Cholecystectomy, or surgical removal of the gallbladder, is a necessary procedure following the occurrence of diseases that can negatively affect the gallbladder, such as gallstones. The gallbladder releases bile that helps the body digest fatty foods, so removing the gallbladder will affect the ideal composition of your diet. Optimizing your diet to take the absence of your gallbladder into account can help you keep your body running smoothly, speeding your recovery.
Diet Immediately Following Cholecystectomy
Immediately following surgery you should adhere to a liquid diet to minimize the amount of stress on your system, allowing your body to devote its resources to recovering from the trauma of a surgical procedure. At this stage your main goal should be to consume whatever liquid foods you can tolerate to provide your body with sufficient daily calories.
If you are not having problems with appetite, a quality liquid meal consists of milk (or powered milk) blended with a few scoops of protein powder and some fruits (either bananas or berries). Add in a splash of healthy oils (such as olive oil or natural peanut butter) for some much-needed unsaturated fat. These homemade smoothies can help you stick to your liquid diet while providing your body with plenty of nutrients and calories.
Solid Food Diet
After a week or two on the liquid plan you can transition back to a solid food diet. When recovering from surgery, consuming a balanced diet filled with natural, healthy foods is key. After the gallbladder is removed, your body will still be producing bile, however the method through which bile enters the intestines will be affected. You may want to limit the total amount of fat you consume in your diet to no greater than 30 percent of your total calories.
Aside from limiting your overall fat content, you should also strive to lower your percentage of saturated fats consumed after your operation. Additionally, limit or eliminate consumption of refined (white) flours, sugary items and processed and fried foods.
Focus your diet on fruits and vegetables--consume at least one serving of each at every meal, along with a lean protein source (chicken, turkey, or seafood), whole grains and a small amount of healthy fats. Consume only zero-calorie beverages such as water and green tea. Sticking to a natural diet filled with fresh foods will offer you the best opportunity to quickly recover from the operation and move on with your life.
