Post-op Instructions: Gall Bladder
Diet
A clear liquid diet is recommended for the first day when your return home after your operation. Clear liquids include: water, tea, apple or cranberry juice, broth and jello.
You should start our light the next day and advance to your usual diet as tolerated. Let your body be your guide and if nausea or vomiting occurs, resume clear liquids until it passes.
Activity
There is no limitation to walking. Just take it easy at first.
Do not do any heavy lifting or sports activities for 2 weeks. Use common sense in day to day activities; if it hurts, don't do it.
Medications
For moderate to severe pain, use prescribed medication as directed. For mild pain, you may try acetaminophen or ibuprofen following the manufacturer's directions.
Narcotic used for pain management may cause constipation. Consider taking a laxative of your choice such as Milk of Magnesia or prune juice if you have not moved your bowels in 2 days.
Medication for nausea may also have been prescribed. Use it as directed.
Resume all medications that you were taking prior to surgery unless instructed otherwise by your surgeon.
Wound Care
If you have a gauze outer dressing over the incisions, you may remove them in 24 hours. Leave all paper strips (steri-strips) in place.
Bathing: You may shower 24 hours after the surgery. Do not soak in a hot tub or swim for 2 weeks.
When to Contact Your Physician
A slight fever the night of surgery is fairly common. Call for advice if signs of wound infection such as: redness, swelling, heat, increased tenderness, drainage and fever of 101°F or greater.
Call if you find yourself unable to void and develop a full, painful bladder.
Call if you have an extremely tender abdomen not relieved with your pain medication.
Call for prolonged nausea and vomiting.
Your surgeon or their staff can be reached Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM - 5 PM at: (707) 393-4090 or through the hospital operator at (707) 393-4000.
For all problems after hours and on weekends and holidays, call (707) 393-4044 or the emergency department at (707) 393-4800.
For non-urgent issues, you may also email your doctor.Specialized Instructions
- Some bloody oozing is normal.
- Bloating, gas pain, pain referred to your shoulder or soreness in the rib cage is expected