Nutrition and healthy eating

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• February 7, 2013 11:53 p.m.

  Hi guys, I had my galbladder removed on the 13/12/12. Had a gallstone of 16.3mm and the pain was excruciating. I have lost 6 kg's (13.2 pounds). I have learnt to stay away from any oily foods, chocolates, fizzy drinks, green vegetables, creamy/rich sauces. I know immediately when I have eaten something wrong. The best advice I can give, is to keep a diary of what you eat, that way you will find out which foods to avoid. As soon as I eat something wrong, I will have diarrhea for the whole of the next day. As soon as there is to much fibre in what I need, I'll be constipated for a week. So its really a catch 22 situation. Everyone says eventually you will be able to eat everything again. But my motto, take it day by day, and slowly introduce the food that you always ate. If it has side effects, avoid it for while, and then try again. Have to say, except for the diarrhea and constipation, I'm so happy to be pain free. Good luck to you all. xxx

  - Rechelle

• February 7, 2013 11:13 p.m.

  I had gallbladder surgery on 1/29/13. I Went to the ER and was admitted with gallstones, pancreatitis and jaundice. I'm 1wk post surgery and I feel a LOT better. Some pain from my incisions. So far I've tolerated all foods well but I'm being cautious and sticking to low fat food and what ever I consider healthy. No fried foods, no red meats and more veggies and fruits. Do the right thing to your body and eat healthy. Above all listen to your doctor and you should be fine. Good luck!!

  - Zee

• February 7, 2013 10:29 p.m.

  I had my gallbladder removed yesterday. I appreciate the info given in these posts. Going to go low on the fat for a while and try to increase it a little eventually. I love coffee and hope I'll still be able to tolerate caffeine. I'll find out tomorrow morning when I have a cup of coffee.

  - Steve

• February 7, 2013 5:09 p.m.

  I had my gallbladder removed December 19 2012, today is Feb. 7 2013. If I had seen this site before the surgery I think that I would have known better questions to ask my dr. as well as what to expect. The first 2 weeks everything was awesome.Then my suture became infected and abcessed. Antibiotics and packing the wound for a week finally took care of that. I am still so sore and having all the same symptoms now that I had before surgery. I am going now to a PI who has ordered endoscopy and colonoscopy to investigate what is causing so much of a problem. I plan to work with him diligently and will post how it all comes out!

  - Minusha

• February 7, 2013 2:18 p.m.

  I just had my gallbladder removed on 1/21/13. I had 2 weeks of rest at home, I followed a very light diet of broths and veggies for about a week. I started eating small amounts of food, I seem to get full right away. I have lost some weight. However, I'm on my 3rd week after surgery and back at work. I have found my self feeling extremely nauseous and feeling extremely tired. I noticed that I can't seem to tolarate caffeniated drinks or dairy foods. I have not felt any pain, not even after surgery. I did not have the need for even OTC medication. I have noticed a burning sensation when urinating, have taken a UTI medication but it did not help. Hope to feel better soon...without the nausea.

  - Adriana

• February 7, 2013 1:13 p.m.

  i just had surgery 2/1/13.i still hurt alot when i go pee it hurt.The doctor tell you to take it easy but with kids under 3 what can u do. This is very new to me

  - shelita

• February 7, 2013 12:06 p.m.

  I had my gallbladder removed 2 weeks ago. Recovering well. Surgeon told me only low fat diet for 2 months to let my body adjust, then i should be able to eat normal. I feel great so far, no more attrack. I've changed my diet since i found out i had gallstones in November 2012. Since then I've lost 10 lbs (146 to 136) just from changing my diet to low fat. I no longer eating, chocolate, chips (unless is baked), crackers high in fat, no red meat, no salmon, no chicken with skin, no chicken wings, no deep fried food or pan fried food with lots of oil, no butter, no margarine, no peanut butter, no mac & cheese, no desserts (except for sobert or jello) My typical breakfast will be: a slice of wheat/oat toast (plain), a glass of warm fat free milk, or a cup of coffee with fat free half & half, and a bowl of oatmeal with brown sugar. My lunch: Mixed vegetable soup with chicken(skinless), and tofu /or/ stir fry vegetable (any vegetable you like), with tofu, and chicken(skinless) and no oil to stir fry, and a cup of greek yogurt(non fat), an apple or banana. My typical dinner: boiled fish filet (not a fatty type of fish), or boiled pork chop or chicken breast, with baked potato, or salad (with fat free dressing) or plain pasta (or pasta with marina sauce). For snack: saline crackers, jello, breadsticks, fruits, baked chips. I know every body reacts different. This works for me, and hope this could give you some ideas.

  - Angela

• February 6, 2013 5:47 p.m.

  I had gall bladder surgery three years ago and have lost 25 pounds. My bowel movements are severe. I have taken tests, tests and more tests. I can eat only starches: potato,pasta; baked chicken and baked fish. I never eat out. Vegetables are horrific to my diet, as well as salads. I wish I had never had the surgery. I have been to so many specialists I can't count them. Do you have suggestions? My face is covered with adult acne and this is caused by gall bladder surgery according to the great physicians.

  - suzy

• February 5, 2013 7:55 p.m.

  Okay I had gallstone surgery and I pancreas Titus I had my surgery in October I had gallstones for over a year and I didn't even know it... but now after I eat certain foods I get really bad stomach pains but I thought after all the pain would for away but it didn't so I was wondering why all the pain didn't go away.

  - kassidy

• February 5, 2013 6:21 p.m.

  Dear Maureen and other future gallbladder patients! Don't be afraid of the surgery and the side effects. Every one is impacted in a different way. I just had my gallbladder out a week ago and I am doing what the Surgeon said and eating low fat sensible fresh food! Your body is incredible at adjusting to life without a gallbladder (six months and everything should be tickety-boo). My Mom is 80 years old and had hers removed 10 years ago (and you should see what she can eat with no trouble!!). It stands to reason that the majority of people who are going to leave a post on a medical blog are going to be those unfortunate folks who experience problems post-surgery. Don't be afraid or discouraged..Get well soon to you all, I know how you feel!!

  - Jenn

• February 4, 2013 5:42 p.m.

  Good article. I had my gall bladder out 4 weeks ago and I'm struggling to stay on a reasonable diet. I've found that caffeine and protein shakes are a big no-no. They (an other greasy/fatty foods) make me nauseous. However, instead of diarrhea, I get really bad constipation. And, Exlax and similar products don't work. Should I be concerned?

  - Scott

• February 4, 2013 7:59 a.m.

  Vanessa you are not alone for having problems for a long time after gallbladder surgery. I had mine removed in 2001 and have the same problems with certain foods as I did right after surgery. Bacon, gravy, milk, and coffee are just a few items that give me grief. I was told it varies from person to person and you just have to live with it and watch what foods bother you and try to avoid them.

  - Maureen

• February 3, 2013 11:29 p.m.

  I had my gallbladder removed laparoscopically in June 2002, one month after the birth of my first daughter. Pregnancy messed my gallbladder up. For the most part, I can eat a regular American diet (junk food...lol). But I know my limitations and if I forget what those limitations are, my body reminds me. I'm going to be a bit graphic for a moment...McDonalds makes me poo. Guaranteed, within an hour, I have to find the closest bathroom. I can never eat a double quarter pounder like I used to. I've tried. Not a good idea. But, I can have a cheeseburger and fries. Coffee will make me poo before I'm even done with the cup. But, I love it, so I deal with it. These things don't usually me stomach pain, just diarrhea. There are some things even I won't try anymore. Popcorn makes stomach hurt too much. Chipotle, as totally awesome that restaurant is, I cannot eat it. Not one thing. Bad times will be had if I eat a burrito from there. I am irritated that I cannot eat at certain places, but for most part, I live the same way I did before. I just have to know where bathroom is when I go out.

  - Amanda

• February 2, 2013 7:01 p.m.

  I had my gallbladder removed April 9, 2012. I have had issues ever since. I got trush in my mouth two days after surgery which I have never had before. Had horrible gass for 4 days that was in my shoulders. It was so bad I couldnt stand for long. I healed good from the surgery but thats about the only good. Most the time i cant go to the bathroom for a week or more at a time and then i will be running to the bathroom which out any change in my diet. I eat pretty good. I dont eat food high in fat or fried. I have had doctore tell me to eat more fat to try and make me go and it actually think it made me worse. After surgery I also was having bladder pains and was treat for a UTI which once the labs would come back it would say I didnt have one. I have been given so many meds from doctor because they think thats the answer to everything that now i have no good bacteria in me and I am not even growning any. So I pretty much have no immune system right now. I know people who has had their gallbladder out and have no problems but not me. I am tired all the time, weak, looks like i am losing fat and muslce on my body, and still belching a lot. I was 165lb before surgery now I am 121lbs. I can tkeep weight on me. Is there any product to help break down fat? I dont feel like my body is getting what it needs. Nicole

  - nicole

• February 2, 2013 6:56 p.m.

  I had my gall bladder removed 1/9/13 as I had more than 30 stones and am feeling my way around foods that I can eat. The surgeon told me in the office that I could return to a normal diet after a couple of days of surgery. The student doctor told me after the surgeon left, that it needs to be low fat diet. I started out really slow with mini saltine crackers, ginger ale and water. I then added foods slowly back into my diet a little at a time. I find foods that I can eat and then I find other foods that I don't dare try again for a while (bacon, chocolate etc) or I will end up in the bathroom. I agree with Laurie that I eat Activia to help with digestion.I tried coffee with creamer and that was a no go. Instead I have been drinking Hot Apple Cider and eating apples which has been keeping me somewhat regular. I add Benefiber to my water if I get too constipated. I eat smaller amounts of foods and haven't had a lot of sweets. I have lost 10 pounds which will give me a boost on losing more weight. If I eat the wrong foods, I bloat really bad and end up running. I was told by a friend to just slowly add foods. Your body will tell you what is good and what is too much. I read somewhere, fat grams should be under 3grams. That is really hard to do. But I am trying. My resistance is still low as I caught a cold too - which doesn't help my recovery. Good Luck to everyone.

  - Terri

• January 31, 2013 9:08 p.m.

  I had my gall bladder removed last Friday, 1/25/13. The stone had completely filled the gall bladder so it was a bit of a challenge to remove it through laparoscopy. I have not needed any pain meds since leaving the recovery room and I have felt very well...a little tender across the belly but not too bad. I have had some diarrhea and cramping. I'm not much of a dairy person. Cheese and Activia. A nurse friend suggested using Imodium to help with diarrhea. Physician discharge instructions said return to normal diet. I've been reluctant to trust that, knowing what the function of the gall bladder is. Today was an uncomfortable afternoon. Lunch choice was probably not good. I'm glad to have found this blog. I'm eating smaller portions an eating about 5 small meals/day.

  - Laurie

• January 31, 2013 6:20 p.m.

  I had my gallbladder removed in 2007 and have had stomach problems ever since. At first i was fine. I was able to eat again! But as the years go by i am having more and more pain...everything i eat makes me rush to the bathroom. Its good to hear Im not the only one with problems and i think i need to see a doctor since it seems people are not having the problems as long as i have.

  - vanessa

• January 30, 2013 7:47 p.m.

  I had my gallbladder removed 2 weeks ago. It was hard for me to have a bowel movement but I was told it was because of the medication I was on when I left the hospital. After not taking the pain pills. I was able to go back to a normal bowel movement. Its only if I eat or drink anything to fatty like dairy Its then it would be running threw me like water. I just watch my fat intake and really dont eat a lot of greesy foods because of asid reflex. Im doing pretty good with bowel movements. I feel like a million bucks now. no more pain. Surgery was 01/18/2013 and im healing up nice.

  - Lori

• January 30, 2013 12:24 p.m.

  i had my gallbladder removed in August 2012. I asked my doctor what to expect and was told, "everyone is different". Initially i had constipation (due to other medications) and then suddenly the opposite. I found it was fatty foods that were setting it off. So, whenever things get out of hand, i adjust my diet. Not getting enough fiber? I eat a popcorn snack (with very little butter). Still a bit constipated? I eat a little yogurt or have a glass of milk. Things too active? More cheese or add a banana snack. No need to buy OTC products, i can moderate my situation with sensible food choices. BTW i lost 12 pounds as a result of changing overall to a healthier, lower fat, higher fiber and higher protein diet. Good luck everyone!

  - Heidi

• January 30, 2013 8:38 a.m.

  Hi I had my gall bladder removed on9/14/12 along with resection of my colon Ihave been doing pretty good till this week it has been over 4 months why now do I have some issue"s

  - mary

• January 28, 2013 10:16 p.m.

  I had gall bladder suregery on 12/21/2012. Today is JAnuary 28,2013. I was glad to read what you wrote as I was having lots of problems with nauseau and burping back food. I tried figuring a diet by talking with family members that had theirs removed. Each person told me something different. I did have one tell me there is some kind of powder she placed on food and it helped. Eventiually the powder was decreased and then stopped.She is trying to find the name of it for me as can be bought at any pharmacy. I know now to just go back and start over with a bland diet andeat as a test pattern. Thanks for words.

  - Sondra

• January 28, 2013 7:09 p.m.

  mine was removed in nov. of 2011 and right afterwards i felt weak........can't eat as much.........diahhrea all the time..almost 2 years later and things have not gotten any better....well my tummy pain is gone

  - cindy

• January 28, 2013 6:32 p.m.

  I JUST HAD MY GALL/ BLADDER REMOVED JAN 16TH 2013. IT HASN'T BEEN 2 WEEK'S YET. AND MOST OF EVERYTHING I EAT. UPSET'S MY TUMMY. AND I RUN TO THE BATHROOM ALOT. I SURELY PRAY THAT THIS GOES AWAY SOON.

  - DEBRA

• January 28, 2013 1:08 p.m.

  hi tj.....yep i posted about my issues with diahhrea......ugh..........it really bites...........i can't eat very much and am always.....ALWAYS.... afraid when I am out in public about the darn diahhrea attacks.....ugh i had to quit two jobs and going to church is not something i get to do....now

  - cindy

• January 27, 2013 11:46 p.m.

  Everyone here is talking of constipation. Your doctors all told you it would happen so whats the worry?! Didn't they make you pass gas before you went home? You will all be fine. As the one person said and even not reading this I did the same. Remember back to before to what made you poop best and go eat that! For me it was a blue cheese salad. DONE! I had my gall bladder removed in Sept 2012 and while I had a few days of constipation all was well and for months now I have been great. Eating what I want but still being a little more conscious of my diet. I had over the past couple months found a couple foods that would give me diarrhea; chilli and PB&J. Anyway, the last few days now I have been having severe diarrhea with no matter what I eat. It has made me very weak and afraid to eat. Again, as mentioned you are all crying about the few days after not being able to go. yes that happened to all of us. But now 4 months later I am going through this and no one posted this so could it just be eating what I want has caught up to me or did I eat something wrong or (and this is the big one)...is this related to not having a gall bladder? Anyone having this issue?

  - TJ