Thank you to everyone who contributed recommendations for post-gallbladder-removal care package. As promised, I’ve compiled them all into one post so everyone can benefit! If you’re reading this and about to have your gallbladder removed, a hysterectomy, an exploratory laparotomy, endometriosis or adenomyosis excision surgery or another abdominal surgery, you have our best wishes and gentle hugs. Good luck!
Maternity Pillow
Get yourself (or borrow) a maternity pillow that will ensure you are comfortable when you’re upright and supported when lying down. We love the full body ones that you can bend, shape and tuck as needed as well as snuggle up to.
Peppermint Tea
Peppermint is great for relieving bloating, which can be a problem after laparoscopic surgery because the abdomen is inflated with air in order for surgeons to be able to see what they are doing.
Other good teas include chamomile which soothes stomach pains and reduces inflammation and ginger which alleviates nausea.
All of these are easy to find in the tea isle of supermarkets – look at the blends like ‘Calm’, ‘Detox’ etc. too.
Windeze
If tea isn’t getting the job done, and you’ve tried some gentle movement, products like Windeze with simeticone in can work well to dispel trapped gas and bloating.
If it’s still a problem talk to your GP or surgeon.
Soft Hot/Cold Packs
Heat and cold can be powerful pain relievers and well as anti-inflammatories. These gel packs can be used hot or cold and will mould to your body. These come with washable sleeves as an added bonus.
Long Straw Water Bottle
Having a large water bottle with a long straw prevents the need for reaching, repetitive lifting or needing to get up too often. It also encourages you to stay hydrated which is really important post-op while you’re recovering (and in general of course!).
Get someone else to fill it up for you and add in some electrolytes for bonus points!
Meal Replacements
Lots of us find our appetites leave us for a while after surgery, but good nutrition is really important. If you know you might struggle, think about getting in some meal replacements that pack a punch on the nutrition front.
Meritene soups are a savoury option, as are some Huel shakes. Complans are a sweet option (chocolate is best), mixed well/blended with whatever milk you prefer. All are easily available. Make sure you keep your protein intake high – you will be doing lots of muscle repairing so a protein shake or bar is no bad thing either.
For those who really struggle, Fortisips, Fortijuices, Aymes Shakes and Ensures are another option. Talk to your team or check the Skiggle Marketplace to see what is available there.
Grabber
Bending over to pick things up isn’t ideal immediately post-surgery. Luckily you can get grabbers for just a few pounds so you don’t need to bend over or call for help! Handy for those weekend litterpicks once you’re feeling better too…
Meals/Gift Card for Meals
If you’re like me and helping someone else go through surgery, a nice gift is some exciting, hearty ready meals that will tempt them into eating.
My go-to is a Cook voucher, available here, allowing the recipient to choose their own meals and have them delivered, rather than me turning up with meals they may not like or have space for at that exact moment. You could also choose a Deliveroo or similar voucher if in an area that has these services available.
Get Moving
The final recommendation is to get moving. This should be gentle, and little and often, listening to your body and stopping when you feel you need to. Moving will help dissipate that pesky trapped air, keep blood flowing around your abdomen to aid healing and help your digestion. Whether it’s asking each visitor you have to walk with you to the end of the road and back, or setting an alarm on your phone and doing loops around your garden, set yourself targets that will allow yourself to see progress over the days – it’ll make a big difference to your mental wellbeing too!
