If you want to learn more about the foods to avoid after gallbladder removal, read our article. The gallbladder is a part of your digestive system. This small organ stores the bile that’s produced in your liver. It helps the digestion process by releasing bile into the intestines.
Gallbladder problems can be triggered by various factors. However, gallstones are considered responsible for most gallbladder disorders (1). If a gallstone gets stuck in the bile duct, bile flow will be obstructed, and digestion will be difficult. In such situations, you can experience problems like indigestion, nausea, and vomiting, belching, bloating, and abdominal pain. This pain can be very persistent and can last for hours. It usually starts right after a meal.
Gallbladder problems can result in serious complications. If diagnosed early, most of these problems can be successfully treated. However, gallbladder disorders are usually characterized by non-specific symptoms, and it is hard to tell whether it is gallbladder or something else. If left untreated, these symptoms can lead to severe problems, some of which can only be treated with surgery.
Gallbladder SurgerydThere are two different types of gallbladder surgery: open cholecystectomy and laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Laparoscopic surgery is considered much safer than open cholecystectomy (which is more invasive and carries a certain risk of secondary infections after the surgery). In laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the incisions are barely visible, and they leave small scars (2). In open cholecystectomy, the incision is quite large and it takes more time to heal. The entire recovery lasts longer than in patients who had a laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Foods to Avoid After the Surgery
After having gallbladder surgery, you will be advised to change your eating habits and take in probiotics to help your tummy adjust. Your body will take time to get used to the new situation (without the gallbladder), so after the surgery, you will have to consume liquid foods.
It is important to say that the gallbladder diet is not only temporary. You will have to change your diet for good (3). Fortunately, the gallbladder diet is not too restrictive, and you will be able to enjoy some great healthy foods. However, you will have to avoid foods like:
- Cholesterol-loaded foods
- Hydrogenated oils
- Artificial sweeteners
- Sugary foods
- Foods that contain additives
- Cabbage
- Eggs
- Fatty sauces
- Margarine
- Mayonnaise
- Butter
- Fatty dairy products
- Broccoli
- White bread
- Pancakes
- Caffeine
- Alcohol
- Fatty meat
- Fried foods
Article Studies, References, and Resources
- Gallstones (Cholelithiasis) By Mark W. Jones – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29083691/
- Cholecystectomy By Kenneth R. Hassler – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28846328/
- What to Know About Diet After Gallbladder Surgery Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors – https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/what-to-know-diet-after-gallbladder-surgery