Everyone is different. I was getting recurrent attacks from having stones stuck in my CBD. The pain was so much worse than the gall bladder op. I have also had more discomfort and pain from other operations - even ones considered minor, like egg retrivals. I didn't have time to wait or dwell on the op, mine was done very very quickly. I also didn't quite grasp how my digestion would be affected. You really do need to be gentle on your system for a while. But I'm pretty sure the op itself will actually make you feel better, not worse.