The pre-operative diet for gallbladder surgery candidates comprises only low-fat food items. Planning the diet is focused on relieving attack symptoms and encouraging the body to get rid of wastes.
Gallbladder is a pouch like organ located beneath the liver. It is small in size and appears like a pear in shape. The main function of this organ is to collect bile juice produced by liver and store it before releasing to the bile ducts. Although gallbladder is not a vital organ, it does perform a number of functions. And the most common problem related to this pear-shaped organ is gallstone formation. Many people having it, remain asymptomatic and are ignorant of their condition. In case gallbladder attack symptoms are manifested, it indicates that this organ is damaged.
Candidates for Gallbladder Surgery
The most reliable approach for treating symptomatic gallstones is removing gallbladder via laparoscopic surgery, medically termed as laparoscopic cholecystectomy. It may also be removed by traditional open surgery method. But, less invasive technique is preferred to ensure less postoperative pain and surgery complications. For both cases, the patients will be examined stringently to confirm whether they can participate surgical procedure or not. If everything is normal, the doctor will explain about surgery preparation in brief along with diet before gallbladder surgery.
The Importance of Pre-operative Diet
When it comes to gallbladder surgery diet, the main objective is planning postoperative diet. But, in order to get satisfactory results, every prospective candidate should follow the dietary guidelines suggested by the doctor before and after the gallbladder removal procedure. Prior to surgery, preventing digestion problems is of utmost importance, which otherwise will trigger gallstone attacks. Also, ingesting allergenic foods is a prime cause for onset of attack symptoms. So, the pre gallbladder surgery diet should be free of allergy causing foods.
What to Eat before Gallbladder Surgery?
Needless to remind, a gallbladder surgery is performed to treat severe bouts of gallstone attacks. These medical symptoms are sometimes brought about by consumption of high amounts of saturated fats, which in turn pressurize the digestive tract. Also, the gallbladder is no longer in a position to contract and release bile juice for digesting fats. Considering all these aspects, patients consume a low-fat diet as a simple way to soothe problematic gallbladder.
Foods to be avoided in the pre surgery diet include deep-fried food, meat products, high fat dairy products and so on. Rather, prefer foods that are cooked by methods, like steaming, broiling, baking or grilling. For those who crave for fried veggies, saute them in small amounts of canola oil or olive oil under low heat. Butter, margarine or cream, which contain saturated fats should be eliminated. Lastly, avoid skinned meat and those meat cuts having fatty portions.
Prior to surgery, clearing the colon and getting rid of unwanted wastes are expected. In other words, the intestinal tract should be free of accumulated toxins as far as possible. Accordingly the diet is planned with fiber containing fruits, vegetables and other specific food items. If required, the candidate will be suggested to consume liquid foods for several days or a few weeks before gallbladder surgery. This helps in cleansing colon and flushing off deposited wastes safely.
Most likely, the candidates will need to undergo fasting for 12 hours prior to gallbladder surgery. Or else, they will be asked to consume healthy liquids and water for a specific period. Thus, consuming a well-planned gallbladder diet is a preparatory step for surgery. The patient should also be informed about the surgery, expected results and complications (if any). During the laparoscopic surgery, anesthesia is delivered and small incisions are made in the abdomen. The gallbladder is separated from the adjacent organs, after which it is excised.
It is to be borne in mind that majority of the candidates who have participated in gallbladder surgery restore normal digestion even after gallbladder removal. But, following a well-planned diet before and after surgery is advised to minimize digestive health problems in future (if any). So, be thorough with what the surgeon says about the diet before and after surgery. After surgery, the patient will be kept under observation, until he/she can tolerate liquid foods.
