The gallbladder is a small pear-shaped organ of the biliary system. It stores bile produced by the liver, which aids in the breakdown of fats consumed in the diet. The bile is excreted into the gastrointestinal system, specifically the duodenum, which is the section of the small intestine closest to the stomach. Gallstones are hardened pieces of bile material, usually cholesterol, causing a blockage in the biliary tract and are usually the culprit of gall bladder dysfunction. This blockage can cause severe pain, inflammation and infection within this system.
Surgery
Gallbladder surgery is called cholecystectomy. The gallbladder is a non-essential organ, meaning that if there is dysfunction or disease it can be surgically removed without causing major physiological problems. Surgery is either done laparoscopically, through small incisions in the abdominal wall, or by open surgery, where a larger incision is made to remove the gallbladder. Recovery time is shorter for the laparoscopy, usually one day in the hospital, where an open surgery may require up to seven days.
Low-Fat Diet
Eating a diet high in fat may have been a contributing cause to your gallbladder disease. Many surgeons suggest that there are no dietary restrictions after surgery, but eating a healthier diet overall should be considered. The liver continues to excrete bile into the small intestine, but the amount will be less than when you had a gallbladder. This may mean that eating less fat in your diet, in smaller increments of food, might help for breakdown and absorption of the nutrients.
Diarrhea
Some people have symptomatic diarrhea related to the surgery. This happens because bile assists in controlling the speed of digestion, and since there is a change in bile amount, the food passes faster. If you experience this, decrease the amount of food that you eat at each meal, but eat at more frequent intervals. If you have chronic diarrhea, consult your gastrointestinal doctor for care regarding this matter. Diarrhea may cause malabsorption, dehydration and dangerous electrolyte imbalances.
Anesthesia
Cholecystectomy requires general anesthesia. You will be given medications that may take 24 to 48 hours to leave your system. Some people experience post-operative nausea related to anesthetics. If this occurs, maintain a clear liquid diet until the nausea subsides. Advance the diet slowly until you can tolerate a regular diet without difficulty.
Pain Medication
Narcotic pain medication may be prescribed for pain control. Examples of these are Vicodin, Percocet, hydrocodone, oxycodone and codeine. These pain medications may have side effects, such as dizziness, nausea and constipation. Eat something light, such as crackers or a piece of bread, prior to taking your medication to help with decreasing the chance for upset stomach. If on pain medications for a few days or more, you may want to ask your doctor about a stool softener if constipation is a problem.
Follow Up
Follow up with your doctor as ordered. Limit your activity as suggested to allow healing of your surgical site. Call you doctor with any questions or concerns you may have regarding diet, pain, nausea, diarrhea, or any symptoms that may suggest infection such as redness or drainage at the surgical site or fever.
This advice is for nutritional education only. The above information has neither been verified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, nor been reviewed by a medical doctor. Please consult your physician for any medically related concerns related to how this relates to your condition.
