6 Essential Questions to Ask Your Gallbladder Surgeon

By Seun Sowemimo, MD, MBA, MS, FACS, FASMBS

If you’ve been told you need gallbladder surgery, it’s normal to feel anxious and full of questions. The good news is that in most cases, gallbladder removal is a same-day laparoscopic procedure, meaning you can return home the very same day without an overnight hospital stay. As a board-certified surgeon specializing in minimally invasive gallbladder surgery, I encourage my patients to ask questions. Being informed not only reduces stress but also helps you prepare for the smoothest recovery possible.

Here are six of the most useful questions to ask during your consultation with a gallbladder surgeon:

1. How many gallbladder surgeries have you performed?

Experience makes a difference. I’ve performed thousands of laparoscopic gallbladder procedures in Central New Jersey, including at my practices in Toms River, Jackson, Old Bridge, and Freehold. A surgeon with a strong track record can provide reassurance and a safer surgical experience. It’s also essential to ensure they have earned their ‘board-certified’ surgeon status.

2. Will my surgery be laparoscopic or open?

Nearly all gallbladder surgeries today are done laparoscopically. This minimally invasive technique requires just a few small incisions, which means less pain, smaller scars, and a quicker recovery. My patients often return to work and normal activities within a week.

3. What risks or complications should I be aware of?

While laparoscopic gallbladder surgery is considered very safe, all surgeries carry some risk. I explain the potential complications openly but reassure my patients that serious problems are uncommon. Understanding the risks helps you feel prepared and confident.

4. Did I do something wrong to need gallbladder surgery?

This is one of the most common questions I hear — and the answer is no. Gallbladder disease is not your fault. Gallstones and inflammation often develop due to genetics, body chemistry, age, gender, or even rapid changes in weight. Women are slightly more prone, and some medical conditions can raise the risk. It’s important to know that gallbladder disease is common and treatable, and needing surgery doesn’t mean you made a mistake with your health.

5. How should I prepare for gallbladder surgery?

Preparation is key to a smooth procedure and recovery. I provide each patient with clear instructions — from fasting requirements to medication adjustments — so you know exactly what to do in the days leading up to surgery.

6. What is recovery like after gallbladder surgery?

Patients often ask how long they’ll be sore, when they can return to work, and when it’s safe to exercise again. Most people recover quickly and resume light activity within a few days. By two weeks, many are back to their regular routines with minimal discomfort.

A note for bariatric patients

Many people who have undergone bariatric surgery may eventually require gallbladder removal. Because I also specialize in bariatric procedures, I understand how weight-loss surgery changes the digestive system. This experience is especially important when performing gallbladder surgery in patients who have had gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy, ensuring a safe and precise procedure.

Final Thoughts

My goal is always to deliver safe, minimally invasive gallbladder surgery with the fastest recovery possible — so you can get back to living without pain. Schedule a prompt gallbladder consultation with me at our Freehold, Toms River, Old Bridge or Jackson offices by calling 732-761-1740 or schedule your appointment directly with me on Calendly: https://calendly.com/drseuns/consultation?month=2025-09