If you are having pain due to a gallstone that has become stuck in the bile duct, your symptoms will continue until you pass the stone or have surgery.  Sometimes gallstones can cause inflammation of the pancreas, another organ in the digestive system. This is an illness called pancreatitis and it usually needs to be treated at the hospital.

If you are not going to have surgery right away, avoid fatty and greasy foods.   Take your pain medicine as directed by your doctor.  Keep follow-up appointments with your doctor. See your doctor before your next scheduled checkup if your symptoms are getting worse.
To help prevent cholecystitis cause by gallstones, avoid foods high in fat. Read the labels on food packages to learn the ingredients.  Avoid fasting. Long periods of fasting can cause gallstones because the bile stays in the gallbladder too long.  Maintain a normal weight with a healthy diet and physical activity.