Discharge Instructions for Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

You have had a procedure known as a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. A laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a procedure to remove your gallbladder.  Instead of a large incision you will have several small incisions covered with a band-aid or gauze. You will have stitches under the skin that will dissolve on their own. People who have this procedure usually recover more quickly and have less pain than with open gallbladder surgery (called open cholecystectomy). There is no need for a special diet after this surgery.

You can live a full and healthy life without your gallbladder. This includes eating the foods and doing the things you enjoyed before your gallbladder problems started.

Home Care

• Ask someone to drive you to your appointments for the next 3 days. Don’t drive until you are no longer taking pain medication.

• Eat your regular diet. It is wise to stay away from rich, greasy, or spicy food for a few days.

• Remember, it takes about 1 week for you to get most of your strength and energy back.

• Climb stairs slowly and use the hand rail. Avoid extra trips. No running or jumping.

• No pushing, pulling or straining (vacuuming, shoveling, sweeping, etc.)

• You may shower after 48 hours.

• Don't be alarmed if you have discomfort in your shoulder and chest for up to 48 hours after surgery. This is caused by carbon dioxide (gas) used during the operation. The discomfort will go away.

• If you have Steri-Strips (small white adhesive strips) at your incision sites, do not remove them, The will come off on their own.

• Check with your doctor before returning to work.

Follow-Up

• Make a follow-up appointment as directed by our staff.

Discharge Instructions for Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

You have had a procedure known as a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. A laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a procedure to remove your gallbladder.  Instead of a large incision you will have several small incisions covered with a band-aid or gauze. You will have stitches under the skin that will dissolve on their own. People who have this procedure usually recover more quickly and have less pain than with open gallbladder surgery (called open cholecystectomy). There is no need for a special diet after this surgery.

You can live a full and healthy life without your gallbladder. This includes eating the foods and doing the things you enjoyed before your gallbladder problems started.

Home Care

• Ask someone to drive you to your appointments for the next 3 days. Don’t drive until you are no longer taking pain medication.

• Eat your regular diet. It is wise to stay away from rich, greasy, or spicy food for a few days.

• Remember, it takes about 1 week for you to get most of your strength and energy back.

• Climb stairs slowly and use the hand rail. Avoid extra trips. No running or jumping.

• No pushing, pulling or straining (vacuuming, shoveling, sweeping, etc.)

• You may shower after 48 hours.

• Don't be alarmed if you have discomfort in your shoulder and chest for up to 48 hours after surgery. This is caused by carbon dioxide (gas) used during the operation. The discomfort will go away.

• If you have Steri-Strips (small white adhesive strips) at your incision sites, do not remove them, The will come off on their own.

• Check with your doctor before returning to work.

Follow-Up

• Make a follow-up appointment as directed by our staff.

Discharge Instructions for Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

You have had a procedure known as a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. A laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a procedure to remove your gallbladder.  Instead of a large incision you will have several small incisions covered with a band-aid or gauze. You will have stitches under the skin that will dissolve on their own. People who have this procedure usually recover more quickly and have less pain than with open gallbladder surgery (called open cholecystectomy). There is no need for a special diet after this surgery.

You can live a full and healthy life without your gallbladder. This includes eating the foods and doing the things you enjoyed before your gallbladder problems started.

Home Care

• Ask someone to drive you to your appointments for the next 3 days. Don’t drive until you are no longer taking pain medication.

• Eat your regular diet. It is wise to stay away from rich, greasy, or spicy food for a few days.

• Remember, it takes about 1 week for you to get most of your strength and energy back.

• Climb stairs slowly and use the hand rail. Avoid extra trips. No running or jumping.

• No pushing, pulling or straining (vacuuming, shoveling, sweeping, etc.)

• You may shower after 48 hours.

• Don't be alarmed if you have discomfort in your shoulder and chest for up to 48 hours after surgery. This is caused by carbon dioxide (gas) used during the operation. The discomfort will go away.

• If you have Steri-Strips (small white adhesive strips) at your incision sites, do not remove them, The will come off on their own.

• Check with your doctor before returning to work.

Follow-Up

• Make a follow-up appointment as directed by our staff.