After Gallbladder Removal, Eat a High-Fiber, Low-Fat Diet

Recently, my good friend had her gallbladder removed. Half a million Americans have a cholecystectomy every year.

The gallbladder stores bile, which the liver produces and which is necessary to help digest fats. When you don't have a gallbladder, bile goes directly into your small intestines. The liver is on
its own after gallbladder removal.

Following a high-fiber, low-fat diet post-cholecystectomy helps food move through your digestive system and cuts down on intestinal discomfort. Lemon juice and vinegar also help the digestive system to break down fatty acids.

Whole grains like oatmeal and fresh produce (like beans, broccoli, artichokes, apples, and oranges) are high in fiber. Concentrating on "good fats" is important when cutting down overall fat intake, so you can still get the essential fatty acids your body needs. Non-tropical nuts (walnuts, almonds, etc.), seeds, fatty cold water fish such as salmon and mackerel, and extra virgin olive oil are all great sources of healthy fats. Being liquid at room temperature (as opposed to saturated fats, which are solid at room temperature), unsaturated fatty acids slide through the digestive system and take fat-soluble toxins with them.

Foods to avoid / cut out after gallbladder removal:
- red meat, pork, poultry (they're high in difficult-to-digest animal protein and animal fat);
- dairy (although a lot of folks without gallbladders find they can tolerate yogurt);
- chocolate and caffeine (can be digestive tract irritants);
- refined carbohydrates (they "gum up" the digestive system);
- fried foods (very high in fat);
- spicy foods (again, can be irritating); and
- soft drinks.