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The gallbladder is one of the unsung heroes of the digestive system. It is not nearly as well-known as is the liver, kidney, heart or lungs, but it plays a vital role in how - and how efficiently - we digest our food.

The gallbladder is actually a helper of the liver and they work together. First, the liver produces something called bile, a substance which aids with food digestion by emulsifying partially-digested fats in food. However, the liver needs to take its time to produce the bile and cannot produce it “on demand” (i.e., when it's needed at a given moment by the digestive system). That's why the liver transfers the bile it makes through bile ducts to the nearby gallbladder, which stores the bile in preparation for mealtime. Then, when food from the stomach starts making its way into the small intestine, the intestine needs some help with digesting any of the fats stored there. That is when it calls upon the gallbladder, which releases the stored bile into the intestine almost immediately.

Note: during its time in the gallbladder, the bile actually becomes even more potent than it was when it was created in the liver!
Of course, sometimes the gallbladder can become diseased and fill with stones or experience other problems. If it fills with stones to the extent that a doctor believes it might burst, the gallbladder may need to be removed. In that case, gallbladder surgery is scheduled by the physician and patient.

As can be imagined, after gallbladder surgery, a person has to change his or her eating habits - at least in the short term. Reason: while the liver can produce its own bile, it is not able to release the bile quickly enough to be effective. So, it makes sense then that fatty foods need to be completely eliminated from the diet for post-gallbladder surgery patients - at least in for the days, weeks and possibly months following the surgery.

If you are wondering, “What can I eat after gallbladder surgery?”, here are some tips:

1. Avoid eating any food containing oils, butter, meats, and dairy products. Warning: even eating a buttery role could wreak havoc on your stomach, causing you to get stomach cramps or even vomit. At least initially, be almost religious about your removal of fats from your diet.

2. Do not drink tea, coffee or carbonated sodas. Also avoid citrus juices like orange juice.

3. Do not drink alcohol.

4. Eat high-fiber foods such as grains and lettuce.

5. Eat cooked rice, low-fat soups, and soy products.

6. Don't worry - this new diet will probably not last forever! But, you need to give it time. Do not try to force your body back to eating fatty foods to quickly or too much at a time.

Remember, just like the people they house, our bodies are pretty resilient and can adjust to almost anything if given enough time. But, it may take weeks or months before you should start trying to eat fatty foods again.
Once you do start venturing back into the realm of some of the other foods and drinks you loved before surgery, do so very slowly - a little at a time. There is no need to rush it. Listen to your body and let it be your guide for how fast to resume your pre-surgery habits!

About the Author: Get more tips about what to eat after gallbladder surgery at: Get more tips about what to eat after gallbladder surgery at: http://www.squidoo.com/diet-after-gall-bladder-surgery

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