February 24, 2008
Consequences of Having My Gallbladder Removed
Things I am Not Eating
Dairy, which includes my great love Queso
Anything fried
Meat for the time being
Sugar
Bread
Things I am Eating
Steamed Vegetables
Fruit
Rice
A bit of of fish
Basically, no fat
Due to having my gallbladder taken out the Doctor has told me “No Fat” for 2 months. This is because your gallbladder is what helps you digest fat and now the body has to get used to digesting without it. And since my family has a history of health issues at a young age (many instances of cancer around 50 and other issues) I have been put on a low fat, low carb diet. FOR LIFE.
I have been saying for awhile that I needed to be more healthy and deal with stress better. Thus, starting yoga and pilates. And I had been doing better with food. I guess, it was to little to late. The main gallstone was the size of a QUARTER. It is hard because most people would not consider me overweight. I have more weight on me than I would like, but it is not terrible. But I do live a high stress life. The weight has to go and the stress has to get under control.
This is going to be interesting since I am a lover of restaurants, chefs and cooking. But I think it will be weird/interesting since I have to learn a whole new way of life. New recipes and ways of cooking to try than the ones I have used in the past. Looking at bright side I get to choose sushi more and no one can really fight me when we go out.
The situation is also difficult coming from the South and the food that comes with that. I told my Mom and Husband that I was going “SoCal” and would soon be obsessed with fruit smoothies instead of all things High Fat, Fried and covered in cheese.
I guess, I would rather do everything I can NOW to not have Cancer or other issues like the rest of my family. And even though having a gallbladder removed is not as big a deal as having open heart surgery or something of that nature, it has dealt me much larger life ramifications and decisions than I thought I would be making at 29. I am sure Mexican and Queso will be around once in a blue moon, just not in the near future. More like asparagus steamed 3 ways. 
Oh that sucks but you’re right, better do it now before it’s too late. I hope you will share some of your recipes - I need all the help I can get too!
That sounds just like what my sister went through when she had her gall bladder removed. No fat for a good while for her either. Don’t worry - the sushi angle would be enough to keep me going for sure!
Ironically, the “going SoCal” thing isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. To me “SoCal” cuisine means Jack in the Box (lucky for me it isn’t in Maryland), In and Out Burger and lots of lard-filled Mexican food. When I lived in SoCal I knew a lot of large people.
Hey John,
I guess, I am thinking more thin and Hollywood. Vegan and raw foods.
I promise that your body will get used to it. I had mine removed in 1996 (maybe?), and although my body doesn’t react well to certain foods (for all of the reasons that you stated), I eat whatever I want. Mainly I find that my digestive system doesn’t like waking up in the morning (draw your own conclusions). Oh - and fiber twice a day helps TONS. This may not be glamorous to read, but it’s all true. Good luck.
Wow. I hope this finds you doing well, or better at least. I can’t imagine but I’m sure you will find ways to make it work. I have friends with very limited diets and they have really found ways to deal with it the best they can and feel fulfilled at the same time. I wish you luck. I’m sure your body will feel great and your skin will glow.
It takes a while to add fats back into your diet. And if you try too soon…. Watch out!!!
Hope you’re feeling better!
Just want to say thanks for the info. I had my gall bladder out on the 17th of March and although the surgery went well I am still experiencing stomach discomfort, nausea, etc. I was afraid the surgery was the wrong solution but your blogs made me see that this will be a long process and and probably a life changing one. It also seems to be an individual thing as you how you will react to foods after the surgery. Some people told me they can eat anything now that they have had their gall bladder out, but I am doubtful that will work for me. I am starting to write down everything I eat and my reaction to it so I can tell what sets off the bad reactions.
Best wishes for a continued recovery and for finding what works for you. Thanks again.