What to eat while waiting for gallbladder surgery

When you eat a meal that is high in fat, the liver must work extra hard to try to provide enough bile to help you digest the fat. For these reasons, it’s very important to watch what you eat after gallbladder removal. Your body will eventually adjust and you will most likely be able to start eating food that you enjoy again but this can take months or even years.

your diet 24 hours post surgery

For the first 2-3 days after surgery you probably won’t be very hungry. Anesthesia can cause nausea and it is generally recommended that you stay on a clear liquid diet for 24 hours after surgery – until the anesthesia has cleared out of your system completely. Also, remember that although the outside of your body does not look very traumatized (if you had a laparoscopic surgery) your body did just go through trauma. Your organs are adjusting to the effects of the gas that was used during surgery as well as the fact that an organ was removed. A clear liquid diet means that you can pretty much eat anything you can see through.

• Water
• Broth
• Jello-O
• Fruity juice without pulp (apple, grape and cranberry juice)
• Clear Soda (Avoid Caffeine)
• Tea
• Popsicles (without bits of fruit)

foods to avoid

There are some foods that should be avoided after gallbladder surgery. Generally, any foods that gave you pain before surgery will need to be avoided. It will take awhile for your body to learn how to digest fats so you should stick to a low fat diet for at least a few weeks after surgery and reintroduce them very slowly. Dairy products and too much fiber can also cause problems. The BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce and Toast) should be avoided if you are having problems with constipation. However, if you are having diarrhea you may want to eat more of these food.

• Fried Food
• Dairy Products – especially cheese
• Peanut butter
• Greasy foods
• Raw Vegetables
• Caffeine
• Alcohol (especially if you are on pain pill)

Medically Reviewed By William C. Lloyd III, MD, FACS

• Short-Term Digestion Issues After Cholecystectomy

  If you’ve suffered with troublesome gallstones, you know that eating fatty foods can trigger pain. Gallbladder removal solves that problem, but you may temporarily have some other issues with eating after cholecystectomy. Your gallbladder isn’t vital for proper digestion, but your body needs time to adjust without it. As you recover, you may have diarrhea and bloating after you eat fatty foods. Here are six tips on how to eat and what to include (and exclude) in your diet after gallbladder removal.

• 1. Ease Into It

  What you can eat right after surgery depends on your situation. Sometimes, doctors recommend liquids and soft foods. Other times, doctors let you eat what appeals to you. In most cases, you’ll find that soft, bland foods are easiest to digest. This includes foods like bananas, white rice, boiled potatoes, plain pasta, dry toast, and crackers. Gradually, you’ll be able to advance your diet and add more flavorful foods.

• 2. Choose Low-Fat Foods

  Your body will have problems digesting fat right after surgery. In a 'no gallbladder diet,' the less fat you eat the better. As you recover, you can gradually add more fat into your diet. Get used to reading food labels. Choose low-fat foods, and eat lean protein, such as skinless, baked chicken, turkey breast, and baked fish. Avoid fatty meats, greasy or fried foods, and foods with rich, creamy sauces. After a full recovery, you may be able to eat these foods in small amounts. Everyone is different. It’ll take a bit of trial-and-error to see what your digestive system can and cannot handle.

• 3. Dairy Dos and Don’ts

  Milk and dairy products are an important source of calcium, vitamin D, and protein. But this food group can cause problems after gallbladder surgery. To avoid upsetting your digestion, choose low-fat or fat-free dairy products like skim milk and low-fat cheese. Avoid whole-milk dairy products because the fat content can worsen diarrhea. On the other hand, low-fat yogurt with active, live bacterial cultures can help with your digestion.

• 4. Increase Fiber Slowly

  Fiber can help bulk up your stool if you have diarrhea, but it can also cause cramping and gas. This can add to your digestive symptoms after gallbladder removal. To help avoid this, increase the fiber in your diet slowly. Over several weeks, add fiber-rich foods, such as whole-grain breads and cereals, brown rice, nuts, legumes (beans, peas and lentils), and fresh fruits and vegetables.

• 5. Stay Hydrated

  When you have diarrhea after gallbladder removal, you need to think about hydration. Diarrhea can drain your body of fluids, vitamins and minerals. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water or vitamin- and mineral-enhanced beverages. Sports drinks containing sodium, chloride and potassium are a good option when you have diarrhea. Avoid alcohol and drinks with caffeine, such as coffee, tea, and soft drinks.

• 6. Develop Long-Term Eating Habits

  Most people get back to a regular, varied diet once they fully recover. But keep in mind it can take several days for your appetite to return and several weeks for your digestion to normalize. Sticking to a healthy, low-fat diet and eating small, frequent meals instead of a few, large ones may help you feel your best. If your digestion problems don’t go away, call your doctor. It could be a sign of a complication or you may need to take medicine to control your symptoms.

6 Tips on Your Diet After Gallbladder Removal | After Cholecystectomy

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