Cholecystectomy is one of the necessary operations in the event of acute cholecystitis or the presence of stones in it. Many people who undergo this operation wonder if it is normal to live without it, especially since it is the part responsible for storing bile that helps digest the fats present in the gallbladder. Food, (1) Can a person eat fats normally after the operation? Or does he need a special diet after that?
How are fats digested after cholecystectomy?
It is not necessary to have a gallbladder in order for us to digest fats. The liver is the part that makes bile, which helps digest the fats found in various foods. When the gallbladder is removed, the bile moves directly from the liver to the intestines without the need to store it. (2)
This change in the flow of bile can cause temporary diarrhea after surgery; Because the gallbladder retained concentrated bile juice, and released it when needed to digest fats. Without it, unconcentrated bile reaches the intestines in larger quantities and continuously, making the intestines more active, and this diarrhea usually goes away after a short period of time after the operation. (3)
Is there a specific diet after gallbladder removal?
No, there is no need to cut off fat, or follow a specific diet after removing the gallbladder, (4) as any type of food can be eaten normally as usual. However, most people recommend eating light foods after the operation in order to regulate the digestion process, such as rice, soup, potatoes, toast, bananas, pasta, and others, after which one can return to eating normal food of various types. (5)
In general, it is recommended to follow a balanced diet, while reducing the amount of fat in food initially to help relieve diarrhea after the operation. Important tips include: (6)
Avoid fats and fatty foods for at least a week after the operation:
This includes fried foods, or sauces that contain fat, foods cooked with butter or ghee, etc., and choosing low-fat foods instead, such as products labeled “lite,” “fat-free,” or “fat-free,” or those that It does not contain more than 3 grams of fat per serving.
Foods rich in soluble fiber:
Like oats or barley, they help regulate bowel movements after the operation, but attention must be paid to the need to eat them gradually over several weeks, so as not to cause gas and sudden pain in the abdomen.
Add fruits and vegetables:
It is an excellent source of important vitamins and minerals for the body after the operation.
Lean protein:
Such as fish, skinless poultry, low-fat meat, and legumes such as: lentils, beans, fava beans, and others.
Divide meals into small portions throughout the day:
This is to facilitate the liver’s task of manufacturing and transporting bile during the day instead of suddenly eating large, fatty meals.
To obtain useful advice about appropriate nutrition after cholecystectomy, and to inquire about all questions related to it, you can contact the Department of Digestive Medicine and Surgery at the Cleveland Clinic Doha. And benefit from the experience of our medical team.
the reviewer
American College of Surgeons: Cholecystectomy
University of Colorado: Cholecystectomy
NCBI Bookshelf: Postcholecystectomy Syndrome
Pubmed: Low-fat diet after cholecystectomy: Should it be systematically recommended?
University of North Carolina School of Medicine: Gallbladder Post-Op
Mayo Clinic: Can you recommend a diet after gallbladder removal?
