Maintaining A Diabetic Diet After Gallbladder Removal
If you are a diabetic patient who has had their gallbladder removed, you will find that the post-cholecystectomy recommended diet and diabetic diet are quite similar and complimentary.
Gallstones and cholecystitis, (inflamed gallbladder) are very common problems for people with diabetes. This is because diabetes and obesity are known risk factors for gallbladder disease.
The low-fat diet which is typically prescribed for diabetic patients suffering from gallstones will also be the best to maintain after surgery.
What Is The Gallbladder And What Does It Do?
The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped pouch which stores and concentrates the bile created by the liver. The food we eat and the fat content within it triggers release of specific amounts of bile from the gallbladder, into the small intestine for efficient breakdown and absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins. After gallbladder removal surgery, the liver will continue to produce bile however it will continually enter the intestine in a thin trickle and digestion of high fat meals or fried food becomes problematic, leading to pain, bloating, gas, nausea and diarrhea in many cases.
What Diet To Use After Gallbladder Surgery
Many patients whether diabetic or not will be much more comfortable sticking with this diabetic diet post procedure.
Healthy fats only in very small quantities will be more easily digested with fewer symptoms. Choose Coconut oil which is MOSTLY made up of medium chain fatty acids (MCFA) and causes the least amount of trouble as it does not require bile to emulsify it.
Choose olive oil instead of butter and consider having fish in leu of red meats. Limit the amount of fat in each meal to 3 grams or less for best digestion. Fried foods which are high in trans fats are not only generally terrible for your health but post-gallbladder removal with be particularly difficult to digest.
A diet which is high in soluble fiber can help manage effects of diabetes by stabilizing and normalizing blood sugar levels. Soluble fiber is the soft, sticky, fiber which creates a gel-like substance in your digestive system. Excellent sources include beans, peas, oats, fruit and barley, as well as supplements which come in a powder form and can be mixed into water. This type of fiber binds to cholesterol and sugar, preventing or slowing their absorption into the bloodstream.
Soluble fiber also boosts the good bacteria in the GI system which has been linked to improved immunity, reduced inflammation and even enhanced mood. Soluble fiber is excellent for diabetic patients and sustainable, healthy weight loss as it helps you to feel full longer and reduces cholesterol. Most gallstones are made from cholesterol. Both Soluble and rougher, non-soluble dietary fiber are helpful to regulate bowel movements and prevent constipation which will reduce post-cholecystectomy diarrhea and digestive upset. Gradually increase fiber each day as tolerated while drinking plenty of water.
Eating non-starchy vegetables such as greens or broccoli with every meal is highly recommended for diabetic patients and will also benefit non-diabetic and post-surgical patients. Not only do these foods contain large amounts of natural fiber but a range of colorful fruits and vegetables will help to ensure that you receive plenty of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and vitamin-rich benefits.
Some people find that they become lactose intolerant after gallbladder removal and lactose being a sugar, is best avoided for diabetic patients. High fat dairy such as milk, cream, cheese and butter will be advised against post-gallbladder removal however diabetic patients may find that removing all cow’s milk for a time or permanently is best.
There are low sugar and low-fat milk alternatives for drinking and cooking. Vegetables such as Kale and spinach contain calcium, as do bone-in canned salmon, bone broth, molasses and many other foods which tend to carry a proper balance of calcium, vitamin D and magnesium- all required for effective absorption of calcium.
