This happens because your digestive system doesn’t work the same way it used to.
Your liver produces bile as an ordinary part of digestion. The gallbladder stores the bile produced by your liver. When you eat fat, your gallbladder releases bile to help you digest it.
Without your gallbladder, there is no longer a place to store bile. Instead, the bile drips from your liver continuously. This means there is less bile available to break down fats. The bile can also end up in the large intestine. There, it can cause diarrhea and abdominal pain.
This is why you need to be careful about the foods you eat after surgery. You may no longer be able to enjoy some of your favorite foods. On the plus side, gallbladder removal may force you into a healthier way of eating.
This article will discuss some of the specific foods and types of foods you should avoid after you have your gallbladder removed. It will also look at eating habits that may contribute to pain and discomfort after meals.
It is important to speak with your doctor about your post-surgery symptoms. This will ensure you get a proper diagnosis and the right course of treatment.
Fried foods contain a lot of fat. Since you are no longer storing bile in a gallbladder, it’s much harder for your body to digest and process fat.
You do still need to eat fats. But since it’s harder for your body to break them down, you will want to save your bile for fats that are good for you.
Foods you should avoid now that you no longer have a gallbladder include:
French friesFried chicken Fried fishChicken-fried steakHash brownsOnion ringsAll other deep-fried foods
A food that makes your hands greasy or leaves oil on the plate is probably too greasy for you to eat. The grease in these foods will make its way to your digestive tract. Without a gallbladder, your body won’t be able to process it comfortably.
Greasy foods you should avoid include:
HamburgersBaconCheese pizzaHeavy or creamed graviesFatty cuts of meat
Omega-6 fatty acids are fats found in vegetable oils, nuts, and seeds. Omega-3 fatty acids are healthier fats that have heart, eye, and brain benefits. These fats are found in fish, walnuts, and flaxseed.
Without your gallbladder, you have a limited ability to absorb fats. Because of this, you should eat fewer foods that are high in omega-6 fatty acids. Instead, focus on foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids.
Vegetable oils are very high in omega-6 fatty acids. Avoid eating anything prepared with:
Canola oilCorn oilGrapeseed oilSafflower oilShorteningSoybean oilSunflower oil
Avoid these foods, too. They also contain vegetable oils:
Cooking oilMayonnaiseStore-bought salad dressings
It might be challenging to find store-bought salad dressings and mayonnaise that are made with healthy oils. If you can’t find good options, try making your own at home.
Convenience foods also tend to be high in omega-6 fatty acids. This is because they are often made with soybean oil.
Avoid store-bought versions of the following:
CakesCookiesCrackersPotato chipsTortilla chipsOther pre-packaged baked goods or snack food items
This may be because too much liquid can dilute stomach acid and digestive enzymes. Without a gallbladder, you depend more on these substances to help you digest food.
Because water in the stomach is absorbed rapidly, though, it doesn’t play a large role in acid and enzyme secretion. So drink water when you are thirsty.
Eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day may help you avoid these uncomfortable symptoms.
Certain foods can cause digestive upset for many people. This even includes those who still have a gallbladder.
You may need to try an elimination diet. On this kind of eating plan, you start by cutting out large groups of foods. Then, you gradually add foods back in. This helps you identify your problem foods.
Foods that cause problems for many people include:
Gluten-containing foods High-FODMAP foods Dairy products Excessive alcohol Excessive sugar Corn Soy
Avoid fried and greasy foods, as well as foods containing a lot of omega-6 fatty acids, like vegetable oils. Convenience foods also tend to be high in oil, sugar, and refined grains. You may also find it helpful to drink less while eating, and to eat smaller meals.
If none of these things help prevent discomfort after eating, you may need to try an elimination diet.
