Home >> Ask a question >> Alternative Health

Gallbladder diet after surgery

Please suggest a diet after gallbladder operation.
(15 Apr 2008)

Gall bladder removal is usually the chosen treatment for cancer of the gall bladder as well as a condition known as porcelain gall bladder, which involves calcification of the gall bladder, usually due to unknown causes. However, the gall bladder may also be removed in cases where gall stones cannot be treated in any other way, such as by using drugs to dissolve the stones or using ultrasonic waves to break them up. Whatever the case may be, the surgery usually has some mild after effects, due to the fact that the gall bladder plays a reasonably important role in digestion.

The gall bladder is basically a storage space for the bile that is produced in the liver. Bile is a very important element in the digestion of fats, and is released only when fatty foods are consumed. The liver produces bile continuously, but this bile is not needed at such a steady rate or in such small quantities. It is therefore stored in the gall bladder, and released into the intestine in suitable quantities, as and when it is required.

When the gall bladder is removed, there is nowhere for the bile to be stored, and it goes from the liver directly into the intestine in a slow, constant trickle. As a result, when you eat fatty foods, there is usually not enough bile in the intestine to digest the food properly. This may lead to bloating, discomfort, nausea, indigestion, and diarrhea. These of course are only symptoms of the real problem, which is poor digestion of fats. With the bad reputation that fats have, you may think that the simple solution is to cut down your intake of fats. While this is certainly advisable, it is not adequate. Fat is an essential nutrient, and many vitamins depend on fats for proper absorption and assimilation. Without your gall bladder, you are therefore at risk of developing nutritional deficiencies, which can then lead to serious medical conditions.

Fortunately, with a few minor changes, it is possible to ensure that this does not happen. First of all, rather than simply decreasing your fat intake, you should start eating smaller meals, while increasing the number of meals in a day. This ensures that you get all the nutrients you need, but in quantities that your digestive system can manage. Secondly, after a few months you should ask your doctor whether you need any mineral or vitamin supplements. Your doctor may also prescribe bile salts, which will help you to digest fats better.

answered by G M on 26 Mar 2010, 4:09:15

Gallbladder diet after surgery

For general health care after a gall bladder removal operation, you should rest for over 12 hours a day. This should be done for at least 20 days after the operation. While medication and diet changes may be able to help you heal, do remember that lack of rest can undo all your efforts. It is important to lie down for long periods, as this will give your body a chance to recover peacefully.

You will have to monitor your diet very carefully for at least six months after you have gotten your gall bladder removed. This is because the gall bladder releases bile produced by the liver into the intestines, which is essential for digestion of fats and other complex foods. If there is no proper bile release, digestion will become a problem. In any case, indigestion and gas is often a common problem post-operatively. So you should avoid eating complex foods such as fats and carbohydrates for a while. Try to eat simple well-cooked food to aid your digestive system along. If you can, eat food cooked in olive oil. Concentrate more on eating fruits than eating heavy and fried snacks. If you follow these simple procedures for about a month or so, you will not have any lasting problems and will be able to live a normal and healthy life.

Gallbladder diet after surgery

Please suggest a diet after gallbladder operation. (15 Apr 2008)

Please suggest a diet after gallbladder operation.
(15 Apr 2008)