Human gallbladder is a non-vital organ that helps the body to have a good digesting process and stores the bile that the liver extracts. Most people are not aware of how important is the gallbladder to our body. The main job of the gallbladder is to store the bile from the liver every meal and release it into the small intestines. The bile that was given to the small intestines helps in the digestion of fats and releases it to the whole body.
Gall bladder surgery is one of the most complicated kinds of medical procedure. It is done to remove gallstone from the body. Gallstone or choleithiasis in medical term are small hard masses that consist primarily of cholesterol and bile salts that form in the gallbladder or in the bile duct. These stones may block the flow of bile which the liver extracts that may cause the liver to swell and create a painful feeling, vomiting, fever and indigestion. If these happen, the patient could have a yellowish color on their skin or what we call jaundice. Gallstone do not go away by itself, some may not be that dangerous enough to the patient only needs medical prescriptions or by having strict diet. But, all results may be in short term and the only way to get rid of these gallstones is to remove it permanently through gallbladder surgery.
Patients who have undergone gallbladder removal should need to undergo a strict and well observed diet. Diet could be one of the main factors that could make the recovery fast and effective. Since the gallbladder has been removed, there will be some dietary restrictions that a patient should take; this is for the digestive system to get used of having the absence of gallbladder functions to the body. Once the gallbladder is taken out from the body, it is very difficult for the body to dissolve fats for a while, that is the reason why fat free or oil free diet is recommended for post gallbladder surgery.
Post gallbladder surgery diet should have no intake of processed foods, no oils and no fats. If for some instance, oil could not be avoided, using of healthy vegetable oils like flax seed oil, olive oil and hemp seed oil will do to maintain the strict diet. Foods that are rich with omega 3 and 6 fatty acids is very good to have for good blood flow throughout the body that also provides health benefits to the heart. Dairy products like skimmed milk and yogurt can be included to the diet for a few months to maintain the immune system strong. When eating poultry and fish, they should always be grilled or steamed without the skin and drinking a lot of water is very essential. Post gallbladder surgery diet should not have foods that are high with sugar and preservatives. Eggs, pork, oranges, fried foods, greasy foods, red meat, coffee, milk, corn and nuts should be avoided.
Patient should remember that for post gallbladder surgery, they need to have soft diets and avoid over eating. The patient should not try to lose weight because in some point it will create a huge effect in lessening the immune system that is very important against infections. Regular exercise should be practiced and regular consultation to the doctors is important to observe the gradual recovery after gallbladder surgery.