Preparation

How to prepare for gallbladder removal

Before having your gallbladder removed (cholecystectomy), try to lose weight if you're overweight.

If you smoke, you should stop at least 6 weeks before having surgery.

Pre-admission clinic

A few weeks before your operation, you'll usually be asked to attend a pre-admission clinic. This is to make sure you're well enough for it to go ahead.

At this appointment, your doctor or nurse may:

• ask about your medical history and any medicines you're taking
• do some tests, such as blood tests, an X-ray, and a test that records your heart's electrical activity (electrocardiogram or ECG)
• ask how you'll get home after the operation and who will look after you

You may also meet the healthcare team involved in your care so you can learn more about the operation. You can ask questions about the procedure and your recovery.

Prepare for recovering at home

It's a good idea to prepare for when you get home after the operation.

You might want to think about:

• how you're going to get home after the operation
• who will look after you for the first day or so while you recover
• talking to your employer about returning to work (if you work)

Find out more about what to do before having surgery

Sexual Health Advice

• Sexual Health Advice - Introduction and Overview
• The MenB vaccine that helps protect against gonorrhoea
• Sexual Health - Mpox and its dangers for Gay Men
• What happens when you visit an STI Clinic
• Ejaculation issues are common sexual problems in men
• The Male Menopause for men in their late 40s to early 50s
• Help and care if you have been Sexually Assaulted
• Mental health issues and self-harm are common amongst gay men