The gallbladder is a pear-shaped organ located to the right side of the liver. The organ stores bile, helps digest and transfers fat from the intestines to the body. Once the gallbladder is removed, bile goes straight to the intestines to perform its function. Gallbladder surgery is performed by way of a medical procedure called a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. A proper diet after gallbladder surgery is crucial for recovery. Eating many small meals a day consisting of recommended foods and avoiding specific foods will benefit the individual recovering from gallbladder surgery.
Foods to Avoid
Foods that are spicy and high in fat place a burden on your digestive tract. These foods should be avoided entirely after gallbladder surgery. Foods to avoid include foods with saturated fats, fried foods, dairy products, eggs, organ meats, pork, red meat, bacon, sausages, any fatty meats, hydrogenated vegetable oils, margarine, grapefruit, wheat, barely, cabbage, cauliflower, radishes, chocolate, ice cream, cookies and cakes. Avoid all caffeine drinks and alcohol. Fat-soluble vitamins must be avoided because they are difficult to digest after gallbladder surgery. To digest these kinds of foods requires more bile. Once the gallbladder has been removed, the body cannot supply the correct amount of bile.
Recommended Foods
Fruits, vegetables and whole grains are recommended to eat after gallbladder surgery. Good choices to include in your diet are berries, apples, grapes, bananas, tomatoes, watermelon, peaches, avocados, fresh garlic, onions, carrots, green beans, beets and broccoli. Juices like vegetable juice, grape and apple juices are also good choices. Good fiber choices are lettuce, grains and most vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables. Whole grains include oatmeal, whole cornmeal, cracked wheat, who-wheat flour and brown rice. These will help avoid constipation and promote recovery from surgery.
Benefits
The benefits of eating properly after a gallbladder surgery include a reduction in painful side effects and physical discomfort. Diarrhea can be a continuous problem after gallbladder surgery if a proper diet is not maintained. Initially after the surgery is completed, the most benefits will be received by eating only soft foods like yogurt, soup and well-cooked vegetables. Drinking plenty of fluids will also help to prevent bloating and gas, which is common after gallbladder surgery. You will benefit from having a stool analysis performed to determine if you are eating properly, if your digestive tract is functioning correctly and if you will need to ingest additional supplements to help your body to remain healthy after your gallbladder surgery.
Tags: after gallbladder surgery, gallbladder surgery, after gallbladder, after gallbladder, digestive tract, eating properly, gallbladder surgery Foods