According to Mayo Clinic, gallbladder removal is one of the most common surgeries performed in the medical world. The surgery is usually quick and hassle-free, with little to no complications. After you have your gallbladder removed it is important to understand how to sleep after gallbladder surgery because it has a great impact on the overall function of your body. Your gallbladder is placed right under your liver in the shape of a small teardrop. The most important function of your gallbladder is storing bile which helps digest fats. Whenever fatty food enters your digestive system, the gallbladder releases bile to process it. Cholecystectomy refers to the surgery that involves removing your gallbladder, your bladder may be removed through a laparoscopy or through an open incision. You doctor shall decide which form of surgery best suits your body.

What to Expect After Your Surgery?

After waking up from your surgery you will find yourself in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit. Here you will receive oxygen via a thin tube called the nasal cannula. Your body temperature, blood pressure, pulse and oxygen levels will be monitored, while you plan your recovery. Later you will be encouraged to start walking with the help of your nurse or a physical therapist. You will also receive medicines to relieve pain. Walking is important as it helps reduce the risk of pneumonia and blood clots. It is also important to stimulate your bowels to make them work again. You will have to use your incentive spirometer regularly. The spirometer will help your lungs expand and prevent pneumonia. It is essential for you to perform your spirometry exercises every 1 to 2 hours after you’re awake. You will also be taught how to splint your incision. This helps in reducing the movement of the muscles of your stomach to decrease pain while you do your coughing exercises.

How to Take Care After Your Surgery?

It is as important to understand how to take care of your body as knowing how to sleep after gallbladder surgery. Follow the steps below for a speedy recovery.

• Take the pain medicines that have been prescribed but do not forget to get the right amount of rest. Take short walks 2-3 times a day to reduce the risk of blood clots.
• Contact your doctor if your prescribed medicine does not relieve your pain.
• Don’t drink or drive when you are under medication.
• Don’t take too many painkillers after some time as that could lead to pain-killer overdose.
• Practice 10 deep breaths and 2 coughs every hour during the first week. Don’t lift heavy objects for the first 4 weeks and make sure you place a pillow over your incision when you cough.
• Avoid eating fatty or heavy food which might cause diarrhea or nausea.

How to Sleep After Gallbladder Surgery?

There are several sleeping habits that you need to take care of after you have undergone a gallbladder surgery. Once you have taken your pain killers at least ½ hour before sleeping, you need to arrange your mattress and bedding to ensure that your body can rest comfortably. Other than that, you should follow the steps given below –

• Try not to sleep a lot during daytime and make it a point to have a balanced amount of activity throughout your day.
• In case you feel yourself getting nervous or anxious, talk to your doctor or any close family member/ friend who might be able to relieve your anxiety.
• Do not take products such as chocolate, coffee, cola, and tea because the caffeine present in them could hinder your sleep.
• Try listening to relaxing audios or music to relax your body and mind.

What Happens if You Don’t Sleep Well After Your Surgery?

Several symptoms might arise in case you are not careful with the amount of rest your body gets, such as:

• Your wounds might get swollen, bruised, or start paining more than normal.
• You might feel sick, nauseous, or weak.
• Your stomach and shoulders might hurt due to a lack of proper sleep.
• You might experience bloating, diarrhea, or flatulence. Eating a high fiber diet can help relieve these symptoms.
• You might experience fatigue, irritability, and mood swings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Other than the question of how to sleep after gallbladder surgery, given below are some common inquiries about a gall

Can I Shower After My Surgery?

You should take showers after your surgery. Hot water helps soothe the body and decreases muscle ache. You can use soap when you are bathing and gently clean your incision. Pat your body dry with a towel and leave the incision uncovered. In case you see any drainage or redness around your incision, make sure that you contact your doctor.

Why Don’t I Feel Hungry After My Surgery?

It is very normal to have a decreased appetite after your surgery. Make sure that you eat several small meals that have every food group like fruit/vegetables, breads/grains, meat/chicken/fish, dairy, etc.

How to Prevent Constipation?

You can start by going to the bathroom every day at a set time. Also, it is important to take at least 2 liters of water daily along with other drinks like juices, ice cream shakes, etc. that do not have caffeine. You should also increase the fiber in your diet to 35 gm every day. Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains contain fiber. In case you have not had any bowel movement in two days, reach out to your doctor.

How to Take Care of The Incision?

Your bandages should be changed at least once a day and every time they get wet from drainage. When there is no drainage from your incision, you can leave it uncovered.