DIET POST GALL BLADDER REMOVAL

[Peeps7]

Peeps had his gall bladder removed, very successfully, two weeks ago today. I am having a bit of a struggle to understand what he can/cannot eat. Does anyone out there have any thoughts on a diet he can follow, short term and long term please?

[AyrshireK]

This is from the BLT page on gallstones and post-op care. Full page at:- healthunlocked.com/britishl...

Aftercare following surgery

For a short while after your surgery you may experience some nausea due to the anaesthetic or painkillers administered to you. You may also feel a little bloated, or have pain in your abdomen or shoulders due to the gas used to inflate your abdomen during surgery; this should usually pass within 48 hours.

On discharge you will normally be given oral painkillers for few days to control any pain and discomfort. Occasionally some people are prescribed oral antibiotics to take for a few days and your surgeon may arrange a follow-up outpatient’s appointment for four to six weeks time.

After the removal of your gallbladder, bile is no longer stored and will dribble continuously from the liver, through your common bile duct, into your intestine, rather than only being released after meals. It's rare that you will have any change in digestive ability after having your gallbladder removed and most people notice little difference without it1.

Some people experience an increase in wind (gas passed from your rectum), bloating or increased bowel movements after meals for several weeks following the procedure. In most cases these changes are short term and will get better.

About one out of every ten people who have their gallbladder removed will experience diarrhoea; this is because the continuous release of bile salts irritates their digestive system21. This usually improves over time, but if it does not, your doctor may recommend anti-diarrhoea medicines to slow down your bowel movements. Dietary changes may also help.

Looking after yourself

There is no special diet for people with gallstones, or those who have had their gallbladders removed25. Most people do not need to change their diet at all. However, eating a good, balanced diet is one of the most important things you can do to keep yourself well. Regular low calorie meals containing protein (such as meat, fish or beans), starch (such as bread, potatoes or rice) and vitamins (in fruit and vegetables) are the best approach. The following will also help:

eating plenty of fruit and vegetables: aim for 5 portions a day

avoiding salty foods

eating plenty of high-fibre foods such as brown rice, wholemeal bread and pasta

eating a low fat diet to avoid irritating your digestive system

eating a low cholesterol diet.

If you suffer from diarrhoea, eating plenty of high-fibre foods can help your body absorb excess water and make your bowel movements firmer. Avoiding spicy and fatty foods, dairy products and caffeine, may also help to reduce symptoms.

If your symptoms of diarrhoea persist, or you have any questions about your diet, talk to your GP. You can ask to be referred to a dietician for some personal advice.

[Peeps7 in reply to AyrshireK]

Thank you so much Katie, I knew I could rely on you! Anne x

[GrandmaDylan in reply to Peeps7]

I had my gallbladder removed in 2009 and have had no problems since. I don't eat a special diet but I have read that some people do still suffer if they eat high fat foods.

[Hidden in reply to GrandmaDylan]

Hi

I had mine out in 1985, the main thing that still irritates me is if I eat something high in fat. You both take care. Love and hugs Lynne xxxx

[Peeps7 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much Lynne, good to hear that the op has been so beneficial long term, Anne x

[Hidden in reply to Peeps7]

Hi

You are very welcome. I have had stomach/digestive problems for a long time, none of which are connected. Love and hugs Lynne xxxx

[Peeps7 in reply to Hidden]

You too 🤗😘

[Hidden in reply to Peeps7]

Thank you xxxx

[Goldfish4 in reply to GrandmaDylan]

Yes and other drinks with to much gas in them

[Goldfish4]

I've been the same u can eat as u like but don't take gas in products it blows u up and is very painful

[Hidden]

Hi Peeps

I had my gallbladder removed in 2015 and was informed to avoid greasey and fatty foods as this could cause numerous trips to the loo other wise.

The more fat you eat could cause further health issues a few years later which was not explained to me atvthe time or to a few of my friends who also had the same operation.

My suggestion is to eat healthy and to avoid fatty foods as your liver can only supply small amount of bile afterwards to break down fatty foods.

Good luck Peeps, hope this information is of help to your friend.

Regards Slaines

Female 66

[PurT123]

hi peeps7

I had gall bladder removed jan 2021 ;4 days after acute pancreatitis, jaundice, severe dehydration and no eating for a week prior or so( thought I had food poisoning). 50 yr old female, non smoker, fit & active but bmi of 35 ( fat).

First few days post removal by general surgeon I had acute constipation & then weirdly some diahorrea which was painful. This continued and was difficult as recovery progressed v slowly. Took antibiotics as GP thought I had post op infection .Ate v healthy & tried to figure out what helped, no advice or suggestions post discharge from hospital.( was pandemic so just let out)

Had stomach ache, bloating, some mild pain and weird pressure to both poo and lower internal. Just v tiring & wearing. Did v gentle exercises once able with physio but took 5 more antibiotics rounds as prescribed by GP & nothing really changed with the above as thought UTI, etc

I had lots of white mucus, bright yellow or black or grey or bright green poo,weight loss, tiredness aches & pain. Feeling of acid reflux ( never had that prior to surgery or 2 children) & some poor sleep,aches on and off .

Finally referred to gastrointestinal consultant - lots more tests mri, ultrasound etc & I had H Pylori bacteria in stomach as well as infection of gallbladder remainent/area. Had triple therapy of treatment x2 due to reaction to first round and finally got sorted out.

Now I eat v healthy high fibre, fruit, veg, lean protein with fermented foods, each meal/day. I never eat chilli as this triggers gut pain, limit anything with co2 as it is too gaseous and restrict salt to improve my BP downwards. I really max out the herbs & spice for variety and completely avoid added free sugar, high fat and ultra processed foods. I do not drink alcohol at all as I feel awful so just have peroni 0 which is nice. I have not been diagnosed with any liver or other issues.

Now my diet/digestion is back to normal, I have energy back and there is no constipation or weird infections colours of poo. Reflecting back I should have pushed harder to get referred as I was not right but it was not addressed as it was perceived as “on the mend” but dragged on for months. So it varies a great deal between individuals.

The suggestions mentioned by others of going slowly back to normal is a good one. A little daily walk when you able with a planned way to rise from a chair or bed is essential to use your leg muscles and not to twist. The guts website is really supportive with good ideas.

My other thought is to use a pre and pro- biotic to help keep your gut biome ticking over. Little bits to start with then build up.

Try not to worry but record how your friend is doing + and - daily so see any patterns and keep retrying things to progress. Most people most the time recover quickly & now I have too. so ensure lots of sleep, gently progress and your care & attention all will be grand in the end I am sure. Keep thinking about being back to normal and feeling better.

Fingers crossed for you both.

[Peeps7]

Thank you for your amazingly helpful reply so packed with useful information, very much appreciated, Anne x

[PurT123 in reply to Peeps7]

Peeps7

Your very welcome. Took me too long to find this amazing website/group and so happy to pass on anything which helps others to get well faster...

Best wishes Tess