Gallbladder Removal Story - University Surgical Associates

Ringgold business owner gets back to her children’s boutique after gallbladder surgery

By Maria Kerns, owner of Buttons and Bows Children’s Consignment and Boutique

Q: What type of health issue were you experiencing?

I started having symptoms a year ago, and I thought it was a problem with my kidneys. I had abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea, and sometimes diarrhea. The symptoms would come and go where they would stay for a few weeks and then get better. I always thought it was a kidney stone moving around, and I would start feeling better so I would not seek treatment.

Q: What made you decide to seek treatment?

Ultimately, I told my doctor that we had to figure something out because my symptoms were not going away. After looking further into it, my doctor diagnosed me with gallbladder issues, and he told me I most likely needed surgery.

My doctor referred me to Dr. Benjamin Dart for a consultation and surgical removal of the gallbladder.

Q: How would you describe the experience — including before, during and after the procedure?

I was able to receive surgery quickly – around 2 or 3 weeks after my first consultation with Dr. Dart. It was my first major surgery, and I was completely terrified. Even after the first visit I had with Dr. Dart, he quickly took my fear away. He was very calming, reassuring, and he was sure to walk me through every step.

I told him that I regularly had horrible nausea which made me nervous about surgery. I also told him after surgery that I was shaking uncontrollably because of the anesthesia, and he immediately gave me medication to calm my nerves.

Dr. Dart genuinely listened to my concerns and then gave me the appropriate dosages of medication to make sure I was taken care of. I was very pleased and comfortable before, during, and after surgery with Dr. Dart and the treatment from his team.

A year later, I’m navigating a new and unfamiliar diet but pain free and recovering well. I would definitely go back to Dr. Dart for any surgeries in the future.