<s>[INST] I had my gallbladder out a week ago today. I was told that I had black, muddy sludge in my gallbladder. What exactly does that mean? I also hear that most patients who have lap chole s are back to normal in just a few days. I am exactly a week post op, and I still feel terrible. I am 34, no medical problems, 5 2, 110 pounds, and very active with my two children. Thanks! [/INST] Dear ...! Many thanks for the query. I have gone through your mail thoroughly and could understand your position. Muddy sludge is a powder like material formed and seen in the gall bladder which eventually get hardened to form gall stones. Sludge is more dangerous than stones as this material can get into the bile duct and can cause jaundice and pancreatitis due to obstruction to passage of pancreatic secretions. Pain and abdominal discomfort are not common after a laparoscopic cholecystectomy after 2-3 days after surgery. Pain abdomen a week after surgery would suggest a retained stone in the common bile duct or some pancreatitis due to residual sludge in the CBD, gastritis, duodenal ulcer etc... You need to see a doctor and get some blood tests and an ultrasonogram of the abdomen to rule out any ominous cause of your pain. Regards </s>