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  • With Mayo Clinic nutritionists

    Jennifer Nelson, M.S., R.D. and Katherine Zeratsky, R.D.

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  • Nutrition-wise blog

  • July 13, 2011

    What's OK to eat after gallbladder removal?

    By Jennifer Nelson, M.S., R.D. and Katherine Zeratsky, R.D.

963 comments posted

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I just got a phone call from a retired Mayo Clinic doctor asking why we don't have a gallbladder removal diet. He went on to explain that he'd had a very uncomfortable and embarrassing incident after eating a large meal that contained lots of fat. My response was that there isn't a set diet people should follow after gallbladder removal because the guidelines depend on the individual.

It's helpful to know a little background: The gallbladder collects bile, a fluid that is produced by the liver, and releases it when you eat to aid the breakdown and absorption of fat. Between meals, bile collects in the gallbladder and is concentrated. When the gallbladder is removed, bile is less concentrated and it drains continuously into the intestine. This affects digestion of fat and fat-soluble vitamins. How much of a problem it is varies from person to person. With time, the body often adjusts and becomes better at digesting fatty foods.

The amount of fat eaten at one time also factors into the equation. Smaller amounts of fat are easier to digest. On the other hand, large amounts can remain undigested and cause gas, bloating and diarrhea.

Although I don't have a specific gallbladder removal diet to recommend, I can offer general advice for avoiding problems after you've had your gallbladder removed:

  • Eat smaller, more frequent meals. This may ensure a better mix with available bile. Include small amounts of lean protein, such as poultry, fish and nonfat dairy, at every meal, along with vegetables, fruit and whole grains.
  • Go easy on fat. Avoid high-fat foods, fried and greasy foods, and fatty sauces and gravies. Instead, choose nonfat or low-fat foods. Read labels and look for foods with 3 grams of fat or less a serving.
  • Gradually increase the fiber in your diet. This can help normalize bowel movements by reducing incidents of diarrhea or constipation. However, it can also make gas and cramping worse. The best approach is to slowly increase the amount of fiber in your diet over a period of weeks.
  • Be aware that after gallbladder surgery some people find that the following are difficult to digest: caffeinated beverages and dairy products.

Talk with your doctor if your symptoms are severe, don't diminish, continue over time or if you lose weight and become weak.

I'd like to hear from anyone who has had gallbladder surgery — do you have problems — or are you able to eat almost everything? Any advice you can share?

- Jennifer

963 comments posted

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  • April 2, 2013 1:20 p.m.

    I sometimes get severe bouts of nausea that it like being pregnant again! what shoudl I eat when this happens? and what DID I eat to get so nauseaus?

    - katie

  • April 2, 2013 10:11 a.m.

    Hi, I had my gallbladder taken out 4 years ago and I get really bad cramps. I'm pretty sure it's due to my diet but i've been told that it's my appendix, but the pain is right where the gallbladder was (underneath my right lung) It just feels like i ran 2 miles while drinking soda. Im going to try a new diet out to see if that helps. I'm really hoping it is my diet, I haven't been eating healthy by any means. Fried foods, soda, alcohol, gravey, peanut butter, lots of junk food and im pretty sure as a result of that I get what I like to call "super cramps". This pain is diffrent that the gall stone pain. It is a constant pain that varies of pain level. When it is really bad It becomes hard for me to breath (usually after fast food). I'm really hoping that this pain is due to my diet and not due to appendicitis. If there is a set pyramid for the majority of patients can anybody E-mail me the link please (Farleylk@gmail.com). Im really scared that I have appendicitis but I only have 2-5 symptoms. I have every symptom that explains the pain from a bad diet. My advice is, Dont take your diet lightly like I have been doing. It will result in more misery. There was one day I went skating and when I started heading home my sid started to cramp up, so bad It was difficult to get out of the car, when i took a breath in, i could feel a girgling noise under my right lung. I really hope this has helped anybody. I still have to get taken care of before its too late.

    - Kyowa

  • April 1, 2013 7:08 p.m.

    hi , i am 2 weeks post op and i am still having problems with acid reflux and vomiting, i cant eat what i like , dairy or spicey foods , small amounts only , i am now taking pills for indigestion and acid reflux , help !!

    - Graham

  • April 1, 2013 6:27 a.m.

    I had my gallbladder removed 7 weeks ago and have followed a low fat diet since then and avoided alcohol simply to give my liver a better chance! I haven't had any problems with food so far luckily as I'd read blog posts that seemed to threaten uncontrollable diarrhea which scared the hell out of me! I'm careful and am able to tolerate small amounts of fat within meals. Good luck.

    - Sally

  • March 31, 2013 9:12 p.m.

    I had the Surgery two days ago and I ate for the first time today. I had four oz. of Chicken Broth, frozen mixed vegatables, with a few Egg noodles and a half cup of Itilain Ice for Desert; everything seemed to digest well. So I was happy for my first thing to eat in five days. I think I will do just that low fat veg a starch but keep the meals small until I heal

    - Glen

  • March 31, 2013 12:31 p.m.

    Hi, I can actually say that since having my gallbladder removed in 2008 I am able to eat and drink exactly what I want. I dont ever get an upset stomach and my food is very varied. Good luck to you all.

    - Teresa

  • March 30, 2013 10:37 a.m.

    its been 6 yrs when i got my operation to gallbladder..but now i observe that i gain weight...and i dont know what im doing

    - edlyn

  • March 30, 2013 9:08 a.m.

    I am still in the hospital. I had my gallbladder removed yesterday. I have eaten 3 jello cups, 1 cup of beef broth and 1 pudding cup (not at one sitting). I felt fine after all of that. This morning,I had a small bowl of fruit loops and a banana nut muffin. I ate the cereal first. My stomach had started to feel a little funny, but once I reclined, it got a little better. Right now the thought of greasy foods is not appetizing. At all.

    - Ashley W.

  • March 29, 2013 8:09 p.m.

    Hi My boyfriend who is 29yrs. old just had his gallbladder removed about a week ago and has been feeling really tired, blurred vision, dizziness, also lack of appetite. he can hardly walk around the house without getting tired and sleeping alot. He has been only able to hold down small amounts of broth and veggie soup. any advice.?? is this normal ?

    - kristy

  • March 29, 2013 3:37 p.m.

    I feel for everyone, but I think this problem is very indivdualistic. I just had my GB out 2 weeks ago and for the most part, am ok but have pain on my side and back and pretty much get diarreah EXCEPT amazingly - from carl's jr TURKEY BURGERS or grilled chicken sandwiches - thats' the only real food i have eaten but only a few times. had some eggs and fresh fruit this morning and got sick. Can eat ZONE bars tho. So it's hit and miss. I say be happy you have a chance to get skinny (if you're overweight) cuz your love affair with food is OVER!!! I now see food as a necessary evil, which is sad but probably healthier. Hopefully eating will get better. BY THE WAY - i read one comment that made me know i wasn't crazy. if you have a bad cough afterwards, apparently it's from the breathing tube. I coughed for the first 4 days and the doctor didn't even seem concerned about it so eventually it went away but it was not pleasant. Good luck to everyone and i think it's better to get it out if you're having problems. Stones can pass and cause tearing of the liver or pancreas which sounds worse to me than not being able to have a cheeseburger. Be well!

    - Kay

  • March 29, 2013 3:09 p.m.

    Just had my GB removed on March 25th. The previous posts have been so helpful I decided to post for the first time. I find walking around every 2-3 hours helps with the blotting and gas. I eat small meals like oatmeal, tuna, 12 grain bread, and low sodium chicken & rice soup. I also drink lots of water; ginger ale helps with gas as well.

    - Kay

  • March 29, 2013 5:25 a.m.

    MB- I feel your pain with the gas in the shoulders... I had a terrible sleep last night... If I could lay on my stomach I would go for a massage but not so much..

    - Melissa

  • March 29, 2013 4:39 a.m.

    I had my Gall Bladder removed 30th Jan 2013. Am on a strict no/low fat diet, eating healthier than ever, but it's so boring! Have been trying to introduce foods gradually, cannot eat eggs, tinned tomatoes any spicy foods.No longer eat cheese, pastries. I have lost 7kg already. Am glad I had the op as I couldn't cope with the pain and daily attacks of vommiting any more.I had over 30 stones, so it needed to come out. I just wish i could eat what i want instead of having to read the fat contents of everything!

    - Wendy

  • March 28, 2013 8:51 p.m.

    I had my gall bladder out 3 days ago and this is AGONY! I almost wish I would've just kept my GB full of stones and better controlled the attacks with my diet. So far everything I've eaten has caused horrible bloating and gas pain.. it doesn't help that I'm still full of gas from the surgery.. it goes into your shoulders and feels like a heart attack.. I have a chest infection from the breathing tube and coughing is agony. So far i've eaten bits of a muffin, coffee with cream, a milk shake, chicken noodle soup and a bite of bread - and every single thing caused my stomach to blow up like a balloon. I can't go to the bathroom either.. I've taken laxatives and drank an entire bottle of mag citrate and nothing.. I can't let the gas out until I go to the bathroom.. and every time I think I'm able to go, nothing happens. I'm regretting having this done.. I'd rather deal with an attack or 2 once a month.

    - MB

  • March 28, 2013 8:25 p.m.

    I had my gb removed today and so far I feel ok. I ate jello and some chicken noodle soup that my mom made. I had my appendix out a month ago and that was torture. I'm really nervous about what to eat, everyone seems to have a different result. Feel better everyone!

    - Melissa

  • March 28, 2013 1:35 p.m.

    Five weeks from surgery. Have quite a bit of gas plus constipation. Have tried to be very careful of fat eaten and eat protein,fruits and veggies at every meal. Maybe its a matter of time to adjust. I ready for that adjustment now. Have patience, I guess !!!!

    - Cal

  • March 28, 2013 9:56 a.m.

    I just had my gallbladder removed yesterday and ate my first meal today. The hospital has me in a low fat diet. When I finishef esting I got really bad pain under my chest. I dont think ill be able to eat in a while after that ):

    - Lucero

  • March 26, 2013 8:30 p.m.

    One other item I found that works, mixing berries (frozen or fresh) with yogurt and a teaspoon of raw honey. As much as possible, I try to buy local food, or food grown in the US that is organic-farmer's markets is a good resource. Sweet potatoes with a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg and yogurt are easy to digest and offer some more flavor. I bake French fries, use dash and no oil. At this point I stay away from anything that could trigger an upset or painful stomach. Apples are too hard for me to digest at the moment, so I have just plain (no added ingredients)apple sauce-organic. Pineapple in small doses has worked. Ginger tea or fresh ginger in my food helps. If you can budget the purchase of a vitamix (Costco) or something that is equivalent, the ability to liquefy fresh produce may also help in getting the nutrients you need with better results. Coconut water/milk or almond milk has been my back-up plan. I know I am missing something, but doing my best to stay ahead of any further medical problems in the future. This experience brought on a lifestyle change.

    - Dana

  • March 26, 2013 8:30 p.m.

    Cathe, I am so sorry that you are feeling this way. I had my GB out in Januart 2013, and am feeling a lot better. The first week was really hard. Everything I ate ran thru me and bloated me to the point I stayed in my pj's. I couldn't get comfortable laying on my side. Had to sleep propped up on pillows for about two weeks. I took what I was eating very slow. Stayed away from caffeine, beef, milk products. I felt like living on saltine crackers, broth, water and yogurt. What I figured out is probiotics really helped me. Adding in one food at a time so I could judge what I could and couldn't eat so I didn't feel so bloated or have to run to the bathroom. I even slowly started adding milk products and beef back into my diet. After 2 weeks I also started exercising. I still find foods that I can't eat that will bloat me, I just either don't eat them or only eat them once in a while when I know I will stay home. I also am sleeping back on my side. I know you have heard everyone's body excepts things differently, just take your time and let your body adjust. Almost 3 months after having mine out I still can't drink coffee. I really miss coffee. I will try it again to see if it still upsets my stomach. Good luck and I know you will find yor way.

    - Terri

  • March 26, 2013 4:47 p.m.

    I had my gallbladder removed 3 weeks ago. Due to some complications prior to the removal, I was kept in the hospital for 4 days and on antibiotics for 2 weeks. Based on the research I have conducted since the removal, this is what I have found: Probiotics! A winner hands down. It helps with digestion and offers multiple benefits.I also take good belly shots. I take a LIQUID/water absorbed form of ubiqinol, Multiple B. Occasionally I add milk thistle for my liver, which has tested well so far. Once a day I take a powdered multi-vitamin mixed with low acid orange juice.(All vitamins I take are capsules for better absorption) Caffeine from coffee and other items have upset my stomach, so I resorted to milder forms of caffeine-green tea and gi. I eat low fat yogurt, lactaid free 0% milk, steamed veggies. Salmon so far has been ok, almond butter on a piece of whole grain high fiber bread, raw honey and non-gelatin jello. Some salads with baby greens, arugula and cilantro have been okay, light, low fat salad dressing.(lemon, olive oil and maybe apple cider vineger) Very little wine (in the future).Drink lots of water! With everything I eat, I count the fat, carbs,salt and sugars. I am diligent in taking small amounts of food, low acid/spice foods (it hurts if I eat too much) and I walk-a lot. The process at this time seems to work, I see it as an opportunity to move forward in my life as a healthier person.Want to learn more about balancing vitamins and nutrients for best results.

    - Dana

  • March 26, 2013 7:55 a.m.

    Since gallbladder surgery, I sometimes have trouble with any dish containing a tomato sauce. This includes skettie sauce with no meat. Never bothered me before.

    - Rita

  • March 24, 2013 7:00 p.m.

    Had my gallbladder removed 10/26/2012. I was admitted to the hospital a week later because of internal bleeding from an incision site. I still haven't figured out what to eat. I am under 110lbs. My surgeon said people who have trouble after surgery are eating high fat food or have Celiac Disease. I am already on a gluten free diet. I was diagnosed with Celiac after a biopsy in 2005. I don't eat fatty or any fried foods. I am looking for high protein and gluten free snacks, nuts caused nauseousness and trips to the bathroom. I have also always been lactose intolerate. A friend who had her gallbladder removed over 20 yrs ago knows that her triggers are pork, garlic, onion, iceburg lettuce and cuccumber. She eats full fat desserts etc. Sorry to scare those who are awaiting surgery. I think we'll figure this out. Let go and let God is what I'm telling myself.

    - Holly

  • March 24, 2013 6:39 p.m.

    OK! Now I am nervous after reading all these comments. is it really worth having your gallbladder taken out? Is there a diet that will dissolve the stones. I am scheduled to have mine taken out on the 27th.

    - RETHA

  • March 22, 2013 2:17 p.m.

    I had my gallbladder removed approximately 9 years ago. Within the last several years, I can no longer tolerate dairy except for certain cheeses. Milk shakes - OUT Ice Cream - OUT Milk - OUT. I also lately have to watch carefully what I eat. No fried foods or very few. It drives me crazy. I'm getting to where I know which restaurants I can and I can't eat at. Even though I had to have the gallbladder removed, they should really give a 'heads up' to this problem with diarrhea, in my opinion.

    - Debra

  • March 22, 2013 1:31 p.m.

    I am an O.R. RN, removed tens of thousands of gallbladders in my 35 year reign in the surgical arena. At 53 and in pretty descent shape, watching a balance of what i have eaten, fasting maybe three times a year...seven days ago, i had mine out. Two years ago my first attack, they could not find anything significant. Now a week ago i thought i was having a heart attack... Called my very good friend, surgeon, whom i have worked with for many years and he told me it was my gallbladder. Sonogram revealed stones were present. He scheduled me for last Friday to be removed. Laparoscopically removed, cholangiogram done...no more stones...no more gallbladder :(. I have never been so uncomforable in ALL my life. I am eating a bland diet of chicken soup, jello, yoguart, toast, chicken broiled i am STILL uncomfortable, my stomach blows up like i am 7 months pregnant!! The other night i thought I was having another heart attack! What, When, how, why????? omg i feel like crying,well i am crying :'(. The pain from the incisions are tolerable maybe the midline upper incision hurts the most. If i sleep on my right side (which I have been doing since childhood!!) is very uncomfortable, i envision my intestines and liver adhesing! It wakes me out of a sound sleep! but, incisional pain will go away, what i am afraid of is that the bloating and pain that i feel from eating or not eating will not go away. For the first time in my life I am miserable and do not know what to do :(

    - cathe

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