After having a cholecystectomy (removal or removal of the gallbladder), the body remains temporarily (2 - 3 weeks) without adequate reserve of bile to be able to digest fatty foods normally.

If the patient eats fatty foods in the first few weeks after surgery, the patient may experience indigestion, bloating, cramps, nausea, vomiting and / or diarrhea.

Even though this is a transient period, completely normal after surgery, it is important to follow some recommendations on food to avoid discomfort or complications.

General Tips:

• Eat slowly and chew food well.
• Make 5 or 6 meals a day, with small to moderate portions, eat until you feel satiated NOT to fill.
• Walk 5 to 10 minutes minimum after meals to facilitate digestion.
• Avoid intense exercise or physical exertion, just perform breathing exercises with deep breaths several times a day.
• Avoid greasy and spicy foods.

Recommended Foods:

1. Tea, hot infusions especially of chamomile, lemonade.
2. Non-fat dairy products, light or 2%.
3. Rice, brown rice, pasta or watery soups, whole wheat bread.
4. Legumes, preferably shelled, such as lentils, chickpeas, beans, beans in moderate portions.
5. Fruits, baked like apple and pear. Raw: pear, papaya, melon, grapes. Canned fruits.
6. Vegetables: spinach, lettuce, chard, carrot, potato, chayote. It can be mashed or non-dairy creams.
7. White meat (skinless chicken, turkey, turkey breast ham, fish) grilled NOT fried or breaded.
8. 1 or 2 eggs a day, cooked or prepared to taste without using excess oil.

Prohibited or Very Limited Foods:

1. Chocolate
2. Red and greasy meats (especially the first week)
3. Sausages (sausage, sausage)
4. Seafood (shrimp, crab, octopus, oysters)
5. Whole milk, butter, whole cream ice cream
6. Garlic, cauliflower, turnips, peppers, radishes, onion
7. Spicy sauce, spices, vinegars
8. Fried or breaded foods
9. Alcohol
10. Carbonated or carbonated soft drinks