During a laparoscopic gallbladder removal surgery, the surgeon inflates your torso with carbon dioxide gas before removing your gallbladder. The surgeon makes three small incisions and uses a cannula instrument to remove your gallbladder. After stitching or stapling the incision wounds, the surgeon will send you to recovery. During recovery from this surgery, you may experience pain from the gas settling in your shoulder or chest or encounter increased flatulence during the healing period from the change in your digestive system. You can attempt to relieve gas after the surgery to feel more comfortable while healing.
Step 1
Attempt to sleep when returning home after your gallbladder surgery. If your body is relaxed and you sleep for several hours following the surgery, the carbon dioxide gas from the surgery can leave your body without you having to endure the pain and pressure of the gas settling.
Step 2
Walk around your home. Stay inside and walk down hallways or around the room for a few minutes. Read the instructions from your doctor about activity during the healing period and do not over-exert yourself. If you are taking narcotics for pain, make sure you are not dizzy before attempting to walk around to prevent injuring yourself with a fall.
Step 3
Avoid foods that promote flatulence. Your surgeon will provide you with a restricted diet for after the surgery. Eat foods on the list that do not cause you to have gas. Foods rich in fat may result in gas pain or pressure while your intestines are adapting to the change in your body from surgery. Now that you do not have a gallbladder, your liver dumps bile directly into your stomach. Avoid foods high in fat to reduce gas pressure or pain as your digestive system adjusts.
Step 4
Ask your doctor about medication. Your doctor may prescribe or recommend an over-the-counter medication to relieve pain associated with gas after your gallbladder surgery. Describe the pain and pressure to your doctor and alert your doctor to any other issues while healing in case the pain and pressure is not from gas.
Tips and Warnings
- Write down foods that cause gas pain and pressure after you eat and avoid purchasing those foods.
- Never take a medication following your gallbladder surgery without the consent of your doctor to avoid complications with your healing.
