You’re getting your gallbladder surgery done? Or maybe you’ve already got a date? Either way, you’ve probably been told the basics. But let’s be honest—most doctors don't explain the recovery part too well. What do you go through after it's done? How soon can you walk? Eat properly? Go back to work? That’s the stuff you want to know.
So here’s a plain, no-fluff explanation—straight from the real experiences of patients who’ve walked through our doors. Dr. Sandhya Gupta’s clinic in Gurgaon has handled hundreds of these cases, and the one thing we’ve learned is—no two recoveries feel the same.
Let’s get into it.
What happens during gallbladder removal?
First, the gallbladder is a small pouch-like organ tucked under your liver. It stores bile, which breaks down fats. If it’s forming stones or getting inflamed, that’s when it has to go.
Most of the time, we remove it through laparoscopy. Tiny cuts. No big stitches. You go home the same day or the next morning. Dr. Sandhya’s technique is very safe, and patients usually bounce back pretty fast.
What’s the recovery timeline?
Alright, here’s the rough sketch.
● Walking again – within 12 to 24 hours.
● Light movement around the house – 2 to 3 days.
● Normal office work – 5 days, sometimes earlier.
● Back to full energy – around 3 to 4 weeks.
If your surgery was straightforward, you won’t need bed rest. You’ll feel weak at first, sure. But each day gets easier. The main thing is to avoid lifting anything heavy or twisting too much. That’s where people mess up—they feel better, so they overdo it. Don’t.
Female gallbladder surgery recovery time – any difference?
"What to know about gallbladder surgery" this gets asked a lot that Women sometimes heal differently. Hormones, prior surgeries (like C-section), lower muscle strength—all of it plays a role. Some feel bloated longer. Others get shoulder pain from the gas used in laparoscopy. Some just feel more tired than expected.
What’s important is—none of this is unusual. Dr. Sandhya takes extra care with female patients. If you’ve had prior abdominal surgeries or deal with things like thyroid or PCOS, she adjusts everything—pain control, diet, even movement advice.
So, yes, women may have a slightly longer or more sensitive healing period. But it’s manageable. And we’re with you throughout.
How bad is the pain?
It’s there, yes. But not what people expect. It’s more like soreness, especially near the belly button or ribs. The shoulder pain, which comes from trapped gas, can be annoying, but it goes away fast. Most people stop needing painkillers in about 3 to 4 days.
People describe the pain as uncomfortable but not unbearable. More like a strong ache than sharp pain.
You’ll feel sleepy and slow on the first day. That’s normal. The key is gentle movement. Don’t stay curled up in bed all day. Get up. Stretch. Walk a bit. It helps.
What can I eat?
Start light. Think bland food—khichdi, boiled veggies, curd rice. Avoid oil. Avoid spice. Avoid dairy (at first). Eat slowly. See what your stomach tolerates.
For the first 3–4 days, eat small meals. Nothing too hot, nothing too cold. Some people feel gassy or get loose stools. Others feel constipated. It’s different for everyone.
Our clinic gives a full post-op diet plan. We also guide you based on your body type and routine. No one-size-fits-all stuff here.
Can I work? Travel? Exercise?
Yes, yes, and yes. Just not all at once.
● Office work – easily doable after 5 days if your job isn’t physically demanding.
● Travel – wait at least 7 to 10 days. Long car rides or flights aren’t great for fresh stitches.
● Exercise – walking is great. Gym, yoga, crunches? Wait at least 3 weeks. And don’t push it.
Dr. Gupta checks everything before giving a green signal. If you’re a working mom, student, or caregiver, we plan your return schedule with you.
Will I have scars?
With laparoscopy, the scars are tiny. Think of small marks near your belly button and lower side. They fade over time. Dr. Sandhya uses special suturing methods that leave almost no visible scar if you care for the wound properly.
Use the ointments we give, keep the area clean, and don’t expose it to the sun. Most patients forget they even had surgery after a few months.
Anything else to keep in mind?
Yes. Don’t stress. Don’t Google every sensation. Call us instead.
We’ve seen it all—people panicking over gas pain, overthinking diet, or trying to return to the gym too fast. Just take it slow. You’re healing from gallbladder removal. Your body knows what it’s doing.
If anything feels off—fever, sharp pain, wound swelling—reach out. That’s what we’re here for. Dr. Sandhya Gupta’s patients love how approachable and honest she is. She explains things clearly and never rushes you.
