Hi!
By the time you are having gall bladder attacks, the problem is really too big to try self-treatment.
I was afraid of the surgery too, but it wasn't a big deal at all. The laparoscopic surgery just means three or four small incisions and an overnight stay in the hospital. If there are complications, then sometimes a different approach has to be taken--but your surgeon can advise you about it.
I didn't have insurance when I had my gall bladder removed. I had one huge stone, about an inch in diameter--no way was that coming out on its own.
The bill was something like $6,000 (this was 12 years ago), but I talked with the hospital about a discount and also with my surgeon's billing. The anesthesiologist wouldn't negotiate. At any rate, it took me about 3 years to pay off the surgery with monthly payments.
If it has to be done, it has to be done!
Jay