Hello. I'm a 23 year old female with an amazing 3 year old daughter. About 9 months ago I started having these terrible attacks on the right side of my abdomen which spread to my back. These attacks would last for up to 6 hours. About 2 months ago I finally gave in and went to the hospital and they found a 1.6cm gallstone in my gallbladder. The ER doctor ignored it, told me I had gastritis, and sent me home with some prilosec. Less than a week later, shockingly I had another attack. I decided to take matters into my own hands. I read that overweight women over 40 who have had children with a family history of gallstones who are native american have the highest risks and I meet 5/6 of that criteria. I am 5'8"-5'9" and weighed 205lbs. I started a very healthy diet and working out like a crazy person and lost 21lbs in the first month and a half. Then I had a horrific attack @ 5am one morning and had to call an ambulence to my house to rush me to the ER. The ER doc(a different one) saw the gallstone and told me there was no question about it that my gallbladder had to come out. Apparently 1.6cm is a pretty large stone. She set me up with this surgeon and I met with her about a week and a half ago. She explained the surgery to me but didn't really give me any insight on what to expect after the surgery. We still have not set a date, due to the lack of them calling to schedule it,but it will be within the next 2 weeks I'm sure. I've had 2 attacks since meeting with her and let me tell you this thing needs to go. Am I going to lose weight? I'm really hoping so. What about scarring? Bowl movements afterwards? Please please if anyone can walk me through what's going to happen that would be so helpful. Thank!

I had my gall bladder out about 5 years ago. It hasn't had any effect at all on my life other than stopping those horrible attacks. There are 4 tiny little scars that are barely noticeable. The recovery didn't take long at all and I felt basically back to normal within a few weeks. Try to hang in there and not worry too much. The only thing you'll be sorry about is that they didn't remove it much sooner.

I had mine out I'm 2002 and my bowels are still going crazy. I always make sure I know where a bathroom is. I've never had the pains again, but I go through a lot of toiletpaper. I hope its different for you. I was 44 at the time. That could mean something I guess or maybe not. They surgery was a piece of cake I threw up after waking up but that's it. I wish you the best.