Gallbladder Surgery Diet

Following the gallbladder surgery diet after the procedure will help with recovery time. Proper diet also limits some of the uncomfortable side effects associated with gallbladder surgery.

The Gallbladder's Function

The gallbladder is a small organ located just below the liver. This organ stores the bile created by the liver between meals. When a meal is eaten, the bile enters the intestine and helps digest and transfer fat from the intestine to the body.

If the gallbladder is surgically removed, there is no longer anyplace for bile to be stored. The liver continues to produce bile, but it goes directly to the intestine to perform its intended function.

Eating Plan for the Gallbladder Surgery Diet

It is a good idea to eat five or six small meals per day when following this diet. Be sure to avoid fried and processed foods. Stick with fresh whole foods, and try to use organic foods whenever possible. The following list of basic "allowed" foods and those to avoided is a guideline. Discuss your eating plan with your dietician if you are not sure whether or not a food should be eaten.

Foods to include

• Sweet potatoes
• Okra
• Beets
• Green beans
• Avocados
• Fresh garlic and onions
• Tomatoes
• Grapes
• Apples
• Berries
• Vegetable juice
• Grape and apple juice

Foods to avoid

• Fried food
• Saturated fats
• Red meat
• Dairy products
• Eggs
• Margarine
• Pork
• Oranges
• Grapefruit
• Coffee
• Cola
• Corn
• Ice cream
• Wheat
• Barley
• Chocolate
• Radishes
• Turnips
• Cabbage
• Cauliflower

Benefits of Following a Gallbladder Diet

Removal of the gallbladder will help with pain symptoms, but is not the whole answer to getting back to good health. You will need to follow a diet that includes an abundance of healthy foods while eliminating harmful fats. This does not mean eliminating healthy fat from your diet. Be sure drink an adequate amount of fluid every day to prevent stomach acids from becoming too concentrated.

People who follow this diet find that they lose weight, have increased energy and become free of pain.

Reduction of Side Effects

After gallbladder surgery, bile is already present in the intestines. This speeds the digestive process. Diarrhea is the only certain side effect of gallbladder removal. It can last for years after the surgery, but tends to improve without treatment. There is no indication that changing your diet can stop diarrhea, but there are measures one can take not to aggravate the digestive system. Avoid the following foods and circumstances:

• Consuming alcohol
• Eating fatty foods
• Ingesting food and beverages that contain caffeine
• Eating dairy products
• Eating spicy foods
• Overeating
• Eating packaged foods
• Eating because of stress

Communicate with Your Dietician

There is general information available about the gallbladder surgery diet. However, each person has an individual situation. Different circumstances often call for variations to a diet plan. Be sure to discuss any concerns or health issues with your doctor or dietician. Adhering to your individual post-operative diet plan is crucial for a healthy recovery.

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