Cholecystectomy is the name of the surgery for the removal of the gallbladder, which is one of the most common surgical procedures in the United States, notes Dr. David L. Katz, M.D., in "O, The Oprah Magazine." In fact, there are more than 500,000 cholecystectomies performed every year. After the removal of the gallbladder, 1 in 3 people may experience diarrhea, which can last for years, notes Michael Picco, MD, Mayo Clinic Gastroenterologist. Therefore, choosing the right foods after a cholecystectomy is important.
Low Fat Foods
Although, the gallbladder is not essential to healthy digestion, notes MayoClinic.com, many people do experience diarrhea after its removal. Katz notes that, although this organ may not be essential, it does play an important role in the digestion process, especially the digestion of fat. The gallbladder stores and release bile, which is a substance the body uses to process fat. After gallbladder removal, bile still flows from the liver into the intestines but in a more sporadic way, which can also causes discomfort after eating a particularly fatty meal. NHS, the National Health Service in the UK, recommends avoiding fatty foods, including dairy products because they can worsen diarrhea. Similarly, the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health suggest avoiding fatty foods for a while after surgery and reintroducing them to the diet slowly over time.
High Fiber Foods
Eating more foods that are high in fiber, like brown rice and wholemeal bread, can help to make stools more firm, notes NHS. Katz recommends increasing the daily fiber intake gradually and including foods like fruits, vegetables, lentils and beans, in addition to whole grains. Eating smaller meals, more frequently, and evenly spaced throughout the day can also improve the digestion process. Furthermore, ensuring that at least four servings of fruits and vegetables and four servings of breads and cereals are consumed daily is recommended by the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, especially after surgery. Another benefit of including foods that are high in fiber is that it can improve the movement of food through the digestive system and help to reduce bloating.
Caffeine Free, Low Sugar Foods and Probiotics
It is important to limit foods that can make diarrhea worse, notes Picco, like caffeine containing drinks and very sweet foods or drinks. Caffeine has a stimulating effect on the body. It kicks all the body systems into high gear, including digestion, ntoes Medline Plus and these effects can exacerbate diarrhea. NHS suggests abstaining from coffee and tea altogether. Caffeine is also found commonly found in sodas and chocolates and these foods should also be avoided. Katz also recommends a daily probiotic supplement because the healthy bacteria found in probiotics can increase the efficiency of digestion.
References
- National Health Service: Do I need to change my diet after gallbladder surgery?
- University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health: Cholecystectomy Home Care
- Mayo Clinic: Chonric Diarrhea-A Convern After Gallbladder Surgery?
- O Magazine: What to eat after gallbladder removal.
- Medline Plus: Caffeine in the diet
