âGallbladder surgery is called a cholecystectomy. Your gallbladder sits below your liver in the upper right side of your abdomen. It collects and stores digestive fluids or bile produced by your liver.
It’s important to eat foods that are good for your digestive health after having your gallbladder removed, like soups with a vegetable base. (Photo Credit: iStock/Getty s).
ââIf your gallbladder doesnât function properly, it may need to be removed. The incisions made to remove your gallbladder are very small. The surgery is generally considered low-risk, and many patients go home the same day after surgery. If a larger incision is made, your healing time may be extended.
Having your gallbladder removed is a common surgery that over half a million people in the United States undergo each year. While the gallbladder is not an essential organ it does play an important role in digesting fats. After gallbladder removal surgery, known as cholecystectomy, your body will need to adjust to digesting fats without the concentrated bile that the gallbladder used to provide. This means you may need to make some changes to your diet at least temporarily. One question that often comes up is whether you can eat pork after gallbladder removal.
How the Gallbladder Works
Before diving into diet changes, it helps to understand what the gallbladder does. This small, pear-shaped organ sits underneath your liver and stores bile, a digestive fluid made by your liver. During digestion, the gallbladder contracts and releases bile into the small intestine through tubes called ducts.
Bile helps break down fats from the foods you eat so they can be absorbed. It also enables the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E and K.
Why the Gallbladder May Need to Be Removed
There are a few reasons your doctor may recommend removing your gallbladder:
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Gallstones – Hard deposits that form in the gallbladder and can cause pain and infection This is the most common reason for gallbladder removal
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Cholecystitis – Inflammation of the gallbladder, often due to gallstones.
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Gallbladder polyps – Abnormal growths that sometimes become cancerous.
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Bile duct issues – Gallstones or inflammation may block the ducts leading from the gallbladder.
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Pancreatitis – Gallstones can block the pancreatic duct, causing inflammation of the pancreas.
Gallbladder removal is one of the most common surgeries, considered a safe procedure with minimal risks. Most people can go back to their normal activities within a week or two after surgery.
How Losing Your Gallbladder Affects Digestion
Without a gallbladder to store and concentrate bile, your liver will just continuously secrete bile directly into your intestine. Your body can still digest fats, but the process is less efficient.
Too much bile in your intestines can also have a laxative effect. That’s why many people experience diarrhea, gas or loose stools after gallbladder removal until their bodies adjust.
These symptoms often go away within a few weeks as your digestion regulates, but avoiding fatty foods can help minimize digestive discomfort during recovery.
Can You Eat Pork After Gallbladder Removal?
Now let’s discuss the important question of whether you can eat pork after gallbladder removal surgery. Pork is considered a red meat that is high in saturated fat.
Some examples of common pork products include:
- Pork chops
- Ham
- Bacon
- Sausage
- Salami
- Pepperoni
- Spare ribs
- Pork roasts
Eating fatty pork products is not recommended right after gallbladder removal surgery. Pork is harder to digest without the gallbladder to regulate bile secretion. It can lead to diarrhea, gas, bloating and abdominal discomfort.
However, this does not mean you need to completely avoid pork long-term. Here are some tips on incorporating pork back into your diet:
Stick to Lean Cuts
Choose lean cuts of pork with minimal marbling and trim off any visible fat before cooking. Good options include pork tenderloin, boneless pork chops and lean ham.
A 3-ounce serving of lean pork typically has about 4-8 grams of fat, compared to 15 or more grams in fattier cuts. Go easy on portion sizes as well.
Opt for Lower-Fat Versions
Look for lower-fat versions of processed pork products, like reduced-fat bacon, Canadian bacon, ham and sausage. Check labels and choose options with less than 3 grams of fat per serving.
Wait 3-4 Weeks Before Reintroducing
Give your body time to heal and adjust before adding fatty pork back to your diet. Wait at least 3-4 weeks after surgery, then start with small servings eaten occasionally.
Pay Attention to Your Body
Go slowly and see how your body reacts when you try eating pork again. It may take several months before you can tolerate very fatty pork products. Avoid anything that seems to worsen digestive symptoms.
Keep Meals Small
Big meals require more bile to digest, so stick with smaller portion sizes spread throughout the day. Have 5-6 small meals rather than 3 large ones.
Increase Fiber Intake
Getting enough fiber helps normalize bowel movements and digestion. Good sources include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans and lentils.
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of fluids, water and other clear liquids to prevent dehydration from diarrhea. Broth, herbal tea and diluted fruit juices are good choices.
Exercise Regularly
Exercise improves gut motility and digestion. Aim for 30 minutes of activity most days. Start slow and increase intensity gradually.
Foods to Avoid After Gallbladder Removal
While you can eat lean pork in moderation, there are certain foods that should be limited or avoided after gallbladder removal surgery, including:
- Fatty cuts of red meat – ribeye, T-bone steak, prime rib
- Processed meats – sausage, bacon, deli meats, hot dogs
- Fried foods
- Fast food burgers and pizza
- Whole-fat dairy – cheese, ice cream, butter
- Rich sauces and gravies
- Packaged snacks – chips, cookies, pastries
- Deep-fried foods
Focus on getting plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats from nuts, seeds, avocado and olive oil. Be sure to avoid trigger foods only during the recovery period until symptoms resolve.
When to See Your Doctor
Adjusting to life without your gallbladder may take some time, but symptoms should gradually improve over a few weeks. Call your doctor if you experience:
- Persistent diarrhea lasting more than 3-4 days
- Intense abdominal pain
- Fever higher than 101°F
- Persistent nausea/vomiting
- Jaundice (yellowing skin)
This could indicate a complication from surgery requiring medical attention. Otherwise, be patient with your body and make dietary tweaks as needed during your recovery. Before you know it, you’ll likely be able to enjoy an occasional serving of lean pork without issues.
The Bottom Line
Having your gallbladder removed is very common and rarely problematic. While you may need to avoid fatty foods like pork initially after surgery, you can likely incorporate leaner pork in moderation again after a few weeks of recovery. Pay attention to your individual response and adjust your diet accordingly. With some small changes, living without your gallbladder should not limit your diet in the long run.
What to Expect After Gallbladder Surgery
First, you must understand why a special diet is necessary following gallbladder removal. After surgery, youâre likely to experience diarrhea or frequent stools that are loose and watery. As your body gets used to not having a gallbladder, this could last for a few weeks to a month. â.
âUsually, your gallbladder releases bile in a controlled manner to aid digestion. If your gallbladder is removed, there is no organ to concentrate or control your bile. Instead of funneling into your gallbladder, bile now travels directly to your intestines. This leads to an effect similar to that of a laxative until your body adjusts. ââ.
The amount of fat you eat also contributes to the condition. If you eat a small amount of fat, its easier to digest. Eating larger amounts of fat may lead to more diarrhea, gas, and bloating.
Tracking What You Eat With a Food Journal
After having your gallbladder removed, writing down what you eat, how much, and when can help you figure out how different foods make you feel. Keeping a log of any negative reactions to food can help you avoid foods that cause problems. Most people will be able to return to a regular diet within a month after surgery.
Is it OK to eat meat after gallbladder removal?
FAQ
Is pork hard on the gallbladder?
What meats can you eat after gallbladder surgery?
What foods should you avoid if you have no gallbladder?
Can you ever eat normally after gallbladder removal?
Can you eat meat if you have a gallbladder surgery?
People who eat meat can choose low fat cuts to avoid eating too much fat. Some examples of low fat protein sources include: High fiber foods can help prevent constipation. However, people who no longer have a gallbladder should reintroduce high fiber foods to their diet slowly after surgery.
Can you eat dairy After gallbladder removal?
Dairy products are a good source of calcium. If someone has to avoid full-fat dairy after gallbladder removal, they can substitute low fat dairy products, such as skimmed milk or low fat yogurt. People can also get calcium from other foods, such as:
Can a gallbladder removal diet help with diarrhea?
Although there isn’t a set gallbladder removal diet, the following tips may help reduce problems with diarrhea after you’ve had your gallbladder out: Go easy on the fat. Don’t eat high-fat foods, fried and greasy foods, and fatty sauces and gravies for at least a week after surgery. Instead, choose fat-free or low-fat foods.
How long after gallbladder surgery can I eat a normal diet?
Writing down what you eat, how much, and when can help you see how foods affect you after you have your gallbladder removed. Keeping a log of any negative reactions to food can help you avoid foods that cause problems. Most people will be able to return to a regular diet within a month after surgery.