Do you get an aching sensation in your upper right abdomen after eating a greasy or spicy meal? Sometimes, the pain might be severe, accompanied by nausea or vomiting?
If this sounds familiar, you might have gallstones. When these painful episodes persist, your doctor might suggest that it's time to say goodbye to your gallbladder.
Gallbladder removal surgery, or cholecystectomy, is one of the most common surgical procedures, with about 300,000 performed each year in the U.S. This minimally invasive procedure can provide long-lasting benefits that greatly improve your quality of life.
"Many patients worry about recovery time and what they'll be able to eat afterwards," says Dr. Jonathan Redmon, a surgeon at Houston Methodist. "With the right expectations and a few dietary adjustments, most people feel much better after the surgery than they did before."
Can you live without a gallbladder?
While the gallbladder isn't a major part of the digestive system, the small, pear-shaped organ that sits just below the liver does serve a useful purpose: It serves as a reservoir for bile, a liquid produced by the liver. When we eat, the gallbladder contracts and releases bile into the small intestine to help break down dietary fat.
Over time, a sluggish metabolism or a high-fat diet might cause fat and cholesterol to settle inside the gallbladder. These substances can then crystallize into gallstones. The resulting gravel-like bits of hardened material can block the bile ducts, leading to intense abdominal pain, inflammation, nausea or vomiting. (Related: 7 Signs It's Time to See a Gastroenterologist)
"It's kind of similar to having a glass of iced tea, and you're dissolving sugar, and you get to a point you can't dissolve any more sugar," Dr. Redmon explains. "It's just super saturated. That's the whole scenario that happens with bile and fat that collects inside the gallbladder."
If a surgeon removes your gallbladder, the bile still reaches your digestive tract, but in a slow, steady stream. There's no longer a backup reservoir of bile available for a big meal of fatty or spicy foods, and that can lead to digestive changes. Some patients might experience:
- Bloating
- Cramping
- Diarrhea
- Gas
These discomforts generally dissipate within a few weeks as the liver begins to compensate. However, some patients may notice ongoing issues if they have an underlying condition such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). A small number of patients develop post-cholecystectomy syndrome (PCS), a term used to describe pain and other lingering symptoms following gallbladder removal. PCS is usually temporary.
How long is recovery from gallbladder surgery?
Most gallbladder surgeries today are minimally invasive. Your surgeon may perform a laparoscopic procedure using a small camera, or they may prefer robotically assisted technology for even greater precision. Today, traditional "open" surgery is used only for complex cases.
Recovery from a minimally invasive cholecystectomy is relatively quick. Most patients can go home the same day. Pain management is crucial during this initial phase and usually involves taking prescription pain relievers for a few days, followed by over-the-counter pain medication. You'll also get instructions for wound care to prevent infection.
Recovery from gallbladder surgery typically takes about one to two weeks, with most people able to resume light activities within a few days. During that time, expect some fatigue, mild pain and tenderness around the incision sites. Full recovery, including a return to normal exercise routines, may take a bit longer.
While complications are rare, it is important to know the signs of a problem. Seek medical attention right away for:
- Severe, persistent pain that doesn't improve with medication
- High fever or chills
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Dark urine or light-colored stools
- Persistent nausea or vomiting
These symptoms could indicate a serious complication, such as a bile duct injury or a retained gallstone, which requires immediate medical attention.
Will my diet need to change after gallbladder surgery?
For most people, the body adapts over time, and a strict, lifelong restriction of specific foods isn't typically necessary. But for at least a month or two after surgery, plan to stick to a low-fat diet. While some people might be able to eat whatever they want soon after surgery, it's generally recommended to slowly reintroduce fatty foods to see how your body reacts.
"Most patients do well with a low-fat diet for the first month or two," says Dr. Redmon. "This helps avoid cramping and diarrhea, which are common if you jump back into eating greasy, fatty meals too soon."
After this initial period, most people can gradually reintroduce a wider range of foods into their diet. However, it's still a good idea to limit your intake of greasy, fried and spicy foods, as these can be harder to digest and may trigger digestive issues such as gas, bloating or diarrhea.
The good news is that most people find they can enjoy the foods they love again without the pain they experienced before surgery. However, this freedom can lead to another concern: weight gain. (Related: How Much Should I Weigh?)
"When patients realize that they can eat pain-free again, there's a tendency to overeat," Dr. Redmon says. "Some people might gain 10 to 15 pounds within about 3 to 6 months."
Ultimately, while short-term dietary adjustments are necessary, the long-term goal is to maintain a healthy and balanced diet. By listening to your body, sticking with a lower-fat diet in the beginning and seeking help with persistent symptoms, you can expect to enjoy a good quality of life after gallbladder surgery. (Related: Eating Healthy: 7 Simple Tips for Getting Started Today)
