R.A.
I had my gall bladder removed at age 53, in a laparascopic procedure (five small incisions, none larger than half an inch). Surgery was on a Monday morning. I had some discomfort during an overnight stay in the hospital. I was discharged Tuesday -- sore but not really painful. Took a while to get my bowel function working again. Wednesday I walked a mile. Thursday a mile and a half. I was back at work Friday. A small percentage of gall bladder removals must be done by full-open incision. This happens (my doctor told me) if there is a stone actually lodged in the bile duct, rather than contained in the gall bladder itself. With an open incision, you will have more pain and a longer recovery -- possibly up to 30 days (if I am remembering correctly). There will also be a scar, perhaps 2 inches long, just beneath your ribs. A good surgeon can miminize the scar when they button you up again. {:-) Please consult your surgeon to check on the accuracy of my observations. Regards and well wishes, Red Lawhern