Just as it sounds, gallbladder surgery in Singapore is a procedure that involves surgical removal of the gallbladder. The gallbladder, a small pear-shaped organ, sits under your liver. It’s responsible for storing bile produced by the liver and releasing it into the small intestine so that it can help digest fats.

Gallbladder surgery (see some of the myths surrounding this treatment here: https://drganesh.sg/gallbladder-removal-can-i-still-live-a-normal-life-after-surgery/ may be necessary if the gallbladder has been severely inflamed or infected if a gallstone is causing blockage of a bile duct if you have a tumor in the gallbladder. It may also be necessary if someone has a congenital defect that requires removal of the gallbladder, or for other reasons.

In most cases of “surgical” removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy), your surgeon will cut across your abdomen from right to left and remove your entire gallbladder as well as any stones that might be present. In an open cholecystectomy procedure, the patient’s skin is cut vertically over the navel and then horizontally around it before being pulled back to expose abdominal muscles. 

A long incision is made on the lower part of the right abdominal area, and the gallbladder is removed. Your surgeon will then use sutures or staples for closing the incision. The surgical removal of the gallbladder is referred to as a “cholecystectomy.”

How does Gallbladder Removal Affect Digestion

Bile contains enzymes that help break down certain types of fats; your digestive system can’t provide these enzymes, which means that you will have trouble digesting fatty foods if you don’t have a gallbladder or are unable to secrete bile into your intestine because of an obstruction in your biliary tree (bile duct) such as from inflammation (cholecystitis), gallstones, tumors (benign or cancerous) or surgery to remove your gallbladder.

The biggest problem is that if you eat fatty foods after surgery, the fat won’t be digested and will remain in your small intestine, where it can cause fatty diarrhea (Steatorrhea). The undigested fat will pass through the intestinal tract until it reaches the large intestine, where bacteria digest or “ferment” it. This process creates gas, bloating, and abdominal pain.

What are the Best Foods to Eat after Gallbladder Surgery?

After gallbladder surgery in Singapore, there are specific foods that your doctor will advise you to avoid, but there are also foods that you should eat to replace the enzymes and nutrients that your body needs for digestion.

Some of the foods you will need to keep off after a gallbladder surgery include;

  • Processed foods: Processed foods are in most cases jam-packed with fats or oil, which can be difficult to digest. Your body might not break down the fats and oils in these processed foods, which can lead to problems such as diarrhea and bloating
  • Deep-fried food: Deep-fried foods are high in fat and will be hard for your digestive system to process
  • Caffeine: It has been said that caffeine can irritate your stomach lining after surgery; therefore, it is best avoided completely. This would also include things like soft drinks, energy drinks, etc
  • Fatty Meat: Again, fatty meat is difficult for your digestive system to process, which can lead to diarrhea and other problems
  • Dairy Products: Most whole dairy products are rich in fats which may cause complications after gallbladder surgery. Some of the dairy products you will need to avoid after surgery include; cream cheese, whole milk, sour cream, etc

Which are some of the Foods to Eat after Gallbladder Surgery?

After gallbladder surgery, it might be a good idea to try out some new foods that would help you digest your food just as well as before surgery. Here are some of the top recommendations that your doctor may want you to observe.

  • Oatmeal: Oats have soluble fiber that helps prevent diarrhea after a gallbladder removal surgery. Those with type-2 diabetes may benefit from oats as it has been shown that they can lower blood sugar levels by slowing down digestion and absorption of sugars in the intestine. Pregnant women will also benefit from eating oats as it helps lower inflammation and reduces constipation due to its rich source of iron, magnesium, and selenium.
  • Bananas: Bananas are rich in soluble fiber, which helps prevent diarrhea after surgery. They also contain resistant starch that can boost your immunity. If you’re trying to lose weight, bananas are the perfect fruit for you as they help reduce bile acid secretion, which helps control hunger levels by reducing food cravings.
  • Apples: Apples are filled with antioxidants and dietary fibers that aid digestion. You can eat them either raw or cook them depending on your preferences without having to worry about any form of digestion problems post gallbladder surgery since they will help you digest all your favorite foods just like before surgery.
  • Lean Protein Sources: You can eat fish, chicken, or turkey without worrying about digestion problems. Lean proteins are also rich in amino acids, which help speed up digestion and prevent constipation.
  • Sprouts: Sprouts can be added to any meal, and they contain an enzyme called trypsin which helps your body break down proteins faster than usual. Try adding some sprouts to your salads or sandwiches for an extra nutritional boost after surgery. Moreover, sprouts also provide fiber, which is good for your digestive system and its ability to help reduce inflammation and balance blood sugar levels, which can further prevent constipation problems after gallbladder removal.
  • Low Fat Dairy Products: Instead of whole milk, you could opt for low fat (1%) or fat-free dairy products. They contain less saturated fats, which can be easier on your digestive system post gallbladder surgery.
  • Almonds: Almonds are naturally gluten-free. They provide a whole range of minerals like magnesium, vitamin E, and calcium that aid digestion by strengthening the inner lining of the stomach walls.

The Bottom Line

There are several foods to avoid if you have no gallbladder, but it is important to try and consume some healthy foods post gallbladder surgery in Singapore:

  • Limit the amount of fat you intake and avoid fatty red meats and dairy products
  • Eat smaller, more frequent meals to keep your stomach from stretching
  • Leave at least 3 hours before lying down after a meal
  • Drink lots of water to prevent dehydration and constipation. Also, try drinking natural juice with added fiber for an extra boost in digestion.

Dr Ganesh (General Surgeon in Singapore) – Endoscopy, Colonoscopy, Gastroscopy

Suite 1, #05-23B Mount Elizabeth, Specialist Centre, 329563

+65 6255 1234

https://drganesh.sg/