Although the gallbladder has a role in the digestive process, digestion is rarely affected permanently following gallbladder removal surgery, or a cholecystectomy. However, some people experience temporary bloating, diarrhea or other digestive upsets following gallbladder removal. The body also has temporary trouble handling fat for a few weeks or months afterward. Usually, no special dietary changes are needed permanently. However, a healthy, low-fat diet emphasizing healthy fats and minimizing unhealthy fats is important at first. To minimize digestive discomfort once your gallbladder is removed, pay attention to how you introduce fat back into your diet. While there are basic guidelines, always follow the instructions of your surgeon and doctor.
Step 1
Eat soy-based foods and legumes as your protein sources for a few days. In addition to protein, these foods provide important dietary fiber and other nutrients with minimal fat. While you can rely on them less as you reintroduce fats into your diet, continue to eat them at least a few times a week as a permanent dietary change. Increase your typical fiber consumption with fruits and vegetables, as well.
Step 2
Consume small servings of fish and skinless poultry at meals, avoiding red meats for at least several weeks after your gallbladder removal. These foods are low in saturated fat, while fish is an excellent source of healthy unsaturated fats, including omega-3 fatty acids.
Step 3
Skip foods that contain trans fat, such as many fried foods and packaged snack products. This is a change to adopt permanently. The American Heart Association recommends that healthy adults get no more than 1 percent of their daily calories from trans fat.
Step 4
Stop eating butter, or foods prepared with it, or with shortening, lard, coconut oil, palm oil or other saturated fats. Introduce cooking oils that contain unsaturated fats into your diet gradually and in small quantities. These include most vegetable and nut oils.
Step 5
Snack on a handful of nuts or seeds for unsaturated fats as you begin to tolerate fat better. Try spreading a teaspoon of peanut or other nut butter over celery or whole grain crackers. These and other healthy snacks, can replace sugary junk foods and snacks containing trans fat.
Step 6
Wait at least a few days after your gallbladder removal surgery to have dairy products. Have just one daily serving at first, and see how you respond. Use skim milk, from which the saturated fat is removed. Eat low-fat yogurt, cheese or other dairy foods. Though you can build up to more dairy slowly, the Harvard School of Public Health advises limiting yourself to a serving or two every day as part of your permanent dietary habits.
Step 7
Introduce the occasional serving of lean red meats after you've tolerated unsaturated fats well for at least several weeks. Red meat should only be an occasional indulgence, though, on a permanent basis. Trim visible fat from cuts of red meat before cooking it.
References
- Connecticut Surgical Group: Gallbladder Surgery
- National Health Service: Do I Need to Change My Diet After Gallbladder Surgery?
- NetWellness: What Type of Diet Should I Be on if I Have Gall Bladder Problems?
- Go Ask Alice!: What Can I Eat After Having My Gallbladder Removed?
- American Heart Association: Know Your Fats
- Harvard School of Public Health: Building a Better Pyramid
