Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in Bangalore | Dr. Manas Tripathy
When you face serious problems with your gallbladder, like gallstones, then your doctor is likely to recommend you to have your gallbladder removed through surgery. The major concern the patients have after getting their gallbladder removed is whether they can carry out the normal day-to-day activities. The second fear they have is whether they have to change their diet after gallbladder surgery or Cholecystectomy surgery.
Dr. Manas Tripathy, Best Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Surgeon in Bangalore, has answered the common questions that arise in patients after a gall bladder removal. He has also shared some of the post-surgery lifestyle tips for faster and better recovery.
Now let us look at what should be included in your diet after you have your gallbladder removed.
Majorly people do not have to follow a special diet after going through the surgery of removing the gallbladder stone. The major reason behind it is because the gall bladder does not have any direct relation with the digestion so that it does not matter much if you were not being asked to follow a strict diet. In most cases, doctors suggest that patients can start eating normally after the surgery, but they do say that you should start with small meals at regular intervals of time.
Here are some of the most important things that should be kept in mind right after you have got your gallbladder removed so that there should be no problem for the patient and for their closed ones as well. So kindly keep these things in mind that should be avoided so as to not invite any problem for anyone.
1. Drinks containing Caffeine
For the initial phase of the surgery, not only the doctors, but we would also suggest that please-please do not for the drinks that contain caffeine. We strictly mean that drinks like tea, coffee, and cold drinks should be avoided at any point in time. If you continue having these drinks then it might become a huge problem because it would not let the scar to heal which would be there in your body after the surgery. These drinks would prolong the healing period. So please think about your health and avoid any such caffeinated drinks.
2. Avoid Spicy or Fatty Foods
In the initial phase post-surgery, it is extremely important that any of the spicy or the fatty foods should be avoided so that the digestive system of the body does not have to do much work in digesting the food and it should be easy for the body to do its work normally without any kind of problem in between. It is for your betterment only. These fatty or spicy foods would not do any good to you in the initial post-surgery phase rather it would just increase your sufferings and nothing else.
3. Add foods back into your diet gradually
It is suggested that during the initial days after surgery to stick on to very light foods such as broths, gelatins, and clear liquids. After a few days, you can gradually get back to more solid foods back into your diet.
4. Avoid fried food and stick with smaller portions
At any cost, avoid fried foods or the ones containing high amounts of fat. Foods with strong odors or gas-causing foods should also be kept away from your diet. The key to a healthy diet is eating smaller yet frequent meals. This helps in ensuring a better mix with bile.
5. Skip high-fat foods to help avoid discomfort
After having gallbladder surgery, many people develop frequent, watery stools. Eating the wrong food can worsen the situation and can induce pain, bloating and diarrhea. This could also cause gastrointestinal discomfort. It could be mostly avoided by not consuming high-fat or spicy foods. These may include:
- Butter
- Chocolates
- French fries and potato chips.
- Chocolate
- Meat items such as bologna, sausage or ground beef
- Junk food such as pizza, French fries or ground beef
- Chicken skin
- Spicy foods
- Coconut or palm oil
- Dairy products such as cheese, ice cream, and whole milk
Generally, you should not intake fat calories more than 30% of your daily intake. So if you are like consuming 1,800 calories each day, then you should consume no more than 60 grams of fat.
You should be careful while choosing the food and hence make sure to read food labels carefully. Avoid having any food that offers more than 3 grams of fat per serving.
6. Take it slowly as you reintroduce high-fiber foods
As the days pass, try to bring some of the gas-producing foods back into your diet, such as:
- Whole-grain bread.
- Nuts.
- Legumes.
- Seeds.
- Cauliflower.
- Cabbage.
- Cereal.
Don’t add the high-fiber foods suddenly to your diet. Add them in small amounts and slowly. Else, if re-introduced suddenly, it could lead to other problems like diarrhea, cramping and bloating.
7. Keep a food journal
After surgery, you can keep track of what you eat and the impact it brings by keeping a food journal. This will not make you worry about your diet and but will give you some idea of what you can and cannot eat comfortably.
Most of the people who undergo gallbladder surgery can return to a regular diet within a month or so. But some of you might find some problems. In such cases, consult your doctor. The symptoms might be:
- Severe pain in the abdominal.
- Feeling nauseating or vomiting.
- Jaundice fever.
- No bowel movements even after three days post-surgery.
- Not being able to pass gas for more than three days post-surgery.
- Diarrhea.
After surgery, having a food journal will help you feel more comfortable and at ease. With time, check your tolerance for high-fiber foods and fats (try to stick on healthy fats).
Now, most people think that can you live normally after Gall Bladder Removal…
Yes. It has been noticed that the majority of the people find no major difference before and after surgery except that they don’t experience the pain from gallstones. Let us take a quick look at the questions one would have regarding the gall bladder removal and life after surgery…
What does my gall bladder do?
The gallbladder is a tiny organ linked to the liver which carries the function of storing bile coming from the liver. It is then released into the small intestine. Bile breaks down food and digest fat helping in your digestion process.
Can I function normally without a gall bladder?
Absolutely, you can. In the absence of gall bladder, the bile produced by the liver flows directly into the small intestine. However, this may stimulate the intestine which results in loose motion for nearly half of the patients. But, it isn’t a serious concern as it lasts only about 3-6 months. In case you experience this symptom, strictly follow a low-fat diet. After 4 to 6 months, you will return to normal status.
Is my life expectancy affected?
Removing the gallbladder doesn’t affect your life expectancy. Neither does it shorten your life expectancy. On the other hand, it may increase your life expectancy due to the good, healthy dietary habits you will force to follow post the gallbladder surgery. Avoiding fats, oils, processed foods, and dairy products will, in turn, reduce the chances of you developing high blood pressure, obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. The lower intakes of calories would result in your body is digesting your food and utilizing energy more efficiently.
Conclusion:
You must know that your body can function pretty well without your gallbladder. The removal of gallbladder doesn’t shorten your life expectancy. Moreover, the healthy dietary changes that you follow after surgery will make you healthier and probably help in living a longer life.
The only thing you have to be mindful about is your diet. Keep control of your diet and avoid any food that may be a factor for digestive issues. Introducing these healthy habits in your lifestyle will benefit you in the long run. In case, you find issues post-surgery, you should talk to your doctor. Give priority to your treatment methods after the gallbladder surgery.
