Post-Gallbladder Surgery Essentials for Moms: What I Wish I Knew

In 2022, I finally had my gallbladder removed after years of unexplained pain that started during my pregnancy with my daughter. Like many women, I was repeatedly dismissed and gaslit—told the pain was in my head, hormonal, or just “normal” pregnancy discomfort.

But the pain didn’t stop. It got worse, especially after eating. It became a quiet background companion during always in the middle of the night. When I finally went to the ER one night, scans showed my gallbladder was riddled with stones. The validation alone felt like healing had begun. But the real journey started after the surgery.

If you're a mom facing gallbladder removal or recovering from it, this post is for you. Here’s everything I wish I had known about post-surgery recovery—plus the essentials that truly helped me heal while still managing life as a mom.

1. Listen to Your Body (Even When the House Is Loud)

As moms, we’re used to pushing through. Tired? Still pack lunches. In pain? Still show up to school events. After gallbladder surgery, that mindset can backfire. Your body needs real rest to heal from a cholecystectomy.

👉 Tip: Schedule rest like you would any other important appointment. If possible, arrange childcare or ask for help—even if it’s just for a few hours.

2. The Right Post-Surgery Diet Matters

Your digestive system changes after gallbladder removal. The gallbladder stores bile, which helps digest fat. Without it, bile trickles into your intestines constantly, making it harder to process fatty foods.

👉 Essentials:
- Low-fat meals (think broth-based soups, grilled chicken, steamed veggies)
- Smaller, more frequent meals
- Avoid greasy foods, dairy, and anything that triggers bloating or diarrhea

🍽 Helpful foods post-surgery:

- Oatmeal
- Bananas
- Boiled or grilled lean protein
- Plain rice or toast

3. Invest in Soft Clothes and a Good Pillow

Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery leaves you with small incisions, usually in your abdomen.
Anything tight—jeans, leggings with a waistband—can irritate the area.

I also suggest investing in an elevated pillow to sleep on because sleeping on your back will be nearly impossible and even laying on your side isn't comfortable with abdominal surgery.

👉 Post-op clothing checklist:
- High-waisted, soft cotton underwear
- Loose-fitting dresses or joggers
- A pillow to hold against your stomach when coughing, sneezing, or laughing (yes, it helps!)

4. You’ll Feel Better, But Don’t Rush It

I was shocked at how quickly I was told I could resume “normal activities.” Yes, laparoscopic surgery is less invasive, but it’s still major internal surgery. Just because the incisions are small doesn’t mean your healing is.

👉 Advice for moms:
- Avoid lifting children or heavy laundry baskets for at least 2 weeks.
- Use grocery delivery or curbside pickup if possible.
- Let go of the guilt around screen time and easy dinners—your job is to recover.

5. Bathroom Changes Are Normal (and Manageable)

One of the less-discussed effects of gallbladder removal? Digestive issues. Bloating, gas, and diarrhea are common, especially early on. It’s awkward to talk about but normal—and manageable.

👉 What helped me:
- Probiotics (check with your doctor)
- Peppermint tea
- Keeping a food journal to track what triggered symptoms
🚽 Don't panic if your digestion is off—it often stabilizes after a few months.

6. Let Go of the Guilt

As moms, we often feel like we don’t get to have downtime. But surgery is not a vacation. It’s necessary, it’s valid, and you deserve care.

I felt guilty at first—like I was failing my kids because I wasn’t up cooking or folding laundry. But the truth is, resting was the most responsible thing I could do for my family. It allowed me to come back stronger, with less pain, and more energy.

7. Have a Support Plan in Place

The best thing I did (and the thing I recommend most) was planning a support system for the first 1–2 weeks post-op. Even a small network makes a huge difference.

👉 Support ideas:
- Ask a friend to do school drop-off/pick-up for a few days
- Freeze meals ahead of time (or use meal delivery services)
- Say “yes” when someone offers help (even if it’s just bringing coffee!)

Final Thoughts: Life After Gallbladder Surgery

Now, life feels different—but in a good way. I’m not doubled over in pain after dinner. I’m not silently wondering if I’m imagining it. I feel better, lighter, more in control.

Recovering from gallbladder surgery while parenting isn’t easy, but it’s doable—with grace, preparation, and patience.

You are not lazy. You are not overreacting. You are recovering.

And mama—you deserve that recovery, without guilt.

Below is a printable check list: Post-Gallbladder Surgery Essentials for Moms: What I Wish I Knew

Have you had gallbladder surgery while parenting young kids? Share your experience in the comments or save this post for later. And don’t forget to check out our printable post-surgery checklist!

Nanny to Mommy