
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. Eating these foods after having your gallbladder removed won’t cause serious health problems, but it can lead to a lot of painful gas, bloating, and diarrhea.
What should I eat and not eat prior to surgery?
Why No Food or Drink Before Surgery
- Aspiration. Aspiration is when something you eat or drink goes down your airway. ...
- Nausea and Vomiting. Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is one of the most common complications of surgery. ...
- Your Bowel Prep Will Be Ruined. If there is food in your gastrointestinal (GI) system during GI surgery, it could complicate the surgery and lead to infection .
What foods should you not eat before surgery?
The Healthiest Three-Day Diet Menu Before Surgery
- Two to Three Days Prior to Surgery. Eat a regular balanced diet with lean proteins such as chicken or fish, low-fat dairy, whole grains and fruits and vegetables.
- Day Before Surgery. ...
- Day of Surgery. ...
- Avoid Junk Foods. ...
- Post Surgery Diet. ...
What foods should I avoid after having my gallbladder removed?
What to Eat After You Have Your Gallbladder Removed
- Add foods back into your diet gradually. For the first few days after surgery, stick with clear liquids, broths and gelatin. ...
- Avoid fried food and stick with smaller portions. Avoid fried foods, high-fat foods, foods with strong odors and gas-causing foods. ...
- Skip high-fat foods to help avoid discomfort. ...
- Take it slowly as you reintroduce high-fiber foods. ...
Do I need to change my diet after gallbladder surgery?
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. Eating these foods after having your gallbladder removed won’t cause serious health problems, but it can lead to a lot of painful gas, bloating, and diarrhea.

How long after gallbladder removal can I eat normal food?
Most people don't need to follow a special diet after having surgery to remove their gallbladder, as the gallbladder isn't essential for digestion. You can usually start eating normally a few hours after your operation, although you'll probably prefer to eat small meals to start with.
What can you not do after gallbladder surgery?
Avoid strenuous activities, such as biking, jogging, weightlifting, and aerobic exercise, until your doctor says it is okay. You may shower 24 to 48 hours after surgery, if your doctor okays it. Pat the cut (incision) dry. Do not take a bath for the first 2 weeks, or until your doctor tells you it is okay.
What foods should you avoid if you have no gallbladder?
To side-step this gastrointestinal discomfort, avoid eating high-fat or spicy foods, including:French fries and potato chips.High-fat meats, such as bologna, sausage and ground beef.High-fat dairy, such as cheese, ice cream and whole milk.Pizza.Lard and butter.Creamy soups and sauces.Meat gravies.Chocolate.More items...•
How painful is gallbladder surgery?
There is usually minimal pain associated with this operation. The abdomen will be sore as well as the small incision sites, and some patients have shoulder pain for the first day or two. The shoulder pain is caused by gas left in your abdomen during the operation. It will disappear on its own.
Do you lose 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.
Can I drink coffee with no gallbladder?
Caffeine contains acids that can cause your stomach to make more acid and drain faster. This can lead to stomach pain and discomfort after having gallbladder removed. Limit or avoid these caffeinated foods and beverages: coffee.
Can you drink alcohol with no gallbladder?
Drink plenty of water, broth, and sports drinks. But again, avoid alcohol for at least 2 days after your surgery, especially if you're feeling the effects of anesthesia or pain meds. Low-fat foods. Low-fat foods will be easier for you to digest and are less likely to cause gas, bloating, or diarrhea.
Can I eat chicken after gallbladder surgery?
Choose low-fat foods, and eat lean protein, such as skinless, baked chicken, turkey breast, and baked fish. Avoid fatty meats, greasy or fried foods, and foods with rich, creamy sauces. After a full recovery, you may be able to eat these foods in small amounts.
How long after gallbladder removal can you eat?
Remember, you’ll likely only need to for a few weeks or months after the procedure.
What meats can cause gallbladder removal?
Fatty meats. Meats that are processed or high in fat can wreak havoc on your digestive system following removal of your gallbladder. Such meats include: steak or high-fat cuts of red meat. beef, whole or ground. pork. bacon. lunch meats, such as bologna and salami. sausage.
How to stop bloating and gas?
Slowly introduce solid foods back into your diet to prevent any digestive issues. Eat small meals throughout the day. Having large amounts of food at once can cause gas and bloating, so split up your meals. Try eating five to six small meals a day that are a few hours apart.
What foods help with a swollen thigh?
The following foods are good sources of antioxidant vitamin A, fiber, immune-boosting vitamin C, and many phytonutrients to assist your body in recovery: legumes, such as peas, lentils, or beans. cauliflower. cabbage. Brussels sprouts. broccoli. spinach.
How to get rid of gas after a bile duct surgery?
High-fiber foods. Fiber can improve digestion in the absence of concentrated bile. Just ramp up your intake slowly so you don’t overdo it right after surgery, as it can also cause gas. The following are healthy sources of fiber and many other nutrients, such as calcium, B vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids: beans.
What foods are not roasted in oils?
whole grain bread, pasta, rice, and cereal. raw nuts ( not roasted in oils), such as almonds, walnuts, and cashews. raw seeds, such as hemp, chia, and poppy seeds. sprouted grains, nuts, and seeds. fruits and vegetables.
Can you have a gallbladder removed with caffeine?
Caffeine contains acids that can cause your stomach to make more acid and drain faster. This can lead to stomach pain and discomfort after having gallbladder removed. Limit or avoid these caffeinated foods and beverages: coffee. tea.
What happens after gallbladder surgery?
After gallbladder surgery, many patients experience diarrhea. When the gallbladder is removed from the digestive system, bile becomes less concentrated and has a laxative effect on the body. Your body will soon adjust, but in the meantime, it’s important to follow a proper diet.
How to prepare for surgery?
Keep your meals small, healthy, and avoid spicy foods. It may be best to prepare meals ahead of your surgery, so they are available when you come home. Below are a few sample menus for use after surgery.
How to get rid of diarrhea and bile?
Smaller meals. Eat small, frequent meals for better digestion. Limiting food to small portions will make the small bile production better suited for digestion. Avoid caffeine. You should also avoid caffeine until the diarrhea clears up and your bowel movements are more normal. This includes coffee and tea.
How to get rid of stomach issues after a syringe?
Avoid fatty foods. Don’t eat fried foods or high fat foods for at least a week after surgery. This includes gravies, butter, and ice cream. Increase fiber. Don’t go overboard on fiber but add it to your die t. This can be as simple as having oatmeal with non-fat milk for breakfast. Be cautious, as too much fiber can cause stomach issues.
How long does it take for a post op diet to stabilize?
You will begin to feel better a few days post-op, but the limited diet will need to continue for a few weeks to stabilize your digestive system. As your body begins to normalize, slowly reintroduce foods back into your diet but in limited amounts. Wait to see how new foods affect your body before consuming too much.
Can you eat ramen noodles after gallbladder removal?
Can I eat ramen noodles after gallbladder removal? Soft, solid foods (i.e. bananas, plain pasta, eggs, etc.) are easier for your body to digest,but this depends on how you are feeling after your gallbladder removal. It is important to remember that it is best to slowly introduce solid foods as more time passes.
Can you eat whole milk?
Yes and no. It is best to avoid whole milk dairy products as they may upset your stomach further because your body might have trouble breaking it down. However, dairy products that are low in fat or are fat free may be easier for your body to digest due to the low fat content.
How to avoid discomfort after gallbladder removal?
Laura Jeffers, MEd, RD, LD, shares five tips to avoid discomfort after gallbladder removal: 1. Add foods back into your diet gradually. For the first few days after surgery, stick with clear liquids, broths and gelatin.
How to avoid gas after gallbladder surgery?
2. Avoid fried food and stick with smaller portions. Avoid fried foods, high-fat foods, foods with strong odors and gas-causing foods. You should also stick to small, frequent meals. 3. Skip high-fat foods to help avoid discomfort. Eating the wrong food after gallbladder surgery can induce pain, bloating and diarrhea.
Why do they remove gallbladders?
Surgeons remove more than 600,000 gallbladders each year to help eliminate pain associated with it. Often times, surgery is done because of gallstones , which are hard deposits of digestive fluid in the gallbladder. As people age, gallstones become more common.
What happens if you have your gallbladder removed?
If you have your gallbladder removed, you’ll likely experience changes in your digestion and will need to carefully watch your diet. The gallbladder, which is a pear-shaped organ on your right side beneath your liver, isn’t necessary. However, it does help you digest fatty foods. It also stores, concentrates and secretes the bile your liver makes.
How long does it take to recover from a bowel surgery?
Most people can return to a regular diet within a month after surgery. However, talk to your doctor if you experience these symptoms: Persistent, worsening or severe abdominal pain. Severe nausea or vomiting. Jaundice. No bowel movements for more than three days post-surgery.
How long does it take for bowel movements to go away after a bowel surgery?
No bowel movements for more than three days post-surgery. Inability to pass gas more than three days post-surgery. Diarrhea that lasts more than three days post-surgery. After surgery, doing these things should help you feel more comfortable.
How to keep track of food after surgery?
Keep a food journal. It’s a good idea to keep a food journal after surgery. This will help you keep track of what you eat and what the impact was. Doing so will help you know what you can and cannot eat comfortably. Most people can return to a regular diet within a month after surgery.
How to get rid of gallbladder fat after surgery?
This means you'll need to eliminate greasy, fried and other high-fat foods from your diet in the weeks following gallbladder removal surgery. Instead, consume fat-free or low-fat foods to slowly reintroduce fat into your diet. Fiber, specifically soluble fiber, can also help minimize these symptoms. However, soluble fiber also needs ...
How long does it take to recover from gallbladder surgery?
If you've had noninvasive surgery, you'll likely be back on your feet within just a few days and fully recovered within a week. Full recovery from invasive surgery takes around four to six weeks.
Why does my gallbladder produce gallstones?
Advertisement. Unfortunately, your gallbladder may also produce gallstones if there's an imbalance in the components that make up your body's bile.
How to stop diarrhea from bowel movement?
Consuming several small meals throughout the day — rather than the standard breakfast, lunch and dinner — may also be helpful in reducing your symptoms. Avoiding foods that worsen diarrhea, like caffeine, dairy products and sweets, can help promote healthier bowel movements. Read more: The 10 Worst Foods You Can Buy.
Can you eat broth after gallbladder surgery?
Eat clear broths after gall bladder surgery. Gallbladder removal surgery, also known as a cholecystectomy, is a fairly minor procedure. However, your doctor may recommend avoiding certain foods for a period of time following gallbladder removal.
Can gallbladder removal cause laxative effects?
Instead of going into your gallbladder, this bile is now going directly into your intestines. Unfortunately, bile draining into your inte stines can have a laxative effect. Anyone can experience these gastrointestinal side effects after gallbladder removal surgery.
Is gallbladder removal surgery a serious procedure?
Preparing for Gallbladder Removal Surgery. Although it sounds quite serious, gallbladder removal is a fairly common procedure. According to the Mayo Clinic, it's typically performed to prevent gallstone formation and any associated complications.
How long after gallbladder surgery can you eat?
During the first two months after your gallbladder surgery, it’s advisable for you to follow a low-fat and high-in-fiber diet to ease digestion. Meals that are high in fat can result in discomfort as the bile previously stored in your gallbladder is now going to continuously drip into your small intestine. As you recover, your bile duct will ...
What to eat after a syringe?
Limit your intake of high-fiber foods during your post-surgery recovery period. Avoid having whole-grain breads as well as nuts, peas, beans and cereals if it is necessary. Fruits and vegetables are also high in fiber. If you continue to experience diarrhea after recovery, gradually include high fiber foods to your diet.
Why is the gallbladder important?
Your gallbladder is responsible for storing and releasing bile to aid digestion of fats. A tendency to develop hard aggregations of calcium, cholesterol or gallstones can block gallbladder opening, requiring you to have your gallbladder removed by surgery. Your liver can still produce sufficient amount of bile for digestion.
How to get rid of diarrhea after recovery?
If you continue to experience diarrhea after recovery, gradually include high fiber foods to your diet. It is important to increase the amount of fiber gradually to avoid making gas and constipation worse. 4.
How to stop constipation from eating soup?
Avoid having creamy soups as they might cause discomfort in digestion. Go for chicken and noodle soups. Use broth as an alternate to butter in your mashed potatoes. Eat fruits in moderation. Try bananas if you are experiencing constipation problems. Use very minimal amounts of butter on toast if needed.
How to get rid of bowel movement?
Avoid large meals and instead eat frequently in small quantities as it eases digestion. You can include small quantities of lean protein in your meals such as fish, poultry, and non-fat dairy along with fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Include fiber in your diet gradually to help normalize your bowel movements.
What to do if you don't like dairy?
If you don’t like dairy products, you can go for soy products that contain added calcium and Vitamin-D. 3. Large Amount of High-Fiber Foods.
How to get rid of diarrhea after gallbladder removal?
Although there isn't a set gallbladder removal diet, the following tips may help minimize problems with diarrhea after you've had your gallbladder out: 1 Go easy on the 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 cramping 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.
What happens when you remove the gallbladder?
When the gallbladder is removed, bile is less concentrated and drains more continuously into the intestines, where it can have a laxative effect. The amount of fat you eat at one time also plays a role. Smaller amounts of fat are easier to digest, while larger amounts can remain undigested and cause gas, bloating and diarrhea. ...
Why does my gallbladder cause diarrhea?
Diarrhea after gallbladder removal seems to be related to the release of bile directly into the intestines. Normally, the gallbladder collects and concentrates bile, releasing it when you eat to aid the digestion of fat.
What is the best medicine for bile ducts?
Your doctor may recommend medicines, such as loperamide (Imodium A-D), which slows down intestinal movement, or medications that decrease the laxative effect of bile, such as cholestyramine (Prevalite). Your doctor may also suggest that you take a multivitamin to compensate for malabsorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
How to get rid of diarrhea from bile?
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. You may also try limiting foods that tend to worsen diarrhea, including: Caffeine.
How to get rid of bowel movement?
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 cramping worse. Eat smaller, more-frequent meals.
Post Gallbladder Surgery Diet
Wondering about your diet after gallbladder surgery? I was too! Many doctors will tell you that you can return to a normal diet after a cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal surgery) But, for many people that is simply not the case. So, what can you eat? Are there any foods you should avoid? Keep reading to find out!
What Does A Gallbladder Do?
I assume if you’re preparing to have your gallbladder out then you know what it does but I will provide a brief description just in case!
Are You Missing Something?
Despite what some people may tell you, the gallbladder is an important organ. No, it’s not necessary to have one to live but it does make life easier (unless it goes bad!) After gallbladder removal the liver has to work harder to help digest foods and filter waste.
Your Diet 24 Hours Post Surgery
For the first 2-3 days after surgery you probably won’t be very hungry. Anesthesia can cause nausea and it is generally recommended that you stay on a clear liquid diet for 24 hours after surgery – until the anesthesia has cleared out of your system completely.
Foods To Avoid
There are some foods that should be avoided after gallbladder surgery. Generally, any foods that gave you pain before surgery will need to be avoided. It will take awhile for your body to learn how to digest fats so you should stick to a low fat diet for at least a few weeks after surgery and reintroduce them very slowly.
Your Diet 1-2 Weeks Post Surgery
After 24 hours you should be clear to start eating more solid food. Remember to take it slow. Instead of eating 3 big meals, spread it out to 5 or 6 very small meals over the course of the day. I know from personal experience, that I felt full even after eating only a little bit! Listen to your body and if you start feeling full, stop eating!
Bile Salts
Bile Salts can help aid in the digestion of fats. They seem to work particularly well for people who have had their gallbladders removed and can not tolerate fatty meals.
What happens to the liver after a gallbladder removal?
After gallbladder removal, bile still flows from the liver into the intestines but in a more sporadic way, which can also causes discomfort after eating a particularly fatty meal.
How to improve digestion?
Increasing your daily fiber intake gradually and include foods like fruits, vegetables, lentils and beans, in addition to whole grains. Eating smaller meals, more frequently, and evenly spaced throughout the day can also improve your digestion process.
What is the name of the surgery for the removal of the gallbladder?
Image Credit: NA/Photos.com/Getty Images. Cholecystectomy is the name of the surgery for the removal of the gallbladder, which is one of the most common surgical procedures for women in the United States, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. After the removal of the gallbladder, you may experience diarrhea, ...
Can you have diarrhea after gallbladder removal?
After the removal of the gallbladder, you may experience diarrhea, which can improve over time or last for years, according to a report from Johns Hopkins University. Certain foods may worsen your condition so you need to be aware of what foods are less likely to aggravate your system.
Does caffeine make diarrhea worse?
It is important to limit foods that can make diarrhea worse, like caffeine containing drink s and very sweet foods or drinks. Caffeine has a stimulating effect on your body. It kicks all your body systems into high gear, including digestion, notes Medline Plus and these effects can exacerbate diarrhea.

Symptoms
Quotes
- Now that you have said goodbye to your gallbladder, it is also time to say goodbye to: To add a little sweetness to the sacrifice, your heart will be so grateful!
Causes
- When you no longer have a gallbladder, greasy foods are to be avoided for the same reason that fried foods are to be avoidedthere is just too large a fat load for your body to digest comfortably. What are greasy foods? Anything that requires that you keep a napkin or wet wipe handy as you eat it! If the grease is coming off on your hands and lips, you know that it is also making its way i…
Prevention
- If you can't find store-bought salad dressings and mayonnaise that contain healthy oils, you may need to learn to make your own.
Benefits
- Convenience foods may be convenient, but they tend to be terrible for our health. In addition to having unhealthy levels of sugar and refined grains, both of which raise your risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, they tend to contain high levels of omega-6 fatty acids. This is because many convenience foods are made with soybean oil. Therefore, your digestive syste…
Effects
- Common sense is such that large meals will put more pressure on your digestive system than small meals. Eating too large a meal can strengthen intestinal contractions, adding to any symptoms of abdominal pain and diarrhea. With your body's compromised ability to digest fats, you will be doing yourself a great favor by choosing to eat small meals, perhaps more frequently…
Results
- The loss of your gallbladder means that you have to steer away from the \"super-size me\" meals that are all too prevalent in our Western diet. In doing so, you may just find that you will be rewarded with a quieter digestive system and a smaller waistline.
Risks
- Everybody is different in terms of how it reacts to foods. Once you have eliminated the major suspects from the previous slides, you may find that you need to take things a step further. The following foods have the potential for causing digestive upset for many people, regardless of whether or not they have a gallbladder. You may need to try an elimination diet to find out if any …