Gallbladder removal is one of the most common types of surgeries performed in the United States. Gallbladder removal surgeries can be performed in two ways, via laparoscopy or by standard abdominal surgery. Laparoscopy is much less invasive and requires less recovery time than standard surgery. Jackson Siegelbaum says 5 to 10 percent of patients cannot safely have their gallbladder removed via laparoscopy.
Step 1
Return to normal activities, including exercise, as soon as you feel comfortable after laparoscopic surgery. According to Baylor College of Medicine, laparoscopic removals have no restrictions placed on patients after surgery.
Step 2
Wait six to eight weeks before returning to weight lifting or strenuous exercise if you have a standard, open abdominal gallbladder removal surgery. Baylor College of Medicine says you should not engage in heavy lifting or straining for six to eight weeks after an open procedure.
Step 3
Cut the duration and intensity of your workouts and ease back into exercising if you have an open gallbladder removal surgery. Start by lifting light weights for high repetitions and cutting your workload to about half of pre-surgery levels. You can expect a 3- to 7-inch incision and scar on your abdomen. Returning to exercise can be painful from scar tissue and tenderness in the scar area.
