Gallbladder Surgery: What It Is, Why It's Done, and What to Expect

When your gallbladder, a small organ under the liver that stores bile to help digest fats. Also known as the biliary sac, it can become a source of serious pain and complications, surgery might be the only real fix. Most people need it because of gallstones, hard deposits that form inside the gallbladder and block bile flow, leading to sharp pain, nausea, and sometimes infection. About 1 in 10 adults has gallstones, and if they start causing trouble, removing the gallbladder is usually the safest and most effective solution.

The procedure, called a cholecystectomy, the surgical removal of the gallbladder, is one of the most common operations in the U.S. Today, over 90% of these surgeries are done laparoscopically—using small cuts and a camera—so recovery is faster and less painful than in the past. You’ll likely go home the same day or the next. Even though your gallbladder is gone, your liver keeps making bile, which flows directly into your small intestine. Most people adjust well, though some notice looser stools or more gas after fatty meals for a few weeks. The bile duct, the tube that carries bile from the liver to the intestine is carefully checked during surgery to make sure no stones are stuck there. Missing one can lead to serious problems later.

People often worry about what comes after surgery. Will they need to give up pizza forever? Can they still exercise? The truth is, most return to normal eating and activity within a few weeks. Some find they feel better without the constant pain or bloating they had before. But not everyone has the same experience—some deal with lingering digestive changes, and that’s why knowing what to watch for matters. You’ll find real stories and clear advice below on how to prepare, what to expect during recovery, and how to avoid common mistakes that slow healing. These aren’t theoretical tips—they come from people who’ve been through it, and from the latest medical data on what actually works.