing swelling or severe bloating of the abdomen.
• Sudden changes in bowel habits, such as severe diarrhoea or constipation.

Wrapping Up

The recovery process after gallbladder surgery varies for every woman – it depends on the type of surgery performed, her general health and wellness, as well as her diet and lifestyle choices. 

The majority of women heal in a few weeks and return to their usual activities in one to three months. If you notice any unusual symptoms during the recovery process, do not hesitate to consult your doctor and seek treatment. 

Recovery isn’t about hurrying back to life – it’s about patience, care, and paying attention to your body’s requirements. Adhere to a proper diet and way of living, take breaks when necessary, and regulate your physical activities to enhance healing, and your body will work wonders!