Some tips on your gallbladder diet after removal

The gallbladder is a small organ that sits under your liver. Its main function is to store, concentrate, and secrete bile, a liquid made by your liver that helps digest fatty foods. If your gallbladder becomes infected or develops stones, it may need to be removed. This procedure is known as cholecystectomy.

Without your gallbladder, bile flows freely into your small intestine, where it can’t break down food as effectively as it did in your gallbladder. While you can live without your gallbladder, you might need to make some changes to your diet to make up this change.

For the most part, you’ll need to limit or avoid high-fat, oily, greasy, and processed foods, which are harder for your body to digest. You may not need to make these changes forever. In the months after the procedure, you’ll probably be able to slowly add some of these foods back into your diet.

There’s no standard diet that people should follow after gallbladder removal surgery. In general, it’s best to avoid fatty, greasy, processed, and sugary foods. The following tips may help minimize problems with diarrhea after you’ve had your gallbladder out:

1.Low Fat
Avoid high-fat foods, fried and greasy foods, and fatty sauces and gravies for at least a week after surgery. Instead, choose fat-free or low-fat foods. Low-fat foods are those with no more than 3 grams of fat a serving. Check labels and follow the serving size listed.

2.Increase the fiber in your diet
This can help normalize bowel movements. Add soluble fiber, such as oats and barley, to your diet. But be sure to increase the amount of fiber slowly, such as over several weeks, because too much fiber at first can make gas and cramp worse.

3.Eat smaller, more frequent meals
This may ensure a better mix with available bile. A healthy meal should include small amounts of lean protein, such as poultry, fish, or fat-free dairy, along with vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.

4.Avoid Most Dairy Products
Milk and other dairy products can lead to several digestive issues after gallbladder surgery. While it’s best to simply avoid dairy products altogether, it’s best to stick to low-fat or fat-free dairy options.

Whole milk and other high-fat dairy products can cause diarrhea and painful gas or cramping, so these should not be consumed after undergoing gallbladder surgery.