What should you eat after gallbladder surgery? An eating guide for the first weeks

General educational information, not a substitute for medical assessment. Your doctor's and treating team's instructions always come first.

Do I need a special diet for life?

No. After the gallbladder is removed, the liver still produces bile — but it flows directly into the intestine. Most patients return to normal eating within a few weeks, and the purpose of a gradual approach is to reduce temporary bloating and diarrhoea.

Day one

• Light fluids first, then light food as instructed by your treating team.
• If you feel nauseous, take small repeated sips.

The first and second week

• Small frequent meals instead of two large ones.
• Choose: rice, bread, oats, grilled or boiled chicken and fish, boiled eggs, low-fat yoghurt, cooked vegetables, bananas and apples.
• Reduce: fried foods, fast food, fatty meats, sauces and cream, heavy sweets, and very spicy food.
• Drink enough water.

After that

Add foods gradually, one at a time, and notice what causes you discomfort. Increasing fibre gradually helps if you have diarrhoea after fatty meals. If diarrhoea persists for more than a few weeks, see your doctor — there are treatments that help.

Seek urgent care immediately if you have:

• Yellowing of the eyes or skin, or very dark urine.
• Severe, worsening abdominal pain, or fever with shivering.
• Persistent vomiting that stops you from drinking fluids.

More reading: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy guide.