Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

Cholecystectomy is the medical term for removal of the gall bladder. This organ may be removed because of gallstones or because it is unable to properly store bile. After the gall bladder is removed, you should pay careful attention to what you are eating and drinking to prevent complications. This involves drinking enough liquid, eating fruits and vegetables and avoiding foods with high levels of fat. Liquid Intake It is important to get enough liquid after you have had your gall bladder removed. The University of Wisconsin recommends drinking a minimum of 6 to 8 glasses of fluid each day. Water is the best choice, but low-fat milk and natural fruit juices can also be consumed. You should avoid soft drinks and limit coffee and tea since caffeine can cause fluid loss. Drinking enough liquid can help to prevent constipation, which is a possible side effect of an abdominal procedure such as gall bladder surgery Fruits, Vegetables and Whole Grains Getting enough fruits, vegetables and whole grains is important for maintaining health and preventing constipation after gall bladder surgery. The University of Wisconsin recommends eating four servings of fruits or vegetables and four servings of breads and cereals. Two servings of breads and cereals should be whole grains. Fruits and vegetables offer a lot of variety in color and flavor, so you can eat different types each day Examples of good fruits and vegetables to eat after gall bladder surgery include watermelon, apples, bananas, peaches, cucumbers, tomatoes, green beans, carrots and broccoli. Eat these foods raw or prepare them without butter and sauces to get all of the nutritional benefits without extra fat, cholesterol and calories. Whole grains include the entire grain kernel, which consists of the bran, germ and endosperm. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, examples of whole grains include whole-wheat flour, oatmeal, whole cornmeal, cracked wheat and brown rice. eat less foods high in sugars. and carbohydrates like donuts. Fatty Foods People who have gall bladder problems often have difficulty processing fatty foods since fat digestion requires more bile than foods high in protein or carbohydrates. The University of Wisconsin recommends limiting fatty foods following the surgery and then slowly reintroducing them to your diet. This particularly applies to foods high in saturated fat. According to Elizabeth Scherer from Discovery Health's Heart Health Center, foods that are high in saturated fat include fatty cuts of meat, bacon, sausage, hydrogenated vegetable oil, whole-milk dairy products and processed grain products like cookies and cakes. Information from the UC Davis Health System Department of Surgery indicates that some patients may experience gas and bloating following meals for several months after the gall bladder has been removed. If this becomes bothersome, contact your physician to discuss possible treatment options.

What to Eat Recovering patients should eat low-fat, high fiber foods, including whole grains, fruits, vegetables and lean meats What to Avoid After gallbladder surgery, patients should avoid high-saturated fat, greasy or hard-todigest foods such as cream-based soups, dairy or fast foods. Foods that cause gas, such as broccoli and cabbage, and high-acid foods, such as grapefruit and coffee, should also be avoided Frequency Eat frequent, small meals that are large enough to relieve hunger but small enough to avoid fullness. The most common plans involve five or six mini-meals, but meals can be more or less frequent based upon preference. Liquids It is extremely important to remain well hydrated, preferably with plain water. However, drink caloric liquids, such as broth or juice, if it's difficult to keep food down. Alcohol Patients should never consume alcohol, in any quantity, while they are recovering from gallbladder removal. Side Effects The most common side effects of gallbladder surgery are diarrhea, bloating and gas. These side effects can be largely avoided by following a clean, healthy diet I had my gallbladder removed via laparoscopic approach. .