Medical Questions » Liver and Gall Bladder Questions » Question No. 583
| Question: | I had my gall bladder removed recently, a cholestomy (sic) it is called, and I would like to know what parts are missing. I am frightened about what foods I can eat. Can you advise me? |
| Answer: | In a cholecystectomy, the only part of you removed is the gall bladder.
Bile is produced constantly in the liver, but is only required in the gut when food is present. As a result, the bile is stored in the gall bladder, and when food is eaten, the gall bladder contracts to squirt bile onto the food, and help its digestion (see diagram on page 242).
If the bile becomes too concentrated, stones may form, and cause pain and discomfort. The only way to remove these is to remove the entire gall bladder.
After the operation, you will still produce bile, but it will trickle into the gut constantly. Some patients find they get a bit bloated after a cholecystectomy, and have intermittent indigestion, but generally there are minimal symptoms.
There are no general rules on foods to avoid, but some people find that fried and fatty foods upset them. By trial and error, you will find those foods that cause problems, and learn to avoid them.
The vast majority of people who have their gall bladder removed have no problems afterwards and lead a totally normal life.
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