Currently 48hrs post-op from my lap chole while 18w4d pregnant. I had been having issues before pregnancy and had to put the surgery on hold when we found out I was pregnant (literally a day after being discharged with the diagnosis of gallstones).
As you can imagine, being pregnant and having to eat a low fat diet is awful on so many levels. I had multiple attacks while pregnant and I am so thankful my surgeon and OB were comfortable with proceeding with surgery during the second trimester.
I was SO scared of anesthesia - I had been put under as a child but I have terrible health anxiety and just couldn’t fathom what it would be like. Everyone says it, but its so true - its the easiest part of the whole thing! The anticipation is wayyy worse. I felt so well rested when I woke up! I was crying for them to check on my baby boy, though, lol and he was perfectly okay.
Pain was really bad when I woke up and I feel like most people talk about the gas pain or incision pain, but most of my pain is legitimately where my gallbladder used to be. Its pretty painful, but not unbearable. Breathing hurts as I imagine the diaphragm expanding into that area is whats irritating it. I took 3 doses of oxycodone and by 24hrs post op decided it was best to proceed with just tylenol. I did drink a protein shake on an empty stomach and it did not agree - I basically immediately threw it up and wow that was horrific! I have had a bowel movement and that was an incredibly pleasant experience compared to the vomiting, lol! I took stool softeners and that really helped.
Most importantly and excitedly, I’ve gotten to indulge on some of my most missed items to include jelly donuts, funyuns, chinese food! My surgeon said to resume normal diet immediately and boy am I doing it! No upset stomach or issues at all in that regard.
I hope anyone who was as scared as I was is comforted by the success and post op stories - I can’t wait to enjoy the second half of my pregnancy gallbladder free!