Had mine out several years ago. I was experiencing extreme pain for several years, but the episodes were so far apart. I then told my doc and she ordered an ultrasound...the next week I had my gall bladder removed. It had been months since the last attack, but apparantly I had a stone that was starting to block the duct and the surgeon said I needed it out immediately before it went into the duct. I haven't had the pain since. Be careful on your trip, Lise...