Gallbladder surgery or cholecystectomy is the surgical removal of the gallbladder. After the surgery, a patient often is allowed to go home the same day. Once home, the patient will need to be aware of the foods they can safely consume after gallbladder surgery.

Immediately Following Surgery

After surgery, you will be given liquids only to consume. If you are not nauseous and can handle basic soft foods, basic eating habits can be resumed with a few exceptions. You should focus on consuming certain foods and should avoid other foods. Eventually, you should expect to resume a normal diet.

Fatty Acids

Certain foods, such as fatty acids, should be consumed after gallbladder surgery because without the function of the gallbladder the liver must process all fats and filter waste on its own. Particular foods can aid in the functionality of the liver. These foods include flax seed oil, hemp seed oil and other healthy fatty acids. These oils help the body to naturally eliminate the build up of unhealthy cholesterol.

High Fiber

A diet that is high in fiber can aid in digestion and absorption. Foods such as raw vegetables and fruits can help the body restore its nutrients after gallbladder surgery. Suggested foods to consume include beans, raspberries, blueberries, baked potato with skin and apples.

Reintroducing Grains and Protein

You should slowly reintroduce whole grains, eggs, lean poultry and low fat dairy after gallbladder surgery. Slowly reintroduce these items one at a time back into their diet to see how your body responds.

Foods To Avoid

At least in the first few days and weeks following gallbladder surgery, you should avoid eating red meat, pork, dairy, and refined carbohydrates. Spicy foods, fried foods and soft drinks should be avoided immediately after gallbladder surgery because they can be difficult for the body to digest immediately following surgery. Fats require bile to be broken-down and absorbed into the body and without the gallbladder, this process is slowed. The liver produces bile, but at a slower rate than the gallbladder. You may be able to slowly reintroduce these foods back into your diet one at a time to determine how your body will respond.

Source:

American College of Surgeons: Guide to the Surgical Removal of the Gallbladder

University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health: Care after laparoscopic Cholecystectomy