Your doctor may recommend surgical removal of the gallbladder, also known as cholecystectomy, if you have recurring gallstones, gallbladder disease or infection of the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small organ attached to the liver which releases a substance called bile, which aids digestion. Because the liver can take over the responsibilities of the gallbladder, the removal generally does not cause problems with digestion. Once you've had your gallbladder removed, you may find you still experience certain food intolerances you had before surgery. Your doctor may recommend that you focus on eating certain foods after gallbladder removal. Check with your doctor before making significant dietary changes.
Omega-3 and Omega-6 Rich Foods
Consuming foods that are rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can help reduce cholesterol in your body. Additionally, these foods, which include olive and flaxseed oils, as well as salmon and mackerel, are part of a healthy diet that reduces your risk of cardiovascular disease. If you had problems digesting fats before your surgery, you may need to reintroduce them gradually. Ask your doctor what the recommendations are for omega-3 and omega-6 consumption following gallbladder removal.
Fresh and Pureed Fruits and Vegetables
Depending on the extent of your gallbladder disease and surgery, you may be told to consume soft foods until your body fully recovers. With your physician's approval, begin to reintroduce fiber-rich fruits and vegetables to your diet in pureed or cooked form. Fiber helps aid healthy digestion and facilitates the excretion of waste products and cholesterol. Additionally, fruits and vegetables are a rich source of vitamin C and other antioxidants that can help healing. According to the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons, patients may have problems with gas-producing foods after gallbladder removal. To avoid these problems, limit or avoid eating cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and gas-producing fruits like raisins.
Low-Fat Condiments and Cooking
After your gallbladder removal, your doctor will likely recommend a low or moderate fat intake, which should consist mainly of lean and omega-3 rich proteins. A research study published in the October 1973 edition of "GUT, An International Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology" found that after gallbladder removal, patients have almost half the bile salts they had before surgery. As a result, there is less bile available to process fats, which may cause problems if you've had sensitivity to them before surgery. Hidden sources of fat, which can include condiments and flavorings used in cooking, can add significant fat to your diet. Instead, choose their low-fat or nonfat counterparts when shopping or make your own from scratch.
Cottage Cheese, Fish and Yogurt
One of the primary nutritional concerns after any surgical procedure is consuming enough high-quality protein. Protein is made of amino acids, which are used to repair and replace tissues after injury, illness or surgery. High-fat sources of protein, like red meat, may cause problems if you've had gallbladder removal surgery. Instead, choose low-fat and nonfat cottage cheese, fish and yogurt, which are easy to digest and contain less saturated fat than most meats. Your body will get the protein it needs to heal and you can avoid symptoms that can occur after surgery due to intolerance to high fat foods.
References
- University of Maryland; Gallstones and Gallbladder Disease -- Symptoms; June 2009
- Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons: Patient Information for Laparoscopic Gall Bladder Removal (Cholecystectomy)
- "GUT, An International Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology"; The Effect of Cholecystectomy on Bile Salt Metabolism; E. W. Pomare, et al.; October 1973
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse; Gallstones; July 2007
