How to Prepare for a Gall Bladder Removal

Gall bladder removal offers relief to the frequent sufferers of the pain, discomfort, nausea and digestion disorders associated with gallstones and overnutrition. In the weeks and days prior to your treatment, you will be asked to prepare your body for the procedure.

Smoking

You should make all attempts to quit smoking 6 to 8 weeks before your gall bladder removal, as smoking will impede your healing process and make breathing more difficult during and after the procedure.

Diet

Avoid spicy or fatty foods at least one week prior to the procedure, as these trigger gall bladder attacks. The day before the procedure, you may be asked to stay on an all-liquid diet consisting of broths, gelatin, water and ice pops. This is to start clearing up your colon and digestive system, which will make the gall bladder removal process easier.

Stop eating and drinking everything at midnight the evening before your procedure. You may also not suck on any mints or gum. If your surgeon has allowed you to continue to take certain medications, you may take a sip of water while swallowing them.

Medications

Ask your surgeon which medications you can and should continue to take as you prepare for the surgery. You will likely be asked to stop taking blood-thinner medications and aspirin in the week prior to your procedure. Make sure your surgeon knows about all medications you are taking and any allergies of which you are aware.

Enema

You may be asked to perform an enema on yourself or ask a friend or family member to perform one on you the day prior to surgery. This is the introduction of specialized fluid into your colon which will help remove any remaining fecal matter out of your digestive system. This is an essential step to clearing out your colon for the procedure.

What to Wear

Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing to the procedure. Do not wear makeup, jewelry, perfumes or nail polish.

Be sure to review the specific gall bladder removal preparation instructions you will be given by the surgeon overseeing the procedure, as there may be additional restrictions on your diet and lifestyle depending on your individual case. Do not forget that as part of your preparation, you must plan for your recovery. Plan to have someone pick you up after the surgery and ask someone to take care of you for the first week as you recover.