Gallstones Diet After Surgery

Gallstones are mostly treated by surgical removal of the gallbladder. Although a person can lead a normal life after gallbladder removal, he/she needs strict planning of gallstones diet after surgery. This is because, gallbladder plays a major role in proper food digestion. Without it, there can be digestion problems, if correct post gallbladder removal diet is not followed. Thus, to avoid probable health issues, changes in the diet and eating habits are suggested after gallbladder removal.

Diet After Gallbladder Surgery

In a healthy individual, the gallbladder does the function of storing bile juice and releasing it for fat digestion. After gallbladder surgery or cholecystectomy, the body can no longer store bile juice till meal time. Instead, it is released from liver to the intestine immediately after secretion. Thus, at the time of food digestion, there is no sufficient bile for breaking down fats. As a consequence, indigestion occurs, resulting in stomach bloating and diarrhea. This is when, proper planning of diet after gallbladder removal becomes a necessity for candidates who have undergone gallstones surgery.

In addition to reducing the postoperative digestion problems, a well-planned gallstones diet after surgery is crucial to avoid recurrent formation of stones. According to health experts, bile juice along with cholesterol form the base for gallstone deposition. Even without gallbladder, bile juice in the liver still poses risk for return of stones. Hence, the recommended diet after gallbladder surgery should be such that, it supports optimal functioning of liver and digestive organs, to minimize stone formation. Considering these, one should follow the gallstones diet guidelines suggested by the concerned doctor.

List of Foods to be Included
In the gallstones diet after surgery, low cholesterol foods and foods that are easy to digest without causing pressure in the gastrointestinal tract are included. Also, there are certain food items that neutralize the bile juice, thereby minimizing risk of stone disposition. Say for instance, vinegar aids in digesting the fatty acids present in bile. The same effect is shown by citrus fruits. Some healthy food items to be included in the diet after gallbladder removal are:

• Low fat milk
• Yogurt
• Cottage cheese
• Brown rice
• Whole grains
• Whole grained bread
• Whole grained crackers
• Peanut butter
• Freshwater fish
• Eggs
• Low fat poultry items
• Artichoke
• Tomato
• Garlic and onion
• Beets
• Carrots
• Cucumber
• Sweet potato
• Vinegar
• Lemon juice
• Flaxseed oil
• Olive oil
• Hemp seed oil
• Berries
• Pear
• Avocado
• Apple
• Grape
• Ginger
• Turmeric

List of Foods to be Avoided
Similar to the foods to avoid gallstones, there are certain food items that should be eliminated from the gallstones diet after surgery. Consuming large amount of foods rich in carbohydrates and fats overload the digestive system. Also, refrain from any kind of food item that contributes to gallstone formation. Some foods to be eliminated in the diet after gallbladder surgery are:

• Corn
• Oranges
• Grapefruit
• Radishes
• Cauliflower
• Cabbage
• Turnip
• Red milk
• Pork
• Spicy foods
• Greasy foods
• Fried foods
• Fast foods
• Carbonated drinks
• Margarine
• High fat dairy products
• Fatty poultry items
• Chocolate
• Ice cream
• Caffeinated drinks
• Alcoholic beverages
• Some fruit juices

In a nutshell, the gallstones diet after surgery need not be free of fats and carbohydrates. They are essential for overall functioning of the bodily processes. Hence, the point is to opt for healthy food items containing these nutrients, and keep the serving amounts moderate. To help solve digestive problems, have lots of liquid foods and fiber rich foods. If available, consume organic, fresh fruits and vegetables in adequate amounts. Also, consume smaller meals at least 6 times a day, instead of having 3 large meals.

As you now have a brief idea about gallstones diet after surgery, deciding gallstones diet recipes will no longer be a challenge for you. While cooking food, limit the use of oil to 2 - 3 teaspoons. Also try substituting regular salad dressings with plain olive oil and vinegar. With simple modifications in the dietary intake and the way of eating, the temporary digestion problems manifested after gallbladder removal can be managed effectually.