The gallbladder is a pear-shaped organ positioned just below the liver. Bile is secreted by the liver to help the body digest fats. During digestion, the gallbladder stores bile and releases it into the duodenum, which is the portion of the small intestine adjoining the stomach. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, gallstones occur when too much cholesterol in the bile clumps together. Gallstones are the most common reason for gallbladder removal surgery, or cholecystectomy.
The Procedure
Most gall bladder removal surgery is done laparoscopically, in which three or four small incisions are made in the abdomen under general anesthesia. A tiny lighted camera, the laparoscope, is inserted through one of the incisions. Other instruments will be inserted in the other incisions, and the gall bladder will be removed through one of them. Most people will go home later the same day or after an overnight stay.
During Recovery
Following surgery, you will be given liquids once you are awake from anesthesia. You will then start eating small amounts of regular food. After you are discharged home, your healthcare provider will most likely advise you to eat a low-fat diet. Besides avoiding fried, greasy foods, you need to drink at least six to eight glasses of water daily. Fruits and vegetables provide fiber as well as nutrients, so consume at least four servings each day. Eat at least two servings of whole grains and two servings of other cereals or breads every day.
Sample Menu
A typical day's diet may start with whole wheat toast, skim milk, coffee and cereal. A piece of fruit can be eaten later in the morning as a snack. Lunch could include a grilled turkey sandwich with low-fat or fat-free cheese, lettuce and tomato and fruit salad. For dessert have a slice of angel food cake. Later in the afternoon, drink a cup of skim or fat-free milk.
Appropriate dinner choices include broiled skinless chicken breast, rice, broccoli with low-fat cheese sauce, and a hard dinner roll. A tablespoon of margarine may be used if it is low-fat. Dessert or a later snack could include low-fat frozen yogurt or a cup of skim or fat-free milk. Remember to keep portion sizes small.
Tips
Eat smaller, more frequent meals to avoid gas and bloating. Each meal should include a small amount of lean protein, such as nonfat dairy or fish. Avoid fried and high-fat foods and sauces. Foods should have three grams of fat or less per serving. Gradually increase the amount of fiber in your diet over a few weeks. Fiber is needed to avoid constipation and diarrhea.
