Gallbladder Surgery for a 15 Yr Old

I had it done when I was 18... its an easy out patient surgery, unless there is something wrong like I had stones in my liver duct and had to have a second surgery the next day to remove them, I was in the hospital 4 days. Just have clear liquids and pain killers! It's mainly just soreness and being groggy.

One other young female teen that I know about has had a similar experience. The mom is in a church group that I go to ... I do not know the girl at all. However, I do remember her mom's angst during the time of her daughter's attacks and the consults, etc., prior to the decision to remove the gall bladder. The teen was active, played tennis, and the attacks were getting in the way of her life activities as a young woman, That fact, coupled with the ongoing pain and infection, convinced both mom and daughter, reluctantly, that the surgery was a good idea. Both were very pleased with the outcome! Mom reported a trouble-free senior year for a happy member of the tennis team!
VBG

my cousin has a surgery at 14 years old and recovers very well and fast without problems after surgery

Please consider having your daughter do a gallbladder cleanse. I have been advised to have surgery, but have kept my gallbladder healthy by using an herbal cleanse. It's not awfully pleasant but certainly better than surgery. Gallbladders are not just surplus parts and they have an important job to do. I'd hate for your daughter to lose this at such a young age.

http://www.gallbladderguide.com/

Please at least get more information before having your daughter's body cut on.

The first thing is the surgeon should make you feel comfortable. He should answer all of your questions. My daughter has had surgery done at Cooks (not the same surgery) They are a wonderful and caring hospital that caters to children. If you have concerns ask away to the doctor. He should answer all of your questions. It is a bit scary for your child to have surgery but I wouldnt go ant place else.

Hi M.-

I don't have a child that experienced this, however I did. I was 17 when I had to have emergency surgery to have my gallbladder removed. I was absolutely terrified! First thing, having it done by a peds doctor is awesome! They will see that she is taken care of. I'm not sure if your having it at Cook's downtown, but if you are their surgery floor is fantastic... They will make sure you and your daughter are very comfortable before taking her back. The second thing, make sure they are managing her pain well, it's a very discomforting procedure and she will be in pain. And last but not least, make sure your daughter is aware of the what happens after she eats with not having a gallbladder. Her bowel movements are going to become very frequent and quick. I know that doesn't sound pleasant but I wanted you to know that way she won't have any accidents... I hope all goes well, I wish your daughter a fast and smooth recovery.

I just surgery in March and they removed my gall bladder and I wish I would of gotten a 2cd opinion. I was so sick the 1st 2 months and couldn't eat hardly anything but jello or pudding. I also had to have drains in upper stomach and they removed them after a few weeks. I had a gallstone show up about 10 years ago but they said it was only 1 and left it alone. I never was sick with it and I had to have surgery for a hernia and they ran pre surgery tests and saw I have a large gallstone and said I had to have it removed.

But I wish I would of gotten another opinion.

Best of luck and I pray your daughter recovers quickly if she has the surgery.

Hi M.,

I am a mom to four daughters - just read your email above. In one year, two of my daughters had to have appendectomies eight months apart. That age does very well with surgeries, probably much better than us for sure! I had my gall bladder out about three months after one of my daughter's surgeries too, so you and I both know it is a pretty easy surgery. You did great telling her it would be fine, because it will - she'll be just great too!

Question for you. What symptoms did she start showing that lead you to believe it was her gall bladder? Just curious as my 14 year-old (one of the ones who had the appendectomy) has been complaining of her "heart hurting" for quite a while now. She has lots of heart burn and her doctor has her on Zantac 150 ml, but I am at a point where I think they should do some tests instead of just 'feeding the symptoms' and start finding out the cause. So, just curious as to what your daughter's problems were at first.

Thanks so much, and good luck to you and your daughter.

M. S.

I just recently had the surgery. I'm not as young as your daughter, but I'm not too far ahead of her. I was very nervous, especially because I do self-defense training, and I thought it would take me forever to get back on my feet. I was back to work 5 days later, and I was doing my training 2 weeks after the surgery (of course with the doctor's permission).
As far as the surgery goes, I was nervous until they administered the anesthesia-then I remember nothing. The pain was not near as aweful as I thought it was going to be, and by day 3 I was doing well. My main advise would be to tell her not to expose her scars to direct sunlight or go to a tanning salon for about a year; the ultraviolet light can increase the probablility of having dark, ugly scars (this advise came from my doctor, as well). I had my surgery on April 15, 2009, and my incissions are very faint. Best of luck!

My husband had his gallbladder removed in 5th grade. He's 31 now. Just think how far medical advances are now! Your daughter is going to be JUST fine.

The only issue that sometimes comes from removal is a digestive issue but it can be easily helped. You do not say if she's having hers removed or repaired or what so I won't go into the issue but am willing to if you need.

God's best blessings to you and yours!