What to eat after gall bladder removal surgery?If you had surgery to remove your gall bladder, digesting some foods may be difficult. Some people may even develop side effects like diarrhoea and loose stools. Show Without your gall bladder, bile flows directly into your small intestine. Your body will be unable to regulate bile with the same efficiency, which slows down digestion. Most people do not need to follow a special diet after having their gall bladder removed, but you will be advised to follow a low-fat diet for several weeks after the surgery. As your body recovers, you should aim to have a generally healthy and balanced diet to allow your body enough time to adjust to life without a gall bladder. So what should you eat after you have your gall bladder removed? 1. Healthy fats Unsaturated fats like corn oil, soy bean oil, canola oil, olive oil and omega-3 found in cold-water fish, nuts, seeds, flaxseed oil and fish oils are easier to digest than fatty foods. While unsaturated fats make an important part of a healthy diet, it is best to keep your fat intake low, and use low-fat alternatives like low-fat dairy products, lean meats and non-fried foods, especially in the initial weeks after the surgery. 2. Fibre Fibre is essential as it helps in the movement of food through your gut, supports digestion and prevents diarrhoea. You should increase your intake slowly as a sudden increase of fibre can make you feel bloated. High-fibre foods include fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts and seeds. 3. Lean meat Proteins are the building blocks of muscles and the repair of body tissues. Red meats are high in protein, but they are also high in fat. It is therefore wise to choose lean meats after surgery. 4. Low-fat protein You can also look to other low-fat protein alternatives such as fish, zero-fat dairy, nuts, seeds, soy and beans. They provide protein and contain low amounts of salt, sugar and fat. Choose low fat protein foods like fish, poultry without skin, non-fat dairy products, beans and lentils, and soy-based foods. 5. Plant-based foods Plant-based foods are a healthy source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Consume a lot of fresh fruit and vegetables after surgery to ensure your diet is rich in nutrients. Worst foods to eat after gall bladder removal surgeryFood nourishes you and helps your body heal from the stress of surgery, but some foods may do the opposite. Processed foods, fatty meats, full cream dairy products, foods and beverages high in sugar and refined grains are not advised to be consumed in the initial weeks after surgery. Here is a list of items that you shouldn’t eat too much of:
Additional diet tipsIt might seem daunting to make so many diet changes after gall bladder removal surgery, but a healthy diet will aid your recovery process and help your body adjust to having no gall bladder. Besides the foods that help digestion, there are some other tips you can try:
You can speak to a dietitian to get a detailed post-operative meal plan. Article reviewed by Alefia Vasanwala, principal dietitian at Mount Elizabeth Hospital Reference Gallbladder Diet. Retrieved on 22/2/20 from https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/features/gallbladder-diet-foods-for-gallbadder-problems#2 Gallbladder Diet. Retrieved on 22/2/20 from https://www.healthline.com/health/gallbladder-diet#gallbladderfriendly-foods Gallbladder Removal Diet: What to Eat and What to Skip. Retrieved on 22/2/20 from https://www.healthline.com/health/gallbladder-removal-diet Your Diet After Gallbladder Removal. Retrieved on 24/2/20 from https://www.everydayhealth.com/gallbladder/guide/diet/ What to Eat After Gallbladder Removal. Retrieved on 24/2/20 from https://www.verywellhealth.com/foods-to-eat-after-gallbladder-removal-1945017 Can you recommend a diet after gallbladder removal? Retrieved on 24/2/20 from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cholecystectomy/expert-answers/gallbladder-removal-diet/faq-20057813 Can you eat normally after gallbladder removed?eat a normal diet straight away – you can return to a normal diet even if you were advised to avoid certain foods before your operation, although you should try to have a generally healthy and balanced diet (read more about diet after gallbladder surgery)
Do you gain weight after gallbladder removal?People who undergo gallbladder removal surgery will often experience changes in their body weight ahead of and following this procedure. Many people will lose weight initially but may see an increase in their BMI in the long term. It is usually possible to manage these weight changes with diet and exercise.
What are the best foods to eat after gallbladder surgery?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. Your body will have problems digesting fat right after surgery.
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