Life After Gallbladder Removal: Here's What to Expect

Are you scheduled for gallbladder removal? It’s a routine operation today, and at Turnquest Surgical Solutions, our board-certified bariatric surgeons, Dexter Turnquest, MD, and Victoria C. Chang, MD, perform many gallbladder removal surgeries. 

There are a number of reasons you may need to have your gallbladder removed.

Perhaps you’ve had chronic pain in your abdomen, and gallstones are the culprit. Or your doctor may tell you that you have a condition called biliary colic that’s developed because of your gallstones. On the other hand, you may have polyps on your gallbladder.

What are gallstones and why are they causing a problem? 

The majority of gallbladder surgeries are due to troublesome gallstones. Gallstones are deposits of bile that have hardened. They can get stuck and block the flow of bile. 

Bile aids in digestion and removes waste from your liver. If the flow of bile stops, you experience intense pain in your upper abdomen.  

Gallbladder surgery 

Almost all gallbladder operations are performed laparoscopically. We insert a thin tube called a laparoscope through a small incision. The instrument has a camera that sends images to a video monitor screen. 

With this video, we’re able to see your gallbladder and to use small tools to remove the organ. Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery typically takes 60-90 minutes. 

Recovery from gallbladder removal surgery 

If you have laparoscopic gallbladder removal, your recovery takes about 14 days. If you have a desk job, you should be able to return to work in a week. 

If we need to investigate your abdominal area further, we may need to do open gallbladder surgery. In this case, your recovery takes much longer — about 6-8 weeks. 

Whether your surgery is laparoscopic or open, we let you know when it’s safe for you to resume your work schedule and when it’s safe to resume working out or doing vigorous activity.

You might have a drain from your wound after surgery. The drain helps prevent infection by removing fluids from your abdomen. We remove the drain during a follow-up appointment. 

Eating after gallbladder surgery 

One important note about recovery: You’ll need to make some dietary changes, especially for the first several weeks. 

Having your gallbladder removed affects your digestion. Bile no longer moves through your gallbladder, but rather, directly to your intestines, which can produce a laxative effect until your body adjusts to the change.  

Foods to consume after gallbladder surgery 

For several days after surgery, you should consume clear liquids, broth, and gelatin and should avoid alcohol. After that initial period, start gradually adding solid foods to your diet in small amounts. Continue to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water. 

Low-fat foods and foods with fiber are the best choices to keep diarrhea and nausea at bay after gallbladder surgery. 

Consume dairy sparingly if at all at first, and as you add it into your diet, choose low-fat dairy. Vegetables, low-fat protein, soups with a vegetable base, whole grains, and light salad dressings are all good choices. 

Foods high in soluble and insoluble fiber can help your digestive system approach normal. Start with small amounts, gradually increasing your intake, because too much fiber at once can cause uncomfortable symptoms. 

Beans, chickpeas, oatmeal, oat bran, wheat bran, lentils, and vegetables are appropriate choices. 

Foods to avoid after gallbladder surgery 

To prevent diarrhea, gas, and bloating after surgery, avoid fatty and spicy foods. 

If you love butter and like cream in your coffee, you’ll need to make an adjustment. It’s best to forgo butter, cream, whole milk, ice cream, red meat, and processed baked goods. If you have diarrhea, dairy can make it worse. Avoid spicy foods, which can irritate your stomach lining.  

Call us at Turnquest Surgical Solutions today or book an appointment through our online portal if you need to have your gallbladder removed.