I had a bad gallbladder when I was in college - young, I know! I had so much going on at the time, that I wisely decided to have it removed because I couldn't risk an attack at finals or something equally pressing.

That said, I was 19 and my family thought I was nuts. They all bragged about taking pills or monitoring their diet and didn't need the operaton.... all of them ended up having it. Mom said she didn't know why she didn't have it sooner! Honestly, it was an easy operatuion and I was up and running within a week.... my mom too. My dad was up within two days (disgusting.. the man heals too fast)

I hope you feel better soon as there is no pain quite like that. Please consider the operation - you'll be glad you did.