Foods to Eat After Gallbladder Removal

While the gallbladder is not vital to our survival, it does serve an important purpose. It aids the body in digesting fat by storing and releasing bile to the liver. Without the gallbladder, bile is released directly from the liver to the intestines. If you have recently had your gallbladder removed, alter your eating habits and remove any bad fats that can create abdominal and intestinal problems.

Low Fat, High Fiber

• Doctors typically recommend a low-fat, high-fiber diet to patients who have recently had their gallbladders removed. That diet consists of eating fresh fruit, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy. An example of a daily menu would include:

  Breakfast: 1 1/2 cups of oatmeal with 1/2 cup of strawberries

  Snack: an apple

  Lunch: Two slices of whole wheat bread with turkey and reduced-fat mayonnaise and a banana

  Snack: 1/2 cup of baby carrots

  Dinner: 4 oz baked chicken breast, 1 1/2 cups of rice, 1/2 cup of green beans

  Snack: One cup of low-fat yogurt

Smaller Meals

• Eating smaller meals can also help relieve some of the problems associated with gallbladder removal. Five or six small meals a day will help prevent any bloating or gastrointestinal issues that could occur with eating two or three large meals.