When your gall bladder is not performing properly or you have developed gallstones, you may need to have the organ removed. Symptoms you may have that lead to gallbladder removal surgery include nausea, indigestion, pain after eating or infection. Other precursors to the procedure include obesity, liver disorders, trouble breathing and pancreatitis. Typically, you stay in the hospital for two to six days, after which you should follow your doctor's orders, which usually include a scheduled eating plan.
Greasy Foods
Having your gallbladder removed does not affect your ability to digest food, but according to the Mayo Clinic, the surgery can leave you prone to bouts of diarrhea. Greasy foods and those made with saturated fats can exacerbate your condition. Avoid fried foods such as French fries, onion rings and chicken as well as high-fat foods such as doughnuts that typically are deep-fried.
Milk
You may have trouble drinking milk, as many people are lactose intolerant when they are experiencing diarrhea, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. To get your daily calcium and protein, consider switching to yogurt, which has less lactose than milk. Yogurt that has additional live bacteria cultures, often labeled as probiotics, may relieve the uncomfortable watery stool symptoms that often occur after gallbladder removal.
Bland Foods
In the hospital, you will start on a liquid diet until you can better tolerate food following your surgery. When you experience diarrhea, a bland diet is recommended and may include the BRAT combination of foods. Bananas, rice, applesauce and toast are ideal for combating the effects of diarrhea. Refrain from putting butter on your toast. Other bland foods that may be better tolerated once you lose your gallbladder include crackers, boiled potatoes without cream or butter, cooked carrots and chicken that's baked without any skin or fat.
Fiber
The gallbladder stores and secretes bile by sending it to the liver to break down fats. A diet high in fiber does not require as much bile to digest and can help you avoid many of the digestive symptoms experienced by people without gallbladders. In addition to diarrhea, bloating, gas, constipation and kidney stones are common occurrences that follow gallbladder surgery. A healthy, high-fiber diet helps to eliminate many of the symptoms and should replace refined carbohydrates and hydrogenated oils in your diet. Except when experiencing a bout of diarrhea, you should concentrate on fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and organic grain-fed meat to reduce complications.
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