Your gallbladder stores bile, a substance your liver produces to metabolize fats. While your gallbladder serves an important function, it can become diseased or blocked with gallstones, which necessitates removal. You can live without your gallbladder, but you will need to take special measures in your diet to compensate for the reduced amount of bile storage.
Reduce Fats
The gallbladder plays a part in helping your body digest fat. Without it, your body may not be able to break down fat as efficiently, which can lead to abdominal discomfort like cramping and bloating. One step you can take is to reduce your overall intake of dietary fats. This includes reducing high-fat cuts of meat and fried foods. Replace these with lower-fat options, such as skinless chicken breasts, fish and turkey. Use healthy cooking methods like grilling, broiling and baking.
Small Meals
Dr. David Katz, a recognized authority on nutrition, recommends eating smaller meals throughout the day after gallbladder surgery. This can reduce the amount of bile your body needs to digest the fats in your meals. Small meals could be a bowl of cereal, milk and a banana, or half of a turkey sandwich and a small side salad.
Increase Fiber Intake
If you are having trouble with abdominal cramping and digestion from the intake of fats, slowly increase your fiber intake. Added fiber helps ensure more efficient digestion, combining with digested foods in your stool, helping the food to move through. Fiber sources include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans and lentils. Add a new serving every few days until your abdominal symptoms decrease. Increasing your fiber intake too quickly can cause your intestines to give off gases that lead to bloating. A slow increase gives your body time to adjust properly.
Diarrhea Complications
One of the chief problems you may experience after having your gallbladder removed is an increased incidence of diarrhea. While the cause isn't exactly certain, Dr. Michael Picco, a Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist, suggests that the increased amount of bile going into the large intestine may have laxative effects. Some of the foods to avoid that can contribute to diarrhea symptoms include caffeinated beverages and foods like chocolate and dairy products. Greasy foods and sweets can also contribute to diarrhea and should be avoided.
