Life After Gallbladder Surgery

Doctors perform gallbladder surgery to stop the formation of gallstones and the pain that accompanies gallbladder attacks. The surgery removes the gallbladder and is the only permanent solution for gallstones. There are no dietary restrictions after gallbladder surgery, but there may be some side effects. For most people the side effects are tolerable.

Immediately After Surgery

• The recovery process after gallbladder removal surgery will depend on the type of surgery performed. Laparoscopic surgery offers a much less invasive technique than the traditional open gallbladder removal surgery. Only four small incisions are made to remove the organ instead of a larger five- to eight-inch incision used in a traditional open surgery.

  Patients who have laparoscopic surgery may be able to go home the same day. Those who have open surgery will require a longer hospital stay---as much as two to three days in the hospital.

Returning to Work

• Most patients are able to return to normal activities within a few days. Patients who undergo an open surgery may require a week or more before being able to return to work. Every patient is different and returning to normal activities will vary from person to person. The doctor may put restrictions on lifting for a couple of weeks after an open surgery.

Digestive Process

• The gallbladder is not necessary for digestion and most people do not have any digestive problems after surgery. The gallbladder stores bile from the liver and releases it into the intestines as it is needed. Without the gallbladder, bile is deposited right into the intestines after eating. This change in the way bile is handled may cause diarrhea in some patients. Usually this passes within a few months after surgery.

Side Effects

• Some patients experience chronic diarrhea after gallbladder surgery. Most patients find the diarrhea eases within a few months. Complications from the surgery include damage to the bile duct or the liver. These complications rarely occur.

Lifestyle Changes

• There are no diet restrictions after gallbladder surgery, but monitoring the foods that cause side effects such as diarrhea will help to alleviate the problem. Higher-fat foods may be difficult to digest properly and may be the cause of chronic diarrhea in some patients. Choose lean sources of protein and avoid high-fat dairy products. Greasy fried foods may result in diarrhea after the surgery as well. Keep track of the foods that cause problems and eliminate them from the diet. Some find that smaller meals throughout the day instead of three large meals help with any digestive discomfort after surgery.