The gallbladder is a small organ that is located under the liver, on the right side, it is pear-shaped and its main function is to collect and store bile, the liquid that the liver produces, of a yellowish color and that serves for the correct digestion of fats. Thus, this gallbladder of the digestive system is crucial when it comes to being able to process fats to take advantage of and discard what is necessary. Some people for various reasons may have the need to undergo an operation called cholecystectomy, in which for health problems this organ is removed. It is very common that many doubts arise around this situation and one of the most common, for example, is what to eat without gallbladder. Therefore, in this oneHOWTO article we tell you everything you need to know, from how you can live well without this organ to what to include in your diet and what to exclude.
How to live without a gallbladder
Yes, you can live without a gallbladder, since even though it has an important function in the proper functioning of the body, this organ is not vital in itself.
Those who have undergone a cholecystectomy, whether it has been for chronic cholecystitis or other causes, spend a few days with low bile reserves, since they will only have available the one that has been stored in the small intestine until, little by little, it begins to reach the duodenum from the liver directly, being able to cause an excess of this liquid in the intestines. Thus, there will not be enough of this liquid necessary for the digestion of fats and, therefore, if this type of food is ingested they will be given digestive problems. The most common effects are the appearance of nausea, vomiting, indigestion, gas and flatulence, bloating, diarrhea and colic. This recovery time usually lasts between 2 and 3 weeks, then little by little food is reincorporated into the diet and you can live normally again.
In the event that there is an excess of bile storage in the small intestine, it will begin to move towards the large intestine and it will absorb it, being able to produce an excess of bile salts in the large intestine and causing irritable bowel and diarrhea.
There are also many people who wonder if without gallbladder you get fat or thin And, the truth is that, due to the reduction of fats and other factors, a weightloss And in some cases there are those who have a hard time gaining some weight later on.
In summary, after gallbladder removal surgery it is necessary to adjust the diet and incorporate some foods slowly, with the passage of days or weeks. In fact, 95% of those operated on eat completely normally again in a short time.
What can I eat if I don’t have a gallbladder – recommended foods
What can you eat after gallbladder surgery or cholecystectomy? This is the main question and the truth is that you have to start by eliminating fats or consuming foods that are very low in their content, for example, fats of vegetable origin are usually better accepted after a cholecystectomy. These are the Recommended foods if you don’t have a gallbladder:
- Herbal teas and teas, such as green tea and chamomile
- Low-fat dairy, whether it’s milk, cheese, or yogurt
- Legumes without skin and in moderation
- Pasta
- Rice
- Toasted bread and biscuits
- Fruits like berries, apples, pears, peaches, etc.
- Vegetables, except those that are difficult to digest and flatulent
- White or lean fish
- Lean meats
- Only fatty foods allowed: olive or seed oil, preferably raw or well boiled, never fried.
Forbidden or little recommended foods after a cholecystectomy
Apart from the foods mentioned above, you have to take into account the prohibited foods after gallbladder surgery, to eliminate them from the diet or, if the doctor indicates it, consume the right amounts so as not to suffer damage but to take advantage of their nutrients.
- Choclate
- Coffee
- Whole dairy
- Fast food
- Refined carbohydrates
- Hydrogenated fats
- Fried foods and processed foods
- Fatty meats, such as cold cuts
- Butter
- Blue fish and shellfish
- Eggs, especially the yolk
- Legumes with tough skin
- Spicy and sauces
- Flatulent vegetables like cauliflower, cabbage, or artichokes
- Olives
- Very oily nuts such as hazelnuts and walnuts
Example of a diet for people without a gallbladder
The most advisable thing is that the biliary diet has around 30 g of daily lipids, that is, that it contains less than 25% of the total daily energy value. There are many recipes for people without a gallbladder that are totally healthy and, of course, also suitable for people who do have this organ, as seen in this example of diet and menu:
Breakfast
- Cup of infusion or coffee with milk if food is already beginning to be included.
- White bread toast or toast biscuits, with turkey breast or jam.
Lunch
- Apple, pear or other fruit compote.
- Fruit juice.
Meal
- Cup of vegetable broth or lean meat, you can add soup paste.
- The vegetables in the broth can be eaten separately or in the same soup.
- Cooked or baked vegetables such as carrots, tomatoes (without seeds or skin), aubergines, pumpkins, etc. They can also be eaten in puree or cream.
- Chicken or turkey breast or thighs without skin, or cut of beef or other meats as long as it is a lean part.
- The dressing can only be olive or sunflower oil, in a small quantity, lemon juice and at most light or dietary mayonnaise, in case foods are started to be included.
- About twice a week you can eat pasta or cereals such as ravioli, spaghetti, rice, etc.
- For dessert you can have fruit such as pears, apples, tangerines, plums, peaches or melons.
Afternoon snack
You have to follow the line of the breakfast example, although you can include variants and include some foods. Although, in the case of drinks, infusions, teas, mineral water, fruit juices, etc. are always recommended.
Dinner
Dinner can be like the example of food. However, it must be taken into account that in the last meal of the day it is advisable to eat less than in the rest of the meals, so the doses will have to be reduced.
Tips for living without a gallbladder
Finally, we show you some tips and recommendations for living without a gallbladder that will help you adapt and regain normalcy:
- Start drinking fluids 24 hours after surgery.
- After 48 hours, a semi-liquid low-fat diet can be started (maximum 30% of the total calories ingested), although it is better without, and in small amounts.
- The quantities will be distributed in small doses about 5 or 6 times a day.
- After 72 hours of the operation, you can switch to a soft diet, also in low amounts, such as half a portion.
- After a day or two more, if the soft diet is well tolerated, you can start a continuation diet, that is, you will eat the same but the amount will be increased.
- You always have to eat slowly, chew your food a lot and not feel completely full, just satiated, and the best way is to eat between 5 and 6 times a day.
- Food should be prepared raw, papillote, steamed, baked, boiled or grilled.
- Avoid all types of fats at first, especially fried, processed and industrial foods.
- Remember to avoid foods that are flatulent, spicy and that can cause constipation.
- Gradually add fiber to improve your intestinal transit.
- If you find it difficult to digest, choose to walk 5 or 10 minutes at a good pace and continuously, instead of lying down and resting.
- To reintroduce food, do it little by little to check tolerance and do it one at a time, for example, a week apart.
- Consult your doctor whenever necessary for check-ups, follow-up or clarify doubts.
This article is merely informative, at oneHOWTO we do not have the power to prescribe any medical treatment or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to What to eat without gallbladder – diet after the operation, we recommend that you enter our category of Diseases and side effects.