Gallbladder removal takes time to heal—learn more about ongoing pain following your surgery.

Gallbladder removal is more common than most people realize, but this minor surgery still comes with some discomfort for most of us. After gallbladder removal, you might still experience pain—even pain that mimics that pain before your removal. This can be confusing and even unsettling, but it isn’t necessarily a health problem. In this post, we will discuss what you should know about pain after this procedure. 

Pain After Gallbladder Removal: What You Need to Know 

No one likes to be in pain. After surgery, pain can be even more unsettling. You might wonder if something is wrong or what is going on inside of your body. These feelings are completely normal—but it doesn’t mean that something is truly happening below the surface. Consider the following.

You Are Still Healing

There is a chance that you will experience pain in the days following your procedure. Everyone is different, and everyone experiences different pain levels. If you are feeling sore or the area feels tender, you might not need to worry. You could just be healing from the surgery. With time, the pain should naturally ease up and allow you to feel more comfortable.

You Are Eating Too Much

Overeating after gallbladder removal is an easy way to end up uncomfortable while you heal. For the most comfortable recovery, focus on eating smaller meals that do not take up too much space or put too much pressure on you. Try reducing your intake, and see if that helps you to find relief. You can return to your standard eating habits after you heal.     

You Are Eating the Wrong Foods

Certain foods can cause problems after gallbladder removal. Although the list of safe foods your doctor gives can seem like a “best practices” option, it really is important to follow those guidelines. Ask your doctor what you can safely eat if you are experiencing discomfort. A change in diet may help.    

You Need to Call a Medical Professional

Ongoing pain, swelling, excessive redness, or sharp pain are all indicators that you might have something else going on in your body. If the pain continues or worsens, it is never a bad idea to call your doctor to confirm that everything is okay. In some cases, additional treatment may be necessary. 

The Takeaway

Sometimes, the gallbladder needs to be removed for your own health and comfort. However, it is important to remember that this procedure does require recovery time when everything is said and done. Fortunately, after a brief recovery period, you should be back to feeling happy, comfortable, and pain-free. If you would like to learn more about gallbladder removal or gallbladder repair, contact our team today. We are here to help!