The gall bladder stores bile, which helps the body digest fat. When it is removed due to gallstones or others problems, both temporary and long-term changes in the diet may be recommended. Immediately after gall bladder surgery, most patients will be put on a liquid diet. This is recommended to allow the digestive track to rest. Long-term diet changes may include reducing high-fat foods.
Right after gall bladder surgery, a liquid diet will likely be ordered for the first 24 to 48 hours after the operation. Patients generally are allowed clear liquids, such as clear broth, tea, gelatin, and water. Once a liquid diet is tolerated, patients will usually be allowed to try solid foods.
Additional foods can be reintroduced to the diet gradually after gall bladder surgery recovery. Usually when solid food is first eaten, it should be bland, since that is easier on the stomach. Foods such as toast, crackers, and bananas may be less likely to cause nausea than more flavorful foods.
It is not uncommon to have a reduced appetite and possibly nausea in the first few days after gallbladder surgery,. It is important to avoid forcing food. This can result in bloating and vomiting. Eating five small meals a day is usually advised. Small, frequent meals after gall bladder surgery may be easier to digest.
Some people who have their gallbladder removed have trouble digesting foods high in fat. If fat is not absorbed properly, diarrhea, bloating, nausea, and vomiting may occur in some people. A fat-free or low-fat diet is recommended for the first few months after surgery.
Foods low in fat include chicken and fish broiled or baked, fruit, and whole grains. Whole milk can be replaced with low-fat milk products. If a low-fat diet is tolerated, gradually a little more fat can be added.
A long-term gall bladder diet will depend on how foods were tolerated. Since high-fat diets are unhealthy anyway, and may cause problems after gall bladder surgery, it is best to avoid them. Not all people who have their gall bladder removed will have problems with digesting certain foods long term, however. It is important to follow the recommendations of a physician or nutritionist.