I recently (as in yesterday) had my gallbladder removed.
This surgery is so common, that it is now out patient. It's done laprascopically, and leaves you with 4 small incisions and a swollen belly. It is also only about an hour long surgery. My surgery started at 12:30pm and I left the hospital at 3pm. How fast was that????
I know many people who have had the same surgery previously, however, I am the first that did not have to stay at least one night. I am *totally* happy that I could go home. I was able to snack on what I wanted when I wanted, took my Vicodin as needed, and watched movies all day while stoned on Vicodin. At night, I was able to sleep in my own bed and wasn't woken up every half hour by a nurse "checking" on me. Of course, my poor husband had to help me up and get me drugs in the middle of the night, but he didn't complain and I think he was happy that I was at home instead of the hospital.
The other thing that I was impressed with was the care I got to prevent nausea. EVERY surgery that I have had in the past has made me puke. But not this time! I was given Emend (a new anti-nausea drug that was developed for Chemo patients), a patch behind my ear (forgot the name) and also meds in my IV.
I have to say that it was the best surgery experience that I have ever had. And I give great thanks to Dr. Kulick and her staff at Chelsea Hospital!