If you don’t have a gallbladder, bile can flow freely into your small intestine. However, it can’t break down food as well there as it could in your gallbladder. Even though you can live without a gallbladder, you may need to change what you eat to make up for it.
Your gallbladder is a 4-inch-long, oval-shaped organ connected to your liver. It concentrates bile from your liver and releases it into your small intestine to help break down food.
If your gallbladder becomes infected or develops stones, it may need to be removed. This procedure is known as cholecystectomy.
It’s best to stay away from or limit foods that are high in fat, oil, greasy, and processed after surgery because they are harder for your body to break down.
You may not need to make these changes forever. Some of these foods may be easy to slowly add back into your diet in the months following the surgery.
Find out what you should eat, what to watch out for, and other things you can do to get better faster after having your gallbladder removed.
There’s no standard diet that people should follow after gallbladder removal surgery. In general, it’s best to avoid fatty, greasy, processed, and sugary foods.
A study from 2017 found that people who ate more eggs, animal protein, saturated fat, and fewer vegetables were more likely to have symptoms.
If you eat these things after having your gallbladder removed, you probably won’t get sick, but you might have a lot of painful gas, bloating, and diarrhea. This is partly because bile flowing freely into your intestine works like a laxative.
Meats that have been processed or are high in fat can make your digestive system very sick after having your gallbladder removed.
Dairy can also be hard for your body to digest as it adjusts without a gallbladder.
If giving up dairy isn’t possible for you, try picking fat-free yogurt and low-fat cheese, or ones that have non-dairy ingredients like almond milk.
Highly processed foods often contain a lot of additional fat and sugar. This makes them last longer, but they’re also hard to digest and don’t offer much nutrition.
You should stay away from some foods when you don’t have a gallbladder, but you can and should still eat a lot of other things.
Fiber can improve digestion in the absence of concentrated bile. Take it easy at first so you don’t overdo it right after surgery, which can also cause gas.
The foods below are good sources of fiber and many other nutrients, like calcium, B vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids:
Having your gallbladder removed is a major surgery that requires some dietary changes during recovery. Since the gallbladder plays an important role in fat digestion, foods high in fat may cause discomfort or other symptoms after gallbladder removal surgery (cholecystectomy). One food that patients often wonder about is shrimp. Here is a comprehensive guide on whether or not you can eat shrimp after gallbladder surgery.
Understanding Gallbladder Removal Surgery
The gallbladder is a small pear-shaped organ that stores and concentrates bile, a digestive fluid produced in the liver that helps break down fats. Gallstones can form when bile contains too much cholesterol or bilirubin. These stones can block the cystic duct causing a gallbladder attack.Recurring gallbladder attacks often lead to surgery to remove the gallbladder.
During gallbladder removal surgery, the gallbladder is detached from the cystic duct and removed through small incisions using laparoscopic techniques. Afterwards, bile flows directly from the liver into the small intestine instead of being stored in the gallbladder.
How Gallbladder Removal Affects Fat Digestion
Without the gallbladder to store and concentrate bile, the liver slowly releases a constant trickle of weaker bile. This makes digesting fats more difficult.
After surgery, fatty foods may cause these symptoms:
- Bloating
- Gas
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
Symptoms are usually temporary, lasting weeks to months as the body adjusts. But some people experience long-term fat malabsorption and diarrhea.
Is Shrimp Okay to Eat?
Shrimp can be part of a healthy post-cholecystectomy diet, but preparation method matters. Here are some tips:
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Avoid fried shrimp. The batter and oils make fried shrimp high in fat, which can cause symptoms.
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Opt for grilled, broiled, or boiled. These cooking methods remove excess fat, making shrimp easier to digest.
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Watch portion sizes. Stick to 3-4 oz per serving so you don’t overload your system.
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Remove tails and veins which contain higher fat content.
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Pair with non-fatty foods like veggies vs. heavy starches or creamy sauces.
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Avoid dunking in butter or fatty cocktail sauce. Stick to lemon wedges or low-fat dressings.
Starting with small portions of boiled, grilled, or broiled shrimp can allow you to see how your body handles it. Take note of any symptoms and adjust intake accordingly under your doctor’s guidance.
Best Practices for Eating After Gallbladder Removal
Here are some overall diet tips to reduce symptoms and complications after gallbladder surgery:
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Avoid fried foods: The oils and fats overwhelm your system. Stick to baking, grilling, steaming.
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Limit fatty cuts of red meat: Choose leaner cuts like sirloin or 93% lean ground beef.
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Reduce high-fat dairy: Opt for low-fat or nonfat milk, yogurt, cheese, and ice cream.
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Increase fruits, vegetables and whole grains: The fiber helps bind bile acids and improves digestion.
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Stay hydrated: Drink at least 64 ounces of water daily to prevent constipation.
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Take supplements: Digestive enzymes or bile salts can aid the breakdown of fats.
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Eat small, frequent meals: 5-6 smaller meals is easier to digest than 3 large ones.
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Chew food thoroughly: This gives digestive enzymes time to start breaking down fats.
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Avoid trigger foods: Keep a food journal to identify problem foods that worsen symptoms.
With time, most patients adjust and can expand their diets. But speak to your doctor if you have persistent digestive problems after surgery. There are medications and supplements that can help improve fat absorption.
The Bottom Line
It is possible to enjoy shrimp in moderation after gallbladder surgery. Focus on lean preparations like grilling, boiling or broiling. Start with small portions and avoid dunking shrimp in buttery, fatty sauces. Pair it with non-fatty sides. If shrimp causes discomfort, stop eating it and talk to your doctor. Otherwise, incorporate it as part of a balanced low-fat diet for best recovery.
Nutrient-dense, vitamin-dense fruits and veggies
Since you need more fiber while you’re healing from surgery, try to eat as many fruits and vegetables that are high in nutrients as you can.
These foods are good sources of vitamin A, fiber, vitamin C, which boosts your immune system, and many phytonutrients that help your body heal:
- legumes, such as peas, lentils, or beans
- cauliflower
- cabbage
- Brussels sprouts
- broccoli
- spinach
- kale
- tomatoes
- citrus, such as oranges and limes
- avocados
- blueberries
- blackberries
- raspberries
Lean meats or meat alternatives
If you’re used to eating a lot of meat, a gallbladder removal diet can seem intimidating. But you don’t have to cut out all meat. Just opt for leaner meats or plant proteins, such as:
- chicken breast
- turkey
- salmon
- trout
- herring
- white fish like cod and halibut
- legumes
- tofu
10 Worst Foods After Gallbladder Surgery
FAQ
Can I eat seafood after gallbladder removal?
Can I eat shrimp with gallbladder problems?
What foods should you avoid after gallbladder surgery?
Is spaghetti OK to eat after gallbladder surgery?
Can you eat fatty foods after a gallbladder removal?
After surgery, your liver will still make enough bile, but you might have difficulty processing fatty foods – at least for a while. More than half of patients who have their gallbladder removed have trouble digesting fat. Laura Jeffers, MEd, RD, LD, shares five tips to avoid discomfort after gallbladder removal: 1.
What food should one eat after gallbladder surgery?
After gallbladder surgery you can consume low-fat or fat-free dairy products, fat-free cheeses, egg whites, lean meats, fish, cooked vegetables, cooked fruit like apples and pears, rice, noodles.
Can you eat ice cream after gallbladder surgery?
Ice cream, cakes, cookies, puddings, and chocolate should only be eaten occasionally and in moderation. There are some good low-fat, non-dairy desserts on grocery store shelves, but keep an eye out for artificial sweeteners like sorbitol that can increase the risk of diarrhea. Avoid drinking alcohol after gallbladder surgery.
What dietary changes are recommended after gallbladder removal?
The dietary changes recommended after gallbladder removal such as adding fiber and healthy fats are helpful for most people with or without a gallbladder. It’ll also reduce your risk for future digestive issues due to not having a gallbladder. Last medically reviewed on February 1, 2023