Foods To Avoid After A Gallbladder Removal

Gallbladder removal, also known as a cholecystectomy, is indicated for people who have an infected or inflamed gallbladder or who produce excessive amounts of gallstones. Symptoms after gallbladder removal, which include diarrhea, pain in the abdomen and poor digestion, can continue after the operation if you don't follow an appropriate diet. With the removal of the gallbladder, your body has to rely on your liver to process fats. To decrease the risk of symptoms, you have to be selective about how much and what kinds of fats you eat. Check with your doctor before making significant changes to your diet.

High-fat and Fried Foods

After you have your gallbladder removed, you may still experience a reaction from foods that are high in fat or fried. Dr. Michael Picco of the Mayo Clinic explains that increased concentrations of bile acid in the intestine may have a laxative effect. This can lead to diarrhea that may last a long time and affects as much as a third of all patients after a cholecystectomy. Each person's sensitivity to fats will vary after surgery, but for most people, it's necessary to avoid foods like bacon, fried chicken and foods cooked in grease or oil.

Whole Milk Products

Nutritious dairy products can cause discomfort in some people after gallbladder removal. Net Wellness explains that if you can tolerate dairy products after surgery, you should choose low- or non-fat versions and avoid whole milk products. In addition, it's important to read nutritional labels on foods, including any powdered or liquid supplements that might be used to maintain adequate caloric or nutritional intake. Some of these products may contain milk products, which include lactose, casein and whey.

Caffeine

Caffeine, found in coffee, tea, soft drinks and chocolate, is a natural stimulant that can also cause irritation to the digestive tract. This is especially true when you've had your gallbladder removed. Net Wellness cautions that although caffeine has been found in some research studies to help prevent gallstones, it's better avoided immediately after surgery. Carbonated beverages can also cause abdominal gas and bloating, so caffeinated or not, they should be avoided when you are recovering from gallbladder removal.

Gas-producing Vegetables, Beans and Legumes

Vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage can cause excess abdominal gas and also aggravate your digestive system after gallbladder removal. The same goes for beans and legumes or any food that previously caused you gas and accompanying stomach upset. Each person who has gallbladder removal surgery has his own specific tolerance level for foods that may or may not change after surgery. Check with your doctor before resuming consumption of small amounts of foods that caused you problems prior to surgery.