Diet within one month after gallbladder removal

After having their gallbladder removed, some people experience frequent loose, watery stools characterized by diarrhea. In most cases, diarrhea lasts no more than a few weeks to a few months. There needs to be a specific gallbladder removal diet you should follow, which includes some things you might consider. First, it helps to understand why you have diarrhea. Post-cholecystectomy diarrhea appears to be related to the direct discharge of bile into the intestine. Normally, the gallbladder collects and concentrates bile, releasing it when you eat to help digest fats.

After gallbladder removal, bile concentration decreases and more bile flows continuously into the intestines, where it has a laxative effect. The amount of fat you consume at one time also plays a role. Smaller amounts of fat are easier to digest, while larger amounts of fat may remain undigested, causing gas, bloating, and diarrhea. This includes dairy products, as they can make diarrhea worse. Likewise, the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health recommends avoiding high-fat foods for a period of time after surgery and gradually reintroducing them into the diet.

Although there is no set gallbladder removal diet, the following tips may help reduce problems with diarrhea after gallbladder removal:

Eat less fatty meat. Avoid high-fat foods, fried and greasy foods, high-fat sauces and pregnant women for at least one week after surgery. Instead, choose fat-free or low-fat options. Low-fat foods are foods that contain no more than 3 grams of fat per serving. Check the label and follow the serving size listed.

Increase the fiber in your diet. This helps normalize bowel movements. Include soluble fiber, such as oats and barley, in your diet. But be sure to increase the amount of fiber slowly, such as over a few weeks, since too much fiber can make gas and cramping worse. Eating more fiber-rich foods, such as brown rice and whole-wheat bread, can help make your stools firmer. Gradually increase your daily fiber intake by including foods such as fruits, vegetables, lentils and beans, and whole grains. Eating smaller meals at more frequent and evenly spaced intervals throughout the day can also improve your digestive process. Additionally, the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health recommends that you eat at least four servings of fruits and vegetables and four servings of breads and cereals each day, especially after surgery. Another benefit of eating foods high in fiber is that it improves the movement of food through your digestive system, helping to reduce bloating.

Eat smaller, more frequent meals. This ensures better mixing with available bile. Healthy meals should include small amounts of lean protein, such as poultry, fish, or fat-free dairy, as well as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.

You can also try limiting foods that tend to make diarrhea worse, including:

caffeine

Dairy

Greasy food

Very sweet food