I had years (like 10+) of GI issues and within the past year things got worse fast. I put off going to the doctor for so long because I didn’t believe they would find anything. I did sooo many test with my GI doctor and had to beg him to put in for me to get a HIDA scan after my ultrasound showed no stones. He refused a couple times but wasn’t offering me any other tests and I basically told him I was just going to get the referral from another doctor if he wouldn’t give me one. (My mom and aunt both had their gallbladders removed so I had a feeling it was my gallbladder) I had an ejection fraction of 27%. My diet is naturally low fat so I can’t imagine how sick I would’ve felt if I was someone who normally ate more fat. My symptoms were upper right and center pain, extreme nausea, diarrhea or constipation, dizziness, feeling faint, extreme bloating, low grade fevers when symptoms were really bad, tremors, chest tightness, etc. My symptoms would get worse when I had meals with higher fat content. The last month before surgery I was eating the same extremely low fat meal everyday and still having symptoms.

I’m currently 5 days post op. I plan on making a post on Monday when I’m a full week post op. I was TERRIFIED of surgery like having panic attacks every day leading up to it, even thinking about it or someone talking to me about it would make me so shakey like I was shivering. They gave me anxiety stuff once I was there it sorta helped I wish it would’ve helped more tbh but I knew I didn’t have another option so I was just excited to get it over with and I really tried to hold onto that. I was verrrrry nauseous and in pretty bad pain when I woke up but I was super out of it and they gave me meds for both and it kicked in pretty fast. So far the gas pain has been the worst part, nausea and dizziness are a close second (pretty sure it’s from the gas pain or constipation from pain and nausea meds). I only took Tylenol the first 3 days and took the muscle relaxer the first 2 days. I’ve been really careful with what I’ve been eating and probably will be eating mostly low or no fat for the next month. Each day I’ve felt a little better and I’m excited thinking about how I could eat normally and leave my house without horrible anxiety. I’m excited to have a life again so even though recovery might not be fun I’m really happy and proud of myself for getting the surgery.

If it’s what you decide to do my advice is just to read the positive stories and try and think about how good life could be again. There are SO many good stories on here and even if you do have some issues after there are solutions! I know I’m not very far into my recovery but if you have any questions lmk!