“10 years of pain, and a lifetime of gratitude”
In 2012 I finally found the surgery I had been looking for to end a decade long of hideous pain and suffering. Now two years post surgery I am still filled with the same immense gratitude that I felt when my Chinese doctors removed a 3 cm gallstone from my gallbladder. I share this story here in the hope that it might change someone else’s life for the better too.
A Brief Introduction
In 2006 I was diagnosed with gallstones. Truthfully I was self-diagnosed. It took me 3 years to finally work out what was causing the excruciating attacks of pain that left me writhing breathlessly for hours at a time. In retrospect I can’t believe it took so long to figure it out. Insanely my doctors just kept prescribing me antacids and telling me I had heartburn. I later found out that they had labelled me a hypochondriac and this was why no one was taking me seriously.
When I finally managed to diagnose my own symptoms via an article on the internet, I went straight to my doctor to request an ultrasound. The examination revealed what was by now a 2 cm gallstone in my gallbladder. Of course gallbladder removal was the treatment plan offered, but after doing some research on post-operative outcomes for cholecystectomy (some of which includes ongoing pain, food intolerances and other digestive problems), I decided that I wanted another option. I already suffered from digestive problems including irritable bowel syndrome and multiple food intolerances, and I did not want to risk any worsening of these conditions and their restriction over my life.
For years I searched for cholelithotomy (gallstone removal) on the internet, desperately hoping to find a surgeon in Australia or elsewhere who would perform one. The only thing I discovered was that this procedure is no longer performed in western countries, but is still common in China. Of course I couldn’t understand Chinese, so how on earth was I going to research, let alone organise, surgery in China?
In the meantime I tried gallbladder flushes. I don’t know whether these things work for anyone, but they certainly did not work for me. My stone was quite large by this time and the range of things that I could consume without causing pain was dwindling. For years I relied on herbs and dietary restriction to manage the problem while I researched my options. In particular the herb Chanca Piedra helped immensely with the pain, even though it did nothing to remove the problem. After a major attack that lasted 2 weeks I became completely intolerant of fats and oils (as well as legumes, onions, and various other random foods) and I found myself living on a fat free diet for the next 4 years.
The Surgery
Finally by the end of 2012 I was ready to give in. I booked myself in for gallbladder removal surgery after making one last well justified plea to a surgeon and a gastroenterologist about my need for a better option. And a couple of days later I finally found what I was looking for.
Luckily I was not the only person in the world searching for another option, and shortly after I booked my surgery in Australia, I came across a webpage detailing the story of a man from the UK who had travelled to China for laparoscopic gallstone removal surgery (Whatisgallstone.com). The webpage includes details about the procedure, surgery costs and contact details for the hospital and medical staff. Thanks to this man I had everything I needed at my fingertips to make my dream a reality.
Three months later I was on my way to The Second People’s Hospital in the Panyu district of Guangzhou for surgery.
What can I say about the experience? The surgery itself went very smoothly. Afterwards I had some tightness and discomfort in my abdomen and pain from the CO2 gas, but little pain from the incisions. I think after you have experienced a gallbladder attack, any discomfort post surgery is more than manageable!
After surgery, the first thing I wanted was to see the stone that had been causing me pain for so many years.
As a Westerner, I have to say that I felt very touched by the level of attentiveness shown by the Chinese doctors and hospital staff who took care of me. They were very gracious and treated me very well.
Traveling alone to a country I had never been to before for surgery was an incredible experience in itself. It is also one that will always be close to my heart, because these doctors supported my point of view, and helped me to achieve what I wanted for my body, when I could hardly find a doctor who would take me seriously in my own country.
Of course, this is not a perfect surgery, like any surgery there are risks, especially for gallstone re-occurence. However my wish was for a chance to keep my gallbladder and that is what I have been granted. I probably went to lengths that most people would not go to keep an organ, and it is debatable whether that was sensible, but I cannot argue with my gut feeling that gallbladder removal was not the right choice for me, and that there was another possibility available. And that is my intention in sharing this story.
I believe in health sovereignty, and that we should be able to choose what we feel is best for our health and wellbeing. Part of that is having different options to choose from. In Western countries gallbladder removal is the only option. I am sharing this story so that people can have the knowledge and freedom to choose another option.
Post Procedure
It has been nine months since my surgery now and I am pain free, and eating foods that I had been unable to eat for almost 10 years. As I continue to work towards healing from chronic illness I’m so grateful that I was able to have this surgery to give me a chance to heal in the way that I feel is best for me.
Thank you to Dr Qiao and the staff at the Second People’s hospital for making my dream come true.
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Update: 17.05.14
It has been 14 months since my surgery and I am still doing well. At 1 year post surgery I went for an ultrasound to check on a small inflammatory polyp which had shown up on a scan 3 months after surgery (possibly left over from the surgery as they removed polyps as well). I am very glad to hear that the polyp is now gone and I am still stone free.
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Update: 03.07.16
I have not had any further scans but currently at 3 years 3 months post procedure I am still free of gallbladder pain and able to consume and digest fatty foods with no issues. I really encourage people with gallbladder conditions to look into food intolerances. These can cause similar symptoms which persist post procedure if not addressed, and may play an important role in gallbladder dysfunction and gallstone formation.
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Update: 29.05.18
It has been 5 years and 2 months now since my surgery in 2013 and my gallbladder (bless it!) still appears to be in good health. I have not done any ultrasounds since the last updated however am still following a higher fat diet and symptom free.
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Update: 18.04.20
It has now been just over 7 years since my surgery in Guangzhou China and I am still enjoying the benefits of a healthy gallbladder. No symptoms, stone free.
With Gratitude x
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Update: 09.01.24
It has now been almost 11 years since my surgery and my gallbladder continues to be in good health. At some point the English website for the procedure, which was listed on this blog, became inactive. Given the challenges of the last few years I wasn’t sure if the surgery was still available to foreigners. To find out I emailed Dr Wang, who was the English speaking liaison for my procedure in 2013. As of last week the answer is yes, it’s still available. If you are interested in having the procedure and want more information you can contact Dr Wang via email or his other contact details:
email: wkysxf@163.com
WeChat：13688895486
Tel ：+8613688895486
When I had my surgery Dr Wang assisted Dr Qiao in a team of doctors, however I have heard that he performs the procedures himself now as well. I also read in other comments that a new hospital was being built. If you want to know any further details it’s best to email Dr Wang and ask.
Here are some blog and video links from others who have decided to share their gallstone removal experiences.
Monica’s story
http://mygallbladderpreservationstory.blogspot.com/
Marilou’s story
http://savegallbladder.blogspot.com.au
Lawren’s story
http://gallstoneremovalsurgery.blogspot.com/
Eugene’s story (linked above in this post) is no longer available, but the original YouTube video of his surgery is still here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFOzx-cFTNc&feature=youtu.be
Best wishes to all x
The Body Mind 
hi, I am a patient of gallstones and just like u I do not want to remove my gallbladder. I JUST want to get rid of the gallstones n not the organ itself. I have seen 5 doctors already n all of them said the same thing “take out the gallbladder”. then 2 days ago I ran into the blog of whose link u have posted in your article above. so I asked a friend of mine who happens to be a medical student in china to look it up for me (as all the details are already there). so she messaged me this morning saying that the number does not exist. can u please help out a fellow sufferer just as u? I want to know where n whom n how should I contact the hospital. n how do I get about the surgery? n how much does it cost? I am desperate cos over 20 people from my family n relatives have told me to get the gallbladder surgery n i have been putting it off. but the pain is unbearable. I can’t take it anymore. it hurts n everytime it hurts, I am rushed to the ER n i am given painkillers n shots n whatnot. I am spending way more (no health insurance policy in my country) than I should be in every ER visit. so yes, please please please help me 🙂
Hi Srihuma, I will send you an email, I’m not sure why the number doesn’t work, but have you tried the email address provided on the other website? It should work.
hi again ^^
i just have a question. i know that this surgery is laparoscopic n they make small incisions on hour abdomen/stomach area. but how do they go in the gall bladder to take the stones out? i have been meaning to ask this to u for a while now. i am not being sceptic but just wanted to know cos it feels like my stones have grown over time now n they might be a bit harder to extract out of my gallbladder through whatever way they will be doing it.
Hi Srihuma,
I had a 3cm stone so pretty big, and they were able to take it out. They have removed stones bigger than that. I think best for you to click on the link to the hospital I have posted on this page and ask the doctors directly how the surgery is performed. My understanding is that they make an incision through the belly button and use an instrument to move the liver aside and make the end of gallbladder more accessible. They use the another incision under the ribs to access the gallbladder and remove stones and polyps using a camera.
hi again 😀
can i have another medium other than the blog comment to talk with u please? u see i have so many things to ask n people from the hospital are not really responding or not responding as fast as i woulf like them to respond. n i think your experience would also help me get over the sugery jitters ^^
Hi Srihuma, feel free to email me at thebodymindblog@gmail.com.
Thank you so much for posting your encouraging experience! I was wondering what the risks of the surgery are? Is there much bleeding, do they have to give blood transfusions with this surgery?
Thanks again!
Lawren
Hi Lawren, I’m so glad you found this encouraging. I think best to follow the weblink in my post and contact the hospital with any questions you have about the surgery. Aside from the usual risks of surgery I’m not sure what other risks might be associated with this particular surgery. I certainly didn’t need blood transfusions though. The incisions were very small, maybe 1 cm.
Hi, I actually went to China since posting my comment and had the surgery done. I’m doing great and I’m so happy i decided to go! I wrote a blog about it myself because I think its something that really needs to be shared.
To address Theresa’s comment about why Dr. Qiao keeps it to himself, he does share the information, it’s not secret, but doctors are not open to this kind of procedure. Because gallstones reoccur, it isn’t cost effective for insurance companies to pay for several gallbladder surgeries when they can just pay once to have your gallbladder removed. So its all about money.
My surgery went very smooth and I’m so thankful that there is a doctor who’s willing at all to do this procedure. I feel totally back to normal and have my life back finally.
http://gallstoneremovalsurgery.blogspot.com/
Thank you again for sharing your experience!
Lawren
Thank you for sharing Lawren, I’m so happy for you! It was lovely to read your own experience. Thank God for Dr Qiao and the gift he has given to people like us.
Hi Lawren, thanks for sharing your experience. I have a 2.6cm and I really don’t want to take my gallbladder out. Would you mind telling me the costs of your trip? Flights, hotel, surgery…
Did you find easy to communicate with nurses and doctors in the hospital?
Thank you so much!
I told my GP about this procedure and she said how come it is just being done at only one place in China?
I have also spoken about it to two gastroenterologists and a surgeon but all were scepitcal about it.
The only thing that stops me is the cost. I wish it was here in Australia or even UK as private health or public health (UK) would cover it.
I am surprised this surgeon keeps it to himself.
Theresa Leach (Adelaide, South Australia)
Hi Theresa, to my knowledge this surgery is now performed at more than one hospital and by more than one doctor. I had many doctors involved in my surgery (4 or more) whom I believe were learning about the procedure. The Doctor who developed the instrument used in the surgery is also known to travel to speak with other doctors about the surgery. I am not sure if they have been in contact with surgeons in other countries but have no doubt they were interested in doing this, and that patients in other countries have requested this. When I had the surgery it had only been around for a few years. My understanding is that it also takes time for a new procedure to become accepted and welcomed by the mainstream. People like to stick with what they know and at the end of the day it is us, not our local surgeons, who stand to benefit most from an investment in this particular procedure. So, in short, there has to be a consumer demand for it. At the end of the day the surgery exists and is available to you if you want it badly enough. I wanted it badly, and despite skepticism from the doctor I consulted here in Australia, I felt it was the best thing for me. 4 years later I am still full of gratitude for having been given that choice and believe it has been very important to my health.
Hi BodyMind
Thankyou for your reply. Regarding the availability of places doing this in China here is a transcript of the email I received back from them.
From: CHINA MED
To: theresa leach
Sent: Wednesday, 5 October 2016, 20:55
Subject: Re: gallbladder preserving surgery (China)
Dear Theresa,
…… Our hospital is the only place where people can keep their gallbladder. The director of our hospital is Dr Qiao – who invented all devices and technologies. He is also a director of Gallbladder disease Institute. He does all surgeries by himself for every foreign patient, of course with his doctors’ team.
Sincerely,
Nataly
I would like to know how to create a potential consumer awareness for this but not sure how to go about it. Maybe approach 60 minutes or A Current Affair television shows in Australia but not certain that would be a good idea as I have experienced several times that they are not always responsible with how they present stories.
BTW I am a likely candidate for this operation but need to send some more confirmation of my health status such as heart and latest gall bladder condition.
Hi,
I am very interested in going to China too for this surgery. I live in the US (Austin Texas) and I’m thinking April or May. Just curious of your status. Feel free to email me at monica201x@gmail.com
Hi Theresa,
I am very interested in going to China too for this surgery. I live in the US (Austin Texas) and I’m thinking April or May. Just curious of your status. Feel free to email me at monica201x@gmail.com
Hi Monica
Thanks for your message.
In 2016 I had 3 painful billious attacks and decided that I don’t want to go through that anymore. I am going to have an endoscopy on March 3. I am modifying my diet and making sure I don’t eat too much food at once as I have always had the attacks when doing this. For me $7000 (Australian $) is way too much plus the airfares for me and my companion. Most likely I will opt for gall bladder removal and forsee that it will be sometime this year as I am experiencing much bloating and not feeling 100%. I also have frequency with nauseating episodes but not vomiting. That only happens with the attacks. One positive is that the airlines started direct flights this year to Guangzhou from my city (Adelaide).
Warm regards Theresa
Thanks Theresa for getting back with me. I am looking to have the surgery in China early April 2017. Any and all prayers are welcome. I hope your surgery in your country gives you the relief you deserve as well. Best of luck.
Thanks for the information Theresa, I’m not surprised that Dr Qiao is the only one who performs the surgery for foreigners, they provide VIP treatment to people from overseas. There are probably other doctors who perform the surgery for local residents. Dr Qiao performed my surgery and I felt very confident in him, if only for being the expert in the surgery. It’s very good to hear that he is still the one performing the surgery for overseas visitors.
Hello, I am thinking of flying to China to have the gallstone removal procedure. Would you mind if I called you? Thank you, Monica
Please send me an email Monica, the address is thebodymindblog@gmail.com
Hi
I have a 2.6cm and miraculously I haven’t had any pain. I don’t want to take my gallbladder out I am researching for better options. Are you still feeling great after this procedure?
Hi Leticia,
The flight was about $800, the visa was about $150, we did stay in a hotel at the end of our trip but it was unnecessary and it wasn’t expensive, and the surgery was the price stated on the website: $5,500 with no hidden costs.
We had no trouble at all communicating with the hospital staff.
Happy to answer any questions you have. My blog is:
http://gallstoneremovalsurgery.blogspot.com/2016/09/my-name-is-lawren-and-i-had-gallstone.html
Best wishes,
Lawren
Your story is helping so many! Thank your for writing about your journey. I hope to be writing my own story soon.
Hi, there is a surgeon in Hobart Tasmania who does cholelithotomy (gallstone removal) Dr Chris Middleton. No need to travel o/s if you live in Australia (well just across Bass Straight) 😊 I too have gallstones and don’t want to lose my gallbladder. So I’m seeing Dr Middleton to book my stone removal.
Hi Kay, can you share more information about this? How does the surgeon perform the cholelithotomy procedure and is this a new development? It would be fantastic to have an Australian Surgeon to refer to.
Hi Kay,
I wish I would’ve known this. I already reserved my flight to China. Please share how much this surgeon charges, if you know? Thank you.
I too am closely following your thread on all of this. I seriously considered going to China but the cost of about $7000 plus flights was too much for my limited means. I went to a new GP where I have just moved location to and told him about this surgery. For the first time I have found a GP who is interested and encouraging me to investigate such a procedure.
Update: The news is not good. I had my consult with Dr Middleton yesterday and it turns out that his office had given me incorrect information. Like Mark I rang and was told he removes gallstones, however he only removes gallstones endoscopically from the common bile duct, not the gallbladder. I was so disappointed as it means I now to get my gallbladder removed as he said even if the stones were removed, my gallbladder is basically non-functioning due to past infections etc. He was very nice about the mixup and didn’t charge me for the consult. I’m so sorry I got your hopes up. Good luck to you all, Kay
What a pity Kay and sorry to hear of this disappointment. So far for myself I haven’t had any infections and my gallbladder is in good order. It is just filled with one large stone snd some sludge. The surgeon in Guangzhou, China looked at my ultrasound and said I was a candidate for his operation. The cost is money I do not have.
Have called Dr Middleton’s office and confirmed he will take the stones out. I am in the middle of organizing things for a trip to China for my Wife if she is approved, so it will be an interesting comparison to see how Dr Middleton does it to the Chinese. I will update this blog with any information I find out.
Thank you Mark, an update on that would be much appreciated.
Hi again Kay
Did Dr Middleton clarify how he removed the gallstones from the bile duct? Is it still a laproscopic procedure?
Regards Theresa
Hi Theresa, it’s an endoscopic procedure (via the mouth/throat) so no incisions.
This must be only for stones of a certain size then Kay?
hi,
i am so sorry for the late reply. and i am in pain as i type this. i don’t know what triggered this bout of pain today but it is hurting me right now. it is not like how it used to be before but the pain is still there.
as to what i did for shrinking the size of my gallstones, i really have no idea. i did however avoid all the foods that would trigger the pain. i used to drink lots n lots of water even when doctor told me more than 3 to 4 litres is not really necessary, i was pushing till 5 to 6 litres a day. i didn’t exercise cos that would mean losing weight n losing weight would mean more stone formation. i didn’t do anything extra. i was still eating i would normally eat but avoided the triggering foods. i hope this helps u 🙂
Coming from a country where there is nothing called health insurance or government help, I asked my parents to help me with the trip to China and they have refused me so many times that I have lost counts. I am only a student who depends on her parents financially and it is a large sum of money. All of my relatives are forcing me to get the gallbladder removal surgery but I don’t want to remove the organ. I have been so frustrated and depressed and I don’t know what to do any more. I found a Chinese people’s hospital in my country too but they said that they removes stones not more than 6 mm. So they referred me to another hospital and with lots of hope I went there only to be met with huge disappointment. My relatives think that the gallbladder is useless and keeping it will be useless and all of my doctor friends tell me the same. They tell me the stones will recur which I am aware of. But the incessant pressure from everyone to remove the gallbladder has me in a pedestal on whether I should listen to others or go with my gut feelings and wait till I earn on my own and fund my trip and surgery in China. I had 13 mm stone (the largest) which somehow went down to 9 mm. I don’t know what I did to decrese or melt the stones but i would like to do the same thing if it helps me to bring it down to 4 to 6 mm. Also my relatives think that surgery in China sounds really shady and that they might traffic my organs or kill me. My friend said that the Chinese doctors won’t consult with me or my family of any complications occur and that they might take out the gallbladder itself if complications during the surgery occur. I am so torn and tired and I don’t know what to do anymore. This page is my only solace where I read the post and comments and feel consoled. Just pouring my rant to ease myself. I apologise for the inconvenience.
That does sound really frustrating for you Srihuma. It took me 7 years to find this surgery and in between that time I was often torn as well, especially when I was in a lot of pain. No doctors or family supported my decision to wait, or finally to have this surgery in China. Sometimes there is no easy answer, but I decided to go this way because all of my research and my gut instinct told me it was the better decision to make. If you can find a way to manage your symptoms until you can make a decision that you feel comfortable with that would be my best advice. Take care of yourself.
I am curious to know from those who have had the gallstones removal in China whether they had a follow up ultrasound after returning to their home country.
Also wanting to know from Srihuma … did you have any lifestyle changes, physically or emotionally, around the time of your gallstones reducing on size?
Hi Theresajleach, yes I did have a follow up ultrasound on returning to Australia. I have had 2 since my surgery.
Curious if the thickness of the GB has reduced? Mine is currently 4mm pre-China surgery.
There was no increased thickness noted on the ultrasound before hand, so no there was no change.
Hi kram3732. Have you scheduled your op yet ?
Hello all,
Dr Middleton ended up giving me an emphatic no, so my Wife and myself went to China and she had her operation on the 11th of May. It was a complete success, and we were very impressed by Dr Qiao. I was able to watch the operation live on a monitor – where in the West do they back themselves to the point they allow the relatives to watch the operation? My Wife had 150 Gall Stones removed, and since then has been able to eat normally, and has enjoyed food she wasn’t able to eat for a long time.
We can only say everything to do with Dr Qiao is very professional, and the care my Wife got in China was excellent. We will be putting a blog together soon, and will link it with this one to help spread the word, as people deserve to keep their Gall Bladders if they choose.
Excellent news Mark, I am so happy for you and your wife. I was surprised to see that she had 150 gallstones removed! That is incredible.
Mark, have you put your blog already ?
Mark, please do post all the information you can. There are sooo many people who want this gallbladder preserving surgery and are lost for answers.
Hi kram3732. Have you scheduled your op yet ?
I can’t believe how many people your story is helping! I hope you keep this page going because it has been my salvation in helping me decide what to do with my gallbladder. All doctors in the U.S. have told me to remove it. I also have a stone…a little smaller than yours was, but still large. I’m going to do further research and will also be reporting about my journey with my gallbladder. This is just incredible…I hope it is the answer for me.
Hi, thanks for sharing your experience. it certainly gives immense hope to gall stone sufferers like myself. I am from the UK and as far as I know there is no such procedure done anywhere in this country although they do have a procedure called Spy Glass technique which is only meant for those cases that have single large stone stuck in their duct.
I am fed up of this kind of life like every other gall stone sufferer, i love my food and it is so unfair we are unable to eat what we would like to eat. Recently i had jaundice due to the stones, in fact I haven’t recovered fully. Once I am back to normal I hope to get in touch with the team in China to get the problem sorted. Thanks guys for sharing your experiences, it certainly helps 🙂
Wishing you a full recovery Abe, I’m so glad we can help each other just by sharing our experiences.
Hello all,
as promised I have put together a blog to share our experience, which can be found here;
savegallbladder.blogspot.com.au/
Mark and Marilou
Mark and Marilou, thank you for sharing your experience! I have anxiously been waiting to hear details as I have decided to go to China and have this operation done. I have yet to arrange everything, but your story and that of others have really put my mind at ease. Of course, the rest of my family will think I’m insane (they’ve all told me to have my gallbladder removed), but I have to follow my gut.
When deciding to keep your GB and everyone is against you, consider and investigate these things;
– When they remove it, they also remove a lymph node, called Lund’s Node, so they are removing some of your Lymphatic System, which is linked to your Immune System
– Possible increased risk of Bowel Cancer due to bile constantly dripping into your lower intestines and irritating them
– Possible increased risk of stroke due to reduced fat digestion and associated cell wall weakening
– Should/need to take supplements to assist digestion of fats for the rest of your life
– Should/need to take fat soluble vitamin supplements as your intake will be reduced due to problems digesting fat
Hi BodyMind,
how are you feeling ? You did your op 5 years ago. No stone re-occurrence ? Thanks.
Hello Rich,
related to your question – Marilou just had her 6 month checkup, and her Gall Bladder is free of stones and sludge.
Hello Mark !
That’s great news ! I am still planning my trip to china. Hoping to get there within few months from now.
Hello!
I’m considering having this operation done, and there’s a chance I’m going to have to go by myself, like you.
Was it hard to do it alone? How did you manage the luggage on the way back?
Did you feel the need to stay at a hotel for a few days after being released from the hospital, before undertaking the trip back home?
Best wishes,
Matic
Hello Matic, it was fine for me to do alone. But that is me, I can’t say how it would be for you. Not everyone recovers the same way. I had no pain and, no there was no issue with my luggage. I did stay in a hotel for a couple of days before leaving, but that was only because I booked to stay for a week in case there were any complications and was ready to be discharged from the hospital a couple of days before my flight. Hope that helps!
Hi Matic, I went alone for this surgery. I stayed in China for 5 days and flew back to the UK without any difficulties. I upgraded to business class on return to travel with comfort post the surgery. Hospital provides their clothing so best to travel light. I took more than required clothing but ended up using just two pairs. I did not stay in hotel after surgery, was in the hospital for five days and 6th day morning I flew back to my country. It has been three months since the surgery thanks to the doctors there I have a new life and I am stone free as confirmed by ultrasound last week. Best decision ever!
Best wishes,
Abe
Hello Bodymind,
Thank you for sharing your experience. You must be a brave woman. Travelled by your self to get a surgery. I also plan to travel alone. I will have got to China in the middle of this year since I suffering this disease since 2012. But I get worry. I have some questions if you do not mind, did you asked a pic of person who will pick you up in the airport? Did you buy a new sim card when you get there so you could make a contact with the hospital staff or just using the old one? How did you manage your feelings? I always have negative thoughts, like what if something bad happen to me and what if the surgery will not running well as expectation and so on. Do you have some tips for me please?
Hello Narosse, no I did not ask for a picture of the person who picked me up. I didn’t get picked up from the airport however, I caught a bus from the airport to the area where the hospital is and was picked up from the bus stop. One of the Doctors picked me up with his wife. They were also surprised that I was alone though.
I had planned to buy a sim card however I had issues with it and so had to use the sim I already had, which was expensive.
I think it is normal to have mixed feelings about having surgery, particularly one far from home in a foreign country. I was definitely nervous, however I also felt very certain that I wanted this surgery and that it was right for me, so that helped. It is important to listen to your feelings, they are there to protect you. If you feel nervous make sure you have all the information you need, especially about possible outcomes and risks. This will help you to feel clearer about what you are going into. I went into the surgery knowing that I could have stones return in a matter of months, since this was what had just happened to the gentleman who shared the information about the surgery online, that helped me get there. I was glad that I had that information before hand as it helped me decide whether I still felt it was worthwhile to try, and I did feel that it was. Fortunately for me, over 5 years since the surgery, my gallbladder is still clear.
I recommend you do what you need to do to calm your anxiety. Make sure you know where you are going and who is picking you up if that helps. Take someone with you if that helps. Take things with you to do that distract you, like movies, music or books. Download a guided meditation to listen to on your phone if that helps. A friend gave one she had created herself which I listened to before the surgery. If you believe in prayer, have people you know pray for you. It can be a great support just to know that people are holding you in good thoughts and I feel this helped me. I also went for an amazing 2 hour massage the night before my surgery at a nearby hotel, which really helped me to relax and sleep soundly. Communicate with the doctors if you are worried about anything. I found them to be very kind and attentive. Also remember that you are not alone, there are many of us who have gone before you and done this.
HI BodyMInd,
Thank you so much for your advice, I really appreciate it. My apologies that I reply your email just now. My previous plan to go to china in June was cancelled. I already registered by online and sent my latest USI, and my self-picture. Now just waiting for their observation. I hope everything will running well so in October I can go there.
Hello all, I’m considering doing this procedure for myself. I have two 2cm gallstones and lots of food sensitivities and heartburn. Does anyone care to update on post procedure status? I’d appreciate it! Thanks, Shelley
Hi,
I wanna share my experience too. It is almost a year since I took a surgery in China/ Guangzhou. It was Nov 27th 2018. My stone is look like sand, it is black. I still keep it in a small Jar. If you give your email address or email me at narosse@yahoo.com I will send you some pics of my gallbladder before and after incl the stones. I feel much better now and so gratefull that my gallbladder is still with me. Now I can eat food that I avoid before but of course with consideration do not too much fat because it raise bad cholesterol.
At first when I decided to fo there I was so terrified, worried and had no enough money. I had to borrow from bank to cover up the rest. I donot want to feel sick everyday. I want to make a chance to my gallblader to survive. If the surgery didnot work, the stones is back and my gallblader is broken then I will cut it out.
But I hope you can encourage your self to take a surgery in there. Because only in China can do that. It is not a promotion but an advice. If possible save your gallbladder.
Best wishes for you and goodluck.
Mercy C.
Hi Shelley, I can give you an update on my own status. It has been just over 6 years now since the surgery and my gallbladder seems to be well. I assume it is clear from stones as I have had no reoccurrence of my previous symptoms.
thanks for sharing your experience. I have a slient asymptomatic 2cm calcified stone discovered on an ultrasound and have been exploring what I can do to have it removed as I am sure that my gallbladder would be happier without it. I am happy people like yourself have shared your experience as it helps me to consider this surgical option performed in China to save the gallbladder.. I just have to build up the courage to go and have it done while I am still asymptomatic.
What I find remarkable is that given the number of gallbladders that are removed annually in Canada and USA that so few people are aware that a gallbladder preserving surgical option is available albiet only in China. Even more remarkable is that our surgeons are unaware of it as well as I have asked 3 leading surgeons here in Vancouver BC including the head of the Gastroenterology Dept at UBC.. I would have thought the surgeons that take out the gallbladders would at least be knowledgeable about the latest techniques available.
Hello Fred,
from our experience in Australia, the medical profession here, (in my opinion), are aware of what they are doing in China, but are dismissive of it. In their opinion (they have told us) that there is no point cleaning out the Gall Bladder as the stones will just come back. If someone doesn’t change their ways dietary and exercise wise, there is a high risk the stones will come back, but you have the option to start looking after yourself. With the old dissolution therapy, from memory, something like 50% of people had stones return after 7 years, so it is highly likely they just continued their old life style. I have also been told that insurance companies don’t like to pay for procedures if there is a risk of the problem coming back. After having your Gall Bladder out, there is no risk of it growing back 🙂
Past 3 months have been having recurring GI discomfort. Think it could be my silent large 2.7 cm gallstone discovered serrendipidously is now causing problems for me. I have decided the time has come to finally have the stone removed. Could anyone that has current contact information please be kind enough to share it. I am unable to make contact with Dr Qiao or any of his staff to begin to organize trip there for the gallbladder sparing surgery. This operation is still not available outside of China.
Hi all. Can anyone who had the surgery done post again on this site about what their experience has been years after the procedure? Also, contact info for Dr Chiao. Thanks
Hi Fred, in March it will be 11 years since I had the surgery. Aside from the experience and updates I shared here on this blog, all has been well with my gallbladder since. I have not had any further ultrasounds as this was not recommended. I am able to eat fatty foods with no issue. I still have a couple of food “allergies” which can trigger gallbladder pain but no attacks.
I was in touch with Dr Wang (standing left of me in the first photo) by email last week to check on the status of the surgery since I noticed the English website was no longer available. (I read that a Russian website was however). Nevertheless Dr Wang responded to let me know the surgery is still available to foreigners and to get in touch via email. I will include his email and other contact details he provided below:
wkysxf@163.com
Tel: +8613688895486
WeChat: 13688895486
Hope that helps,
Gina
Thanks Gina for the reply and info. Do you know whether Dr Wang is part of the same team as Dr Tie Qiao or is he in a different hospital? Thnaks
When I had the surgery Dr Wang was the liaison who organised everything, including picking me up and bringing me to the hospital. Possibly because he can speak some English. He also assisted Dr Qiao in the surgery along with a couple of other doctors. I don’t know what the situation is today. Best to ask Dr Wang by email if you’re specifically wanting Dr Qiao to perform the surgery. I have seen comments suggesting Dr Wang now performs some of the surgeries himself.