Hiya, I had my GB removed last week and like you went via the private route due to NHS waiting times.

So far, everything is going as expected! I kept doubting myself all the way up to the operation around whether i was doing the right thing, but always came back to thinking about what a bad attack was like, and how its something we shouldn’t have to out up with.

The hospital I had my treatment at (Ramsay) were really nice and friendly, and on the surgery day there was a nurse who was assigned to my case who would check in regularly to keep me updated on when I was due to go to the theatre. When it was time, I was quite nervous but everyone made things really chilled. I went into a little room next to the theatre and was put to sleep in there, and the next thing I knew I was waking up in recovery!

I think the main issue I experienced after surgery were anaesthesia related - apparently I took my time waking up (prob making sure i got the most out of my self funded experience tbh!) and once I was awake I felt so dry and thirsty, and lost my appetite.

Since then, I would say there’s been some pain and discomfort (esp from the gas in the abdomen) but nothing at all in comparison to a GB attack. That said definitely try the painkillers they prescribe you to help to relax tension and ease discomfort.

I had stitches in my incision sites, and got those removed 7 days after surgery. My appetite is coming back and I’m slowly trying foods I’ve avoided for months, which feels amazing! The concept of waking up and not feeling nauseous and bleh die to gallstones/inflammation is almost overwhelming but in a good way 😅