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September 7, 2008, 6:34 pm
Flag as Inappropriate LaRita  

My husband had gall bladder surgery on August 13th. Now, normally, everyone else I've talked to seemed to have bounced back from this completely within a couple weeks. That's not the case for him. While his incisions have healed perfectly since it was laproscopic, he complains everyday of his stomach hurting inside. He also suffers from diverticulitis and an ulcer in his small bowel. He has already went back for his follow up and the dr didnt seem concerned at all. Does this sound normal for having had surgery almost a month ago? Or, could it be one of his other conditions causing him trouble? The only medication he is on right now is Protonix and it doesn't seem to be helping at all.

Has your husband called his doctor to ask? I don't know about the normal healing time of this type of surgery, but if he's having concerns, it's best to call.

That sounds dreadful, and the poster above is right, he should be seeing a doctor. What he is going through does not seem like a normal recovery from the surgery, and he may have something else going on that needs to be addressed.

I'm sorry to tell you but yes this is normal. Without the gall bladder you cannot digest fat as well you used to. The intestines do not like this and cramping and diarrhoea can result. SOME people get over this in a few months-but some (like me) suffer for longer term.

Look up post cholesystectomy syndrome. I still suffer from bloating, bowel urgency (not diarrhoea but after eating I HAVE to go, and soon). I get cramps, and generally tummy aches.

The only way to avoid these symptoms for me is a diet similar to before the surgery-fat free. I hope his issues settle down-I am still hoping the same for myself. There is nothing else that can be done, the gall bladder has a function and without it, side effects are possible.