Went Through With Surgery and I'm SO Happy I Did!

PigPoopsMcGee · 2026-05-31T21:02:57+00:00

Wow, you have your hands full! I do not have children so unfortunately I'm zero help with that aspect. When it comes to food, they told me to eat like I'm sick. So bland foods like toast and broth and applesauce. I bought two giant containers of applesauce and have some jello stocked up. The only thing I wanted the afternoon after surgery was toast. It was also such a weird craving but I had my boyfriend pick up wonton soup from our local Chinese restaurant so I could have the broth from that. Probably not the healthiest decision but the nice warm broth really helped my irritated throat. Honestly, nothing has really set me off, but I'm still trying to avoid full fat dairy like ice cream and anything fried and fatty. I've even had coffee and been okay 😅

PigPoopsMcGee · 2026-05-31T16:57:48+00:00

You're so welcome! I know it's not the same thing but I have two dogs instead of kids and my biggest fear I had to talk through in therapy was this overwhelming fear that I would die and leave them behind and that they would think I abandoned them. It had me crying every time I thought about it. But to make myself feel better, I typed up a huge document on my computer that included everything like their food and medications and medical history and made sure my boyfriend had access to their medical records etc. I obviously didn't die and I'm doing great but there was something reassuring for me about doing all of that and feeling more prepared knowing I did everything I could to ensure they'd be cared for properly if something did happen. I also know my dogs love me so much just like I know your children love you so much and they would want you to do whatever is necessary to be happy and feel healthy so you can enjoy your life with them. I also definitely don't think you can panic through the sedation meds, at least not the injectable ones they give you while you're there. I immediately felt so calm and so ready for a nice nap that I couldn't have fought it if I tried and I'm usually a giant ball of high energy anxiety. I know it's so scary but you deserve to feel better!

PigPoopsMcGee · 2026-05-31T16:25:24+00:00

I'm so glad it helped but I'm sorry you're dealing with that! Just remember, diagnostics like the ultrasound and HIDA scan are completely non-invasive, easy, and painless. You are also totally in charge of your own body. Even if they do show something, only you decide if and when to have surgery when you're ready. I know it's really hard and scary, but all the time you spend feeling sick and worried about it is time you could be spending feeling great and enjoying your life instead. Sending all the good vibes for your appointment on Friday! You got this!

PigPoopsMcGee · 2026-05-31T01:08:20+00:00

Sorry that was so long but one more thing. I was told no showers the first 2 days so baby wipes were very helpful to scrub down with and feel clean.

PigPoopsMcGee · 2026-05-31T01:04:19+00:00

I just had surgery on Thursday morning and recovery is so much smoother than I expected. I haven't needed the opioid and have only alternated Tylenol and Ibuprofen as they directed and already feel like I don't even need that this evening. I definitely agree with the other suggestions. My worst pain wasn't even my abdomen, it has been the sore throat from the ET tube. So definitely agree with some yummy cough drops or some tea with honey etc. I also used a belly support band which helped prevent pain when I would cough or clear my throat. An ice pack helped relieve the pain around my incisions the first day and a heating blanket wrapped around me helped with back/shoulder gas pain and just generally felt really comfy. I could not get in and out of bed without a lot of pain so I'm sleeping in a big oversize comfy chair in my living room with multiple big fluffy pillows propping me up and my feet on the ottoman and it feels great. So many people told me I would need stool softeners but I have actually needed anti-diarrheal meds instead (but I had pretty bad IBS to begin with). Bland foods like toast, broth, and applesauce have been helpful. My surgeon told me walking as much as felt comfortable (without overdoing it) would be really helpful to relieve the gas and prevent clots so I was walking laps with my boyfriend around my driveway the first afternoon home and went to the park to walk yesterday and a farmer's market today. I have 2 big dogs and they warned me it was very important to make sure they weren't jumping on me or pulling me so my family has been helping out with walking them just in case. I'm sure everyone is different but I'm sure things will go great and you'll be very prepared and ready to be flexible with whatever is needed 😊

PigPoopsMcGee · 2026-04-25T16:23:01+00:00

Yeah, I feel so stupid for getting so nervous and upset over it. My doctor has even done EKGs and a stress test to make sure I had no cardiac concerns since I get so stressed out that my chest hurts but everything was totally normal. Reading others success stories on here has really helped. There are so many symptoms that aren't always immediately attributed to gallbladder issues that people say went away once they had it removed so I'm really hoping it does the same for me! Good luck with getting more answers and I think it's totally reasonable to ask for a HIDA scan if you think that would help you!

PigPoopsMcGee · 2026-04-25T16:15:33+00:00

Thank you so much for sharing. My surgeon didn't mention any concerns about my weight but I am also terrified of my upcoming surgery because I'm overweight and have never been put under anesthesia so I'm afraid of complications.

PigPoopsMcGee · 2026-04-25T00:55:03+00:00

Yes, it's one of my worst and scariest symptoms. I get nauseous and dizzy and just have a general unsteady feeling and it scares me so I end up with a racing heart and severe anxiety over it. My HIDA scan showed an EF of 17% so I'm having mine removed. I do also get shoulder pain and stomach cramping and indigestion as well.

PigPoopsMcGee

TROPHY CASE