What precautions to take after gallbladder surgery?

The gallbladder is an approximately 4-inch-long, pear-shaped organ situated on the right side of the abdomen, just below the liver. It holds a digestive fluid known as bile that is released into the small intestine. When an individual develops gallbladder stones or the gallbladder gets infected, the gallbladder needs to be removed by a surgery known as gallbladder surgery or cholecystectomy. The gallbladder enables the bile to effortlessly flow into the small intestine and break down the food consumed. A person can lead a normal life after gallbladder removal surgery; however, a few dietary changes and precautions need to be taken to prevent discomfort after the procedure and live a normal life. In this article, we will discuss the precautions that need to be taken after gallbladder surgery. Recovery following gallbladder surgery: The recovery period following gallbladder removal surgery will depend on whether you have had open surgery or laparoscopic surgery. Most patients who have undergone laparoscopic surgery will be discharged on the same day after surgery. It will take approximately two weeks to return to their normal activities. It may take even longer for patients who have a more physically demanding job. For patients who have undergone open surgery, a hospital stay of three to five days is generally recommended after the procedure. It will take approximately three to four weeks for the patient to return to their normal activities, and about six to eight weeks to resume a physically demanding job. Precautions after gallbladder surgery: Once the patient returns home after gallbladder surgery, the following precautions need to be taken: Do not start with your normal diet immediately: You need to start with a liquid and soft food diet after the procedure. Soft, bland foods are usually easy to digest. These foods include white rice, plain pasta, boiled potatoes, dry toast, and crackers. Gradually, you can advance your diet to a semi-solid and solid diet. Avoid fatty and fried food: Digestion of fats immediately after surgery is difficult. It is best to avoid fried, greasy, and fatty food items and stick to low-fat food items such as lean protein. After complete recovery, you may be able to eat fatty food items in small quantities. Avoid whole-milk dairy products: Milk and dairy products are a good source of vitamin D, calcium, and protein. However, whole-milk dairy products can lead to digestion problems and diarrhea. It is best to choose fat-free or low-fat products such as skim milk and low-fat cheese. Low-fat yogurt having live, active bacterial cultures can aid in digestion. Avoid dehydration: Diarrhea is a common side effect following gallbladder surgery. Diarrhea can drain your body of vitamins, minerals, and fluids. It is essential to stay hydrated by drinking lots of water or mineral- and vitamin-enhanced beverages. Sports drinks having sodium, potassium, and chloride are considered to be good in cases of diarrhea. Avoid alcohol consumption Avoid or limit the consumption of caffeine: Limit your consumption of caffeinated drinks like tea, coffee, and soft drinks. Do not eat large meals or eat just before sleeping: It will take several days after gallbladder surgery before your appetite returns to normal and several weeks after surgery before your digestion returns to normal. Avoid eating heavy meals or a meal just before sleeping. Instead, try to eat small and frequent meals. Do not increase your fiber intake suddenly: Although fiber can help in bulking up your stool if you have diarrhea, it can also lead to gas and cramping. To avoid this from happening, increase the content of fiber-rich foods, like whole-grain bread, cereals, nuts, legumes, brown rice, fresh fruits, and vegetables, gradually. Avoid not moving around: Although it is recommended that you take adequate rest after gallbladder surgery, you should not skip moving around entirely. Normally, you will need complete bed rest for the first 24 hours after surgery. After this period, you should try to get up and walk as often as you can. Being active will help you in a quicker recovery. Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities: Do not lift more than 10 to 15 pounds, or perform strenuous physical activities for up to six weeks after surgery to allow the incision to heal completely and prevent any injuries. Avoid having a lazy lifestyle: Keep yourself fit and healthy by exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight to aid in the digestion of food. Conclusion: Having gallbladder surgery is not very serious. You will need to make a couple of adjustments to your lifestyle and take a few precautions to aid in your digestion while you recover, as well as lead a long, normal life after surgery.