The gallbladder is an organ located near the liver that stores bile. Bile, which is manufactured in the liver, is an emulsifier that prepares fats and oils for digestion. When you eat fat, the gallbladder gets a hormonal signal to release bile into the intestine for fat digestion. Cholecystectomy is a common surgery that removes the gallbladder. A clear liquid diet may be recommended immediately after surgery and then later advanced to a regular diet once bowel sounds are present. To help minimize complications, a low fat diet may be a healthy choice to follow after gallbladder removal.
Dairy
Skim milk, zero percent fat yogurt, or buttermilk made with skim milk, soy, rice or almond milk are all low-fat dairy choices. Look for zero to one percent milk fat when making dairy food selections. Whole milk, yogurt higher than two percent milk fat, and cheese should be avoided as you body is not yet accustomed to digesting fat without bile from your gallbladder. If you eat high-fat dairy products, inform your medical doctor as you may experience some discomfort such as diarrhea.
Fats and Oils
Use fats and oils sparingly. Choose healthy fats and oils, such as canola or olive, and limit them to three servings daily. Try to avoid unhealthy saturated fats from animals, such as butter and bacon, and choose instead healthier fats like two tablespoons of avocado or two teaspoons nut butter. Whenever possible, have a vegetable with a healthy oil. For instance, have one cup of grilled asparagus with a teaspoon of olive oil. Better yet, steam the asparagus with lime juice and avoid the oil.
Meat and Meat Substitutes
Healthy low-fat meat and meat substitutes give you protein, essential minerals, such as iron, and other nutrients your body needs. Choose lean meats such as tenderloin, flank or sirloin cuts, skinless turkey and chicken breast, and fish. Prepare your meats by trimming visible fat, and use minimal oil when cooking by baking, broiling, roasting, poaching or steaming.Tofu, legumes and eggs or egg whites without added fat also provide a low-fat alternative to meat.
Tips
Include the recommended servings of food groups such as mentioned in the USDA's food pyramid. Fruits and vegetables that are raw, steamed or cooked in juice or broth provide a low fat option. Read the nutrition fact panel on foods and beverages to help identify options that are low in saturated fat and cholesterol. Avoid beverages made with high fat items such as whole milk, cream and alcohol. Instead, choose water, pure fruit juice, coffee, cocoa and tea with skim milk. If diarrhea occurs, choosing decaffeinated beverages and replacing fluid loss with water may help.
