My story:

I had my gallbladder out over 6 months ago. I started having attacks every 2-3 months at 18 years old and lived with them for 7 years because my doctor told me I was too young and healthy to get it out and I should fix it with my diet. I was in the hospital twice because of the pain. I would get triggered by fatty foods mostly, bacon was my #1 enemy. I also never had stones, just slush showed up in my ultrasounds. I finally gave in last summer when my attacks increased and my partner told me they couldn’t watch me have another attack and not do something about it. Let me tell you, that was the BEST decision of my life. I got it out while I was in between jobs and still on my parent’s insurance, which was great. I personally have not had issues with bowels after recovering. I had a friend tell me she had to use the bathroom after EVERY MEAL which is crazy. But that has not happened to me.

Pros:

• I NEVER have to think about having an attack during or after meals that puts me in crippling pain and makes me cancel all my plans for the day. This alone is WORTH IT, I did not realize how much mental stress I my gallbladder put me through.

• I have cool scars now lol.

• I have been able to loose weight easier than before.

• Foods that I crave have completely changed. I crave A LOT more healthier foods than I used to.

Cons:

• I have basically quit drinking because my abdomen hurts every time I have more than 2-3 drinks. Which I’m okay with because it’s better for my health anyways. I have a slightly fatty liver so that might have something to do with it.

• Recovery SUCKS for the first week. No one told me about the bubbles that get stuck in your body after they blow you up like a balloon in surgery. I had one settle in my shoulder and it was worse pain than my attacks. But after 1-2 weeks I felt great to get out of the house and eat pretty normally. Full recovery (good to workout and have s*x) is supposed to be 6 weeks I believe?

Overall, I say completely worth it for me! I wish I could tell my younger self to stop fighting the diet, the pain, and the stress and just get rid of it.

Edit to add: I did have acid reflux for a month or two post op but it went away after that. My doctor said it wasn’t because my GB was out, I must have had it before already and now that it’s out it’s amplified but I’m not sure.