A clinic-style Q&A covering the questions patients actually ask when told they need their gallbladder removed.
Diagnosis & symptoms
1. What are typical gallstone symptoms? Pain after fatty meals, often right-upper or central abdomen, radiating to the right shoulder.
2. Can gallstones go away on their own? No — they don't dissolve once formed.
3. How are they diagnosed? Abdominal ultrasound — quick, accurate, no radiation.
4. Do I need surgery if I have no symptoms? Usually no, with exceptions (large stones, polyps, sickle cell, porcelain gallbladder).
5. Are gallstones more common in women? Yes — 2–3× more common.
Surgery
6. Laparoscopic or open? Laparoscopic in over 95% of cases.
7. How long does it take? 45–60 minutes typically.
8. Will I have a scar? Three to four 5–10 mm scars that fade significantly within 6 months.
9. Will I need an overnight stay? Most patients go home the same day.
10. Is general anaesthesia required? Yes.
Recovery
11. How long until I'm back to work? 5–10 days for desk work; 2–3 weeks for active jobs.
12. When can I drive? 5–7 days, once off opioid painkillers.
13. When can I exercise? Walking from day 1; gym from week 3.
14. Will I have pain? Mild–moderate for 3–5 days; shoulder ache from gas resolves in 48 hours.
15. When can I fly? After 7–10 days for short-haul; 2 weeks for long-haul.
Diet & lifestyle
16. Do I need a special diet? Low-fat for the first 2 weeks; normal diet thereafter.
17. Will I get diarrhoea? Around 1 in 5 patients have temporary loose stools — usually settles within 6–12 weeks.
18. Will I gain weight? No direct effect — depends on overall lifestyle.
19. Can I drink alcohol? Yes, after 1 week and once off opioid painkillers.
20. Do I need vitamins or supplements? No — bile production continues from the liver.
Cost & logistics
21. Is it covered by insurance? Yes — all UAE insurers cover symptomatic gallstone surgery.
22. Self-pay cost? Typically AED 18,000–28,000 all-inclusive at Medcare Al Safa.
23. How quickly can I be operated? Usually within 1–2 weeks of consultation.
24. Will Dr Vanesha personally operate? Yes — single-surgeon care throughout.
25. How do I book? Via Okadoc or WhatsApp +971 58 500 4596.