Post Gallbladder Removal Diet

The gallbladder is an important organ in the human body and yet, not many are aware of its functions and importance. It is a pear shaped organ and is located below the liver. Its functions include collecting the bile pigment formed by the liver, storing it in between meals and releasing it into the small intestines after meal consumption. The bile that is released into the intestines then aids the process of digestion of fat and its transfer from the intestines to the body.

Gallbladder Removal Surgery

Gallbladder removal surgery is mainly conducted as a treatment option for disorders related to the organ, like gallbladder disease, gallstones, gallbladder cancer, biliary dyskinisia, porcelain gallbladder, etc. The most common among these gallbladder related disorders is gallstones. When gallstones are not cured with the prescribed drugs and medication forms, there is a certain amount of risk involved which may include the development of gallbladder cancer and gallbladder attacks. The gallbladder removal surgery, also known as cholecystectomy, is conducted to prevent these health risks and also to improve the quality of life for those suffering from gallbladder related disorders. The surgery may also be conducted using a method called laparoscopy.

Post Surgery Diet

Diet is the most important factor that needs to be considered and taken care of post a gallbladder removal surgery. If you have undergone the surgery just recently, then you must plan out a diet in order to speed up your recovery and to get back to a healthy and normal life. Since the gallbladder has been removed, it is quite natural that there will be some dietary restrictions so that the digestive system gets used to the absence of the gallbladder functions. Once the gallbladder has been removed, it will be difficult for the body to emulsify and dissolve fats for a while. Keeping this in mind, a proper and planned post gallbladder removal diet (fat free, low fat or high fiber) should be followed. The diet should be focused on assisting the liver, minimizing the workload of the system and restoring the digestive health.

What to Eat

Your post gallbladder surgery diet should consist of the following food products.

Vegetables
Eating all forms of vegetables is necessary when aiming for a healthy life after gallbladder removal. Make a special effort to include green leafy vegetables in your diet. The vegetables should preferably be organic and fresh. Vegetable juice should also be included.

Tomatoes
Celery
Carrots
Beetroot
Garlic
Green beans
Broccoli
Sweet potatoes
Coconuts
Shallots
Cucumber
Okra
Garlic
Onions
Fruits
Make sure that the fruits you include are fresh. Preferably, eat them whole instead of cutting them and keeping them out. Grape and apple juice have been proven to be highly beneficial. The following section will provide you with a list of fruits that can be included in your diet.

Grapes
Apples
Melons
Berries
Papaya
Watermelons
Avocado
Lemons
Currants
Berries
Dairy Products
It is necessary to take precautions when introducing dairy products in your diet. You can include certain products and then check if your system is able to take in the changes. It is therefore necessary that you use these products in moderation. Including certain dairy products can be done only after a month post surgery. Skimmed milk and yogurt are considered to be safe choices.

Oil
Unprocessed, healthy vegetable oils like flax seed oil, olive oil and hemp seed oil should be consumed. These are low in cholesterol and rich in fatty acids like omega 6 and omega 3. These should not be used as cooking oils but can be consumed as salad dressings or as supplements. Lace your food whenever necessary with healthy oils and vinegar.

Poultry and Fish
Grilled chicken, skinned fish and lean meats without the fat can be made a part of gallbladder removal diet.

Other Pointers
Cook your food in spices like turmeric, ginger and garlic. All these will aid digestion and prevent stomach problems.
Include foods that are high in fiber and are highly organic in your post gallbladder diet.
Water should be essentially included, particularly boiled or filtered water.
What Not to Eat

It is very important that you maintain a proper and well-planned diet after gallbladder removal. The stress should be on eating foods that are fresh and organic, as well as low in fats. Therefore avoiding foods that are high in saturated fats or cholesterol should be avoided at all costs. Here are some of the foods that should be avoided.

Eggs
Pork
Oranges
Margarine
Fried foods
Hydrogenated oils
Red meat
Corn
Nuts
Milk
Coffee
Black Tea
Artificial sweeteners
Preservatives
Chocolates
Ice creams
Radish
Cauliflower
Cabbage
Alcoholic drinks
Carbonated water
Beverages
Oats
Barley
Wheat
Rye
Legumes
Refined and canned foods
White sugar
High-fat milk
White flour
Gluten
Grapefruit
Also remember to have short light meals instead of gorging on lots of food. Do not overeat. Instead, eat at equal intervals and consume a lot of water and liquids. Do not try to lose weight, exercise excessively or exert yourself. Do not skip meals and limit the amount of fat consumption; do not completely stop consuming it. Gradually increase the amount of fat in your diet and get enough rest and sleep. Most importantly, follow and inculcate healthy lifestyle habits and be positive about your recovery.