I began having gall bladder attacks at about 18. It seems females in my family are prone to this problem. I suffered periodically until the age of 27.
My first pregnancy (at 22) seemed to make the attacks more frequent and more painful. Shortly after our second child was born (at 27) I started having the attacks very often and they became incredibly agonizing. They were definitely aggravated/instigated by anything fatty (gravy, fatter meats, etc.)
Foolishly, I kept stalling off and waited until I was in really bad shape and had to have semi emergency surgery. Thankfully, all went well.
I had heard that I would have to be careful with my diet for the rest of my life, etc. I worried that the same foods that bothered me pre-surgery would still be a problem. The good news is that I had no problems at all and never had anything that resembled those painful attacks again. I know others that have had their gall bladders removed and they report the same.
Are you having the laser disintegration technique? Isn't that what they do; break up the gallstones? Mine was the old fashioned large incision - ugh.
Anyway, I wish you the best. I think you will find that your stomach problems will soon be gone and you will be very glad you had the operation.
My sister had hers removed and she says food goes right through her. However, her diet is of the high-carb nature. Your post caught my eye because, IIRC, you're doing the low-carb plans, which in most cases works for me, except for the stomach problems and now the gall bladder.
An ultra sound was done while I was in emergency and they detected the stones in my gall bladder. The ER doctor advised me to have the gall bladder removed as there is a 100% chance it'll give me grief over and over again. (So much for odds!) The next day I saw the doctor who will be performing the operation. He says he'll attempt to take the gall bladder out using the laproscopic method if all is clear of scar tissue. I could be back to work in 4 days. However, if there is scar tissue around the various veins, tubes, whatnot, he'll have to make an incision which will mean 4 weeks of recuperation. He didn't say anything about laser disintegration. (Actually, I'm hoping to get the stones afterward! And pictures! I want pictures! This stuff fascinates me! LOL)
In the meantime, I'm supposed to be eating a bland diet which has helped relieve my stomach problems. Problem is, the rest of my body doesn't like these kind of foods and some old ailments are flaring up again. Oh yeah, the operation all hinges on the results of an echo-cardiogram they did the other day and a pre-op physical coming up. If they think the operation is too risky, I'm now guessing they would attempt the laser disintegration. I'm not worried, though. I'm sure the removal will be done as planned.
Again, thanks for your encouraging support! :o)