The gallbladder aids in the digestion process by regulating the flow of a thick, digestive liquid called bile into the intestines, according to MedlinePlus. Without the gallbladder, the liver is unable to release enough bile to adequately break down fatty foods, which can cause digestion problems. Gallbladder surgery, also referred to as a cholecystectomy, is the removal of the gallbladder to eliminate pain commonly associated with gallstones, gallbladder dysfunction or gallbladder disease. Eating a healthy diet consisting of a variety of liquids, fruits, vegetables and lean meats following gallbladder surgery may help you avoid digestive upset.
Liquids
Immediately following gallbladder surgery, your physician may recommend a liquid diet, according to the Virginia Surgery Associates. Removing the gallbladder may disrupt your digestive system and cause an upset stomach, loss of appetite, constipation, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Liquids are less stressful on the digestive system, easier to tolerate and provide your body with the nutrients needed to heal. To avoid stomach discomfort following gallbladder surgery, you should consume liquids such as non-cream-based soups and vegetable broths for the first few days. Slowly reintroduce bland, low-fat solid foods such as eggs, unseasoned broiled or baked chicken, pudding and noodles into your diet. You may experience loose stools when first eating solid foods, but this symptom should subside once your digestive system adjusts to the changes in your body. Following gallbladder surgery, it is important to pay attention to how your body reacts to certain foods and permanently eliminate those foods from your diet if they cause stomach upset.
Oatmeal
If you have recently had gallbladder surgery, you should be able to consume fiber-based foods such as oatmeal once you are able to resume a normal diet. Fiber helps to move food through your digestive system at a faster pace, which may reduce gastrointestinal discomfort such as gas, bloating, upset stomach, diarrhea and nausea. It is important to slowly add fiber-based foods back into your diet so your digestive system has an adequate time to transition from liquids to solid foods. Other foods that contain fiber include whole grain breads, potatoes, beans, broccoli, apples, berries, prunes and oranges.
Salmon
A good food to eat following gallbladder surgery is salmon. Salmon contains a healthy amount of omega-3 fatty acids, which are polyunsaturated fatty acids that aid in the digestion process. After your gallbladder is removed, bile empties directly into the small intestine instead of being stored in the gallbladder. The website McVitamins states that once the gallbladder is removed, it can slow down how much bile your liver produces. Bile is needed to adequately break down the fats in high-fat foods. When the amount of bile in the intestine is inadequate, it can cause gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea, gas, bloating, stomach pain and nausea. It is important to incorporate omega-3 fatty acids into your daily diet following gallbladder surgery. Other healthy sources of omega-3 fatty acids are tuna or mackerel, flaxseed, olive oil and walnuts.
References
- Virginia Surgery Associates, P.C.: Gallbladder Removal
- MedlinePlus: Gallbladder Removal - Laparoscopic -- Discharge
- MedlinePlus: Gallbladder Removal - Open
- Oprah: What to Eat After a Gallbladder Removal
- McVitamins: Life Without a Gallbladder
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Omega-3 Supplements: An Introduction
Member Comments