Your gallbladder is a non-essential organ that aids in the digestion process, but as we’ve mentioned in previous blogs, problems can occur that call for the removal of your gallbladder. You can function just fine without a gallbladder, but because bile won’t be stored as readily in your gallbladder, you may need to adjust your eating habits to better suit your altered digestive tract. Here are five tips to consider if you’re looking to avoid digestive discomfort after gallbladder removal surgery. You may find it easier to digest food after gallbladder surgery if you keep these five tips in mind.

Take it Slow

The first few days may be the roughest, so take it easy on your digestive tract for the first 72 hours after gallbladder removal surgery. Stick to things like gelatin, yogurt, clear liquids and soups and gradually introduce solid foods back into your diet.

Small Portions

You might not be able to jump into your regular routine of three full meals a day until your body is ready for it. Instead, opt for more meals and smaller portions. Your body may not be ready to produce enough bile to digest a large meal until it learns how to adapt to life without a gallbladder. Stick to frequent, small meals and work your way to larger portions.

Avoid Fatty and Spicy Foods

Eating foods that are spicy or high in fat will put you on the fast track to gastrointestinal discomfort after gallbladder removal surgery. Deep-fried items like french fries and chicken wings, greasy items like cheeseburgers, potato chips and pizza, and high-fat items like cheese and processed meats should all be avoided.

Slowly Reintroduce High-Fiber Foods

Foods that are high in fiber can contribute to gas production in your digestive system, which can lead to bloating, cramping and overall discomfort. Fiber-dense grains like nuts, legumes, whole-grain breads and cereal should all be slowly introduced back into your diet. Some vegetables are also high in fiber – like broccoli and cauliflower – so don’t overload your plate with those either.

Consider a Food Journal

If you really want to keep your digestive discomfort at bay, consider creating a food journal for the days and weeks after your operation. Write down the food you ate and how you felt after the meal. This makes it easy for you to see which meals were easy on your stomach and which foods you should steer clear from.