The gallbladder is a 4-inch log organ in your body connected to the liver and helps bile effortlessly flow into the intestine and break down whatever you eat. It means it has an important role in digestion, but you can live without the gallbladder. However, if you get your gallbladder infected or develop gallstones, it has to be removed through surgery.
The cost of Gallbladder Surgery is not a bit higher and not a painful process. It is easy and secure through laparoscopic system. This surgery is called cholecystectomy, which is a simple surgery. But after the removal of the gallbladder, you have to make some changes in your regular diet. And it has the least chance of any complications. Thus you can go the same day you get this surgery. This article will discuss the precaution that you must take after gallbladder surgery.
After Gallbladder Surgery
There are not many side effects of the surgery, but you can experience painful gas problems and diarrhoea due to frequent bowel movements after the removal of your gallbladder. Thus, right after the surgery, you should limit your diet and not consume foods which can cause problems in your digestion.
What can you not eat after gallbladder surgery?
- Fatty and Spicy Meals – Do not eat fatty and spicy food; it can disturb your digestive system. Avoid fatty meats such as bacon, pork, beef (T-bone and rib-eye steaks), lamb, mutton, and sausage.
- Dairy Products – Try avoiding whole dairy products in your diet as it contains high fat, and they can be hard to digest for your body in the absence of a gallbladder. Limit or avoid the consumption of such dairy products, including full-fat yoghurt and cheese, ice cream, whole milk, sour or whipped cream, and other creamy products. You can consume fat-free dairy products if it is not possible to quit them.
- Avoid Processed and Packaged Foods – Processed foods contain high fat, oil, and additional sugar, which can create problems for the digestive system because they last longer in the body. So you must avoid high fat, processed foods such as cakes, cookies, pizzas, fries, pie, desserts, cinnamon rolls, processed bread, meats, and sausages
- Do Not Consume Alcohol, High Caffeinated Foods and Beverages- Due to the acidic nature of caffeine, it can increase the process of making acids in your body. And as a result, you can experience extreme pain and an upset stomach. So try avoiding such types of foods and beverages as tea or coffee, soda, energy drinks or other carbonated beverages, chocolates, and alcoholic drinks.
Best foods to eat after gallbladder surgery
- High-fiber food- Fiber food can be an ideal option after the surgery because it can help in good digestion. Add slowly into your diet and avoid overeating. There are many products which can provide you with a high amount of fiber, including – raw nuts and seeds, peas, oats, whole grain bread, pasta, rice and cereals, fruits, and vegetables.
- Lean protein and meats-You can add alternative meats and plant proteins to your diet, such as tofu, legumes, chicken breast, seafood (especially fish), and turkey.
- Eat more frequently- Eat-in small amounts but more frequent will be helpful for the bile, which is an essential part of the digestion.
- Fat-free dairy products – In your regular diet you may add fat-free diary products like yogurt, cottage cheese, or milk, light cream cheese etc.
- Egg whites or egg substitutes – You may also add egg substitutes in your diet.
Exercise after gallbladder surgery-
Generally, you should avoid any hard activities for three to five days or even higher depending on type of surgery process and the individual and their fitness level. In open surgery, normally you have to stay in the hospital for 3 to 5 days or even higher recuperation period So in my opinion you need to wait until your follow-up appointment, which should be seven to fourteen days after your operation.
Exercise can be resumed sooner after laparoscopic surgery because recovery is significantly faster. For the first 24 to 48 hours, avoid strenuous activities. However, walking is crucial throughout this time, and you should get up and walk as much as possible. Begin cautiously and gradually increase your activities as your body allows.
Hope the discussion was useful for the readers, and the insights in the post will help them recover from the gallbladder surgery.
Dr Sayandev Dasgupta
You’ve come to the right place if you have further questions or are looking for the top gallbladder laparoscopic surgeon in Kolkata. Dr. Sayandev DasGupta was in list of doctors in Kolkata to do laparoscopic surgery in 1992. For almost three decades, he has been doing all types of laparoscopic surgical procedures, including gallbladder surgeries, and has established himself as one of the most trusted laparoscopic surgeons in Kolkata and around the country.
The abdomen is not sliced open in this type of Minimally Invasive Surgery. The procedure is carried out by making three to five minute holes or ports in the abdomen through which very fine instruments are introduced.
