Do I Need to Change My Diet After Gallbladder Removal?

If you're facing gallbladder removal, you probably have lots of questions, including whether you need to change the way you eat. 

Your gallbladder plays a role in digestion by storing and releasing bile, which helps break down fats. Without it, bile flows directly from your liver into your small intestine. 

While your body can still digest food, some people experience temporary digestive changes that may call for a few diet adjustments. 

Take a moment to hear from gallbladder specialist Dr. Aliu O. Sanni at Eastside Bariatric & General Surgery in Snellville, Georgia, as he provides guidance on what your diet should look like after gallbladder removal.

Short-term dietary changes

Right after surgery, your digestive system needs time to recover. For the first few days, it’s best to stick to a bland, low-fat diet with easily digestible foods, such as:

• Broths
• Plain rice
• Applesauce
• Bananas
• Toast

As you gradually reintroduce more variety, your body can adjust to processing fat without your gallbladder’s bile storage.

Long-term eating tips

You should be able to return to a normal diet over time, but you may find that high-fat or greasy foods cause discomfort like bloating, diarrhea, or cramping. To help your body adapt, consider:

Limiting high-fat foods

Fried foods, fatty meats, and full-fat dairy can be harder to digest.

Eating smaller, frequent meals

This helps bile flow more steadily and prevents overwhelming your digestive system.

Choosing healthy fats

Focus on unsaturated fats from sources like olive oil, avocados, nuts, and fish.

Adding fiber gradually

Fiber supports healthy digestion, but increase it slowly to avoid gas or discomfort.

Your response may be different from others

Everyone’s experience is different. For example, some people may notice very few changes after gallbladder removal, while others might need to avoid certain foods in the long term. 

Keep a food journal to help you identify patterns and trigger foods, so you can tailor your diet to your body’s needs.

Where to start

You don’t necessarily need a strict gallbladder removal diet, but mindful eating can help you feel your best during recovery and beyond. Start with low-fat, easy-to-digest meals, then slowly reintroduce a balanced variety of foods while paying attention to your body’s signals. 

If you have ongoing digestive issues, turn to Dr. Sanni for personalized guidance. He can monitor you closely and provide the care you need.

To learn more, schedule an appointment with us at Eastside Bariatric & General Surgery today. Call 201-565-0876 or click here to book online.