Can i eat salad after gallbladder removal

What to eat after gall bladder removal surgery?

If you had surgery to remove your gall bladder, digesting some foods may be difficult. Some people may even develop side effects like diarrhoea and loose stools.

Table of Contents Show

What to eat after gall bladder removal surgery?
Worst foods to eat after gall bladder removal surgery
Additional diet tips
What foods are off limits after gallbladder removal?
Does lettuce affect your gallbladder?
Can I eat cucumber after gallbladder surgery?
What vegetables can you eat after gallbladder surgery?

Without your gall bladder, bile flows directly into your small intestine. Your body will be unable to regulate bile with the same efficiency, which slows down digestion.

Most people do not need to follow a special diet after having their gall bladder removed, but you will be advised to follow a low-fat diet for several weeks after the surgery. As your body recovers, you should aim to have a generally healthy and balanced diet to allow your body enough time to adjust to life without a gall bladder.

So what should you eat after you have your gall bladder removed?

1. Healthy fats

Unsaturated fats like corn oil, soy bean oil, canola oil, olive oil and omega-3 found in cold-water fish, nuts, seeds, flaxseed oil and fish oils are easier to digest than fatty foods. While unsaturated fats make an important part of a healthy diet, it is best to keep your fat intake low, and use low-fat alternatives like low-fat dairy products, lean meats and non-fried foods, especially in the initial weeks after the surgery.

2. Fibre

Fibre is essential as it helps in the movement of food through your gut, supports digestion and prevents diarrhoea. You should increase your intake slowly as a sudden increase of fibre can make you feel bloated. High-fibre foods include fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts and seeds.

3. Lean meat

Proteins are the building blocks of muscles and the repair of body tissues. Red meats are high in protein, but they are also high in fat. It is therefore wise to choose lean meats after surgery.

4. Low-fat protein

You can also look to other low-fat protein alternatives such as fish, zero-fat dairy, nuts, seeds, soy and beans. They provide protein and contain low amounts of salt, sugar and fat. Choose low fat protein foods like fish, poultry without skin, non-fat dairy products, beans and lentils, and soy-based foods.

5. Plant-based foods

Plant-based foods are a healthy source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Consume a lot of fresh fruit and vegetables after surgery to ensure your diet is rich in nutrients.

Worst foods to eat after gall bladder removal surgery

Food nourishes you and helps your body heal from the stress of surgery, but some foods may do the opposite. Processed foods, fatty meats, full cream dairy products, foods and beverages high in sugar and refined grains are not advised to be consumed in the initial weeks after surgery.

Here is a list of items that you shouldn’t eat too much of:

Fatty meat (beef, pork, lamb), processed meats like bacon, ham luncheon meats and sausages.
Dairy products (milk, full-fat yoghurt, full-fat cheese, butter, sour cream, ice cream, whipped cream, cream sauces)
Processed foods high in fat and sugar like cakes biscuits, desserts and fried foods.

Additional diet tips

It might seem daunting to make so many diet changes after gall bladder removal surgery, but a healthy diet will aid your recovery process and help your body adjust to having no gall bladder.

Besides the foods that help digestion, there are some other tips you can try:

Start with a soft diet that includes porridge, fish, oatmeal, mashed potato/sweet potato, softly cooked vegetables and fruits.
Eat smaller meals. Avoid having large meals, as it may be difficult for your body to digest and may lead to bloating. 4 – 6 small meals a day will be sufficient to help you meet all your nutritional needs.
Eat a well-balanced diet. Include fresh fruits, vegetables, whole-grains, lean meats, soy products and low fat dairy in your diet to help you recover from your surgery and maintain good health.
Exercise regularly to maintain a healthy weight and digestive system.

You can speak to a dietitian to get a detailed post-operative meal plan.

Article reviewed by Alefia Vasanwala, principal dietitian at Mount Elizabeth Hospital

Reference

Gallbladder Diet. Retrieved on 22/2/20 from https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/features/gallbladder-diet-foods-for-gallbadder-problems#2

Gallbladder Diet. Retrieved on 22/2/20 from https://www.healthline.com/health/gallbladder-diet#gallbladderfriendly-foods

Gallbladder Removal Diet: What to Eat and What to Skip. Retrieved on 22/2/20 from https://www.healthline.com/health/gallbladder-removal-diet

Your Diet After Gallbladder Removal. Retrieved on 24/2/20 from https://www.everydayhealth.com/gallbladder/guide/diet/

What to Eat After Gallbladder Removal. Retrieved on 24/2/20 from https://www.verywellhealth.com/foods-to-eat-after-gallbladder-removal-1945017

Can you recommend a diet after gallbladder removal? Retrieved on 24/2/20 from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cholecystectomy/expert-answers/gallbladder-removal-diet/faq-20057813

What foods are off limits after gallbladder removal?

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.

Does lettuce affect your gallbladder?

Eating raw vegetables does not cause stones to form in the gallbladder. Common dietary causes of stone formation include a diet high in fat, being overweight, being female and taking certain medications, including some medications used to treat high cholesterol and hormone replacement therapy.

Can I eat cucumber after gallbladder surgery?

Certain vegetables, like cabbage and cucumber, may only cause gas in people with a gallbladder. But they may trigger IBS symptoms in those who no longer have one. Whole wheat, bran, green beans, potatoes, cauliflowers, and nuts can trigger IBS in people recovering from gallbladder removal.

What vegetables can you eat after gallbladder surgery?

While fiber is essential for good digestion, even after surgery, it is a good idea to consume nutritious sources that include whole grains, nuts, seeds, high fiber cereal, cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower.