So, you’ve gotten a cholecystectomy. The hard part is over! You’re now on the path towards a healthier and happier life. Nevertheless, you might still be worried about having discomfort in your post-surgery life, especially within your digestive system. In this article, we’ll break down what you should eat after gallbladder removal surgery to reduce any uncomfortable symptoms, such as post-surgery irritation.
First, let’s start with a refresher about the gallbladder and its functions.
What is a gallbladder?
Your gallbladder is a small, round organ located underneath your liver, on the upper right side of your body. It has two jobs:
1. To store bile, a digestive fluid made by the liver.
2. To deliver bile to the small intestine, where its acidic nature allows it to break down vitamins and nutrients from food so they can be absorbed in the bloodstream.
Reasons for gallbladder removal surgery
Sometimes, the bile in your gallbladder can start to harden and form small, hard deposits called gallstones. If one of these gallstones gets lodged in a bile duct, it can cause intense pain and discomfort—this is called a gallbladder attack. If you’ve had one or more painful gallbladder attacks, your healthcare provider will likely recommend gallbladder removal surgery to prevent future gallstone issues.
Can changing my diet after gallbladder removal surgery help reduce pain?
Some pain following gallbladder removal surgery is normal. After all, your liver is now working without your gallbladder, sending bile directly into the opening of your small intestine. It may take your body some time to adjust to this change, leading to cramps and painful or inconvenient bowel movements.
Thankfully, there is a way to make things easier on your body and reduce digestive pain: changing your diet after gallbladder removal surgery.
In the first few days after your gallbladder removal surgery, you’ll probably need to stick to soft, bland foods that are easy for your body to digest. You’ll want to skip any celebratory post surgery dinners or parties, and instead consume the following:
- Applesauce
- Bananas
- Bread
- Mashed potatoes
- Soft boiled or lightly scrambled eggs
- Steamed chicken or fish (not excessively seasoned or fried)
- Soup
Don’t worry—you’ll only need to follow this diet for a few days after your surgery. But even after you feel fully recovered, it’s important to stay away from foods that may irritate your stomach.
Eating fiber-rich foods after gallbladder removal surgery
Fiber is an indigestible part of food that comes in two types: soluble and insoluble. Both are necessary for having a healthy lifestyle, but adding more soluble fiber to your diet after gallbladder removal surgery can help regulate your bowel movements. Sources of soluble fiber include:
- Apples
- Bananas
- Beets
- Beans
- Brussels sprouts
- Carrots
- Chia seeds
- Lentils
- Oats
- Steamed vegetables
Adding healthy fats to your diet after gallbladder surgery
Although having your gallbladder removed makes it more difficult for your body to process fat, you shouldn’t cut it from your diet completely! Healthy fats are fats that are naturally occurring—not the fat that stems from sugar, refined carbs, and processed food. Healthy, high-fat foods include:
- Avocados
- Beans
- Cheese
- Coconut oil
- Dark chocolate
- Eggs
- Nuts
- Olive oil
- Yogurt
Consuming lean protein after your gallbladder removal
To round out your diet after gallbladder removal surgery, be sure to include various lean meats. Just be sure to forgo fatty options like bacon for leaner cuts, such as:
- Chicken breast
- Cod
- Pork tenderloin
- Salmon
- Sirloin
- Turkey
In addition to making changes to what you eat, you might want to consider making changes to how you eat. You might find you have trouble consuming large amounts of food in one sitting after you have gallbladder removal surgery. So, it may be better to break up your meals—making two into four, for example. As long as you divide space your meals out over the course of a day, you can eat the same amount and maintain your desired weight without sacrificing comfort.
How can I save money on my gallbladder removal surgery?
Making these changes to your diet can help you have a faster, more comfortable recovery after your gallbladder removal surgery. But what about your financial recovery? The national average cost for gallbladder removal surgery is $15,250. That price tag may be enough to tempt you to put off scheduling your surgery, but it doesn’t have to be. Click here to learn more about finding a fair price for your gallbladder removal surgery.
Reviewed and updated 2/16/2023.
