What are well tolerated foods after a Cholecystectomy? - Digestive Disorders Message Board

Alliecatt · 10-19-2008, 01:08 PM

Hi everyone,

I am scheduled to have my cholecystectomy on October 28th and I would like to have some groceries ready before my surgery to make it easier on me.

Are there foods (including beverages) that you have found easy or well tolerated after your cholecystectomy? Also, if there are foods that you have found to cause you discomfort after your surgery, I would appreciate that info as well. I was told that I will need to be on a low fat diet for about a month after the surgery. Any suggestions are appreciated.

-Alliecatt-

Titchou · 10-19-2008, 04:36 PM

No fat, nothing spicy. So that means no mayo, no cheese, no milk, nothing fried, no dressings unless fat free, lean chicken/turkey/seafood, no butter, no sour cream, etc. Baked chicken, fish, potatoes, steamed veggies, bread, yogurt, fruit, etc are all fine.

AlanPi · 10-20-2008, 12:29 PM

Do drink only CLEAR liquids! I had half a bottle of Ensure right after the Cholecystectomy, and it made me throw up on the side of the road on the way home! Not fun. And don't drink too much liquids. I received 5 bags of liter IV's and drank several cups of apple and orange juice at the hospital, only because the nurses wanted to go home at night and wanted me to pee so they don't have to stay with me. Take it very easy for the first couple of days, even through you may think you are capable.

Alliecatt · 10-20-2008, 03:10 PM

Titchou,

Thank you, those are great tips!

Alan,

Eww, there will be none of that throwing up business for me.

Thanks for the warning. I will be sure to keep that in mind!

aether4 · 10-22-2008, 08:25 PM

Depending on the type of Ensure - it can have a bit much fat in it. One type has 11grams for example.

I was told to have clear liquids that night (I was released from the hospital at 2:30pm. I practically ran out of there! lol) and to be careful what I ate for a couple of days. Then no food restrictions. I ate very very low fat (1.5 grams tops) for around 5 days just to make sure everything was ok, then went back to eating what I had before the surgery. 20 days later I've had a few instances of diarrhea, but doubt that will ever stop - hopefully this won't be a problem for you.

Chances are you had to avoid higher fat foods to begin with so what you normally eat will be ok after a few days. You may want to avoid high fiber foods for a couple days, though. I've found that tomato soup (0 fat) has always settled well.

I did have problems with vomiting right after I came home from the hospital - it was from the percocet, it turns out that I cannot take it. If you have any sort of nausea or any vomiting before or after you leave, call the hospital or go back. They can get a prescription called in for you to help.

And a little tip. Whoever drives you home, have them put a small pillow in the car and drive carefully. You will feel every bump.