What are the precautions after gallstone surgery

Note 1: After surgery, due to gastrointestinal stimulation, peristalsis is reduced, liver function is inhibited, and bile secretion is reduced, which will affect function of the entire digestive system. Therefore, you should strictly fast for 1 to 2 days after surgery, and intravenous drip should be used to supplement various nutrients. From the 3rd day onwards, liquid diets such as rice soup, soy milk, lotus root starch, juice, etc. will be given depending on the situation, and then gradually changed to skim milk plus sweet bread, rice porridge, tofu soup, date paste, rice cereal, and pasta.

Note 2: Within 1 month after surgery, the intake of fatty foods should be reduced, and high-fat and fried foods should be banned. After cholecystectomy, the function of regulating the discharge of bile into the intestines will be lost, and the ability to digest fat will be correspondingly weakened. Especially if you have to digest a large amount of fatty food in a short period of time, it is beyond your ability, which can cause bloating, diarrhea and indigestion. Reducing fat intake mainly means not eating or eating as little as possible fatty meats, animal offal, egg yolks and fried foods. It is also not advisable to eat various high-fat and high-calorie "fast food". Use as little animal oil as possible for cooking and increase vegetable oil appropriately. Dishes should be mainly steamed, stewed, and cold, and eat less stir-fried dishes. In particular, avoid spicy and irritating foods and avoid drinking alcohol. This can reduce adverse stimulation to the biliary tract.

Note 3: Gradually strengthen nutrition. One month after cholecystectomy, the patient should also pursue a light diet and strengthen necessary nutritional supplements, which will help the patient recover as soon as possible. After several weeks of adaptation and compensation, the common bile duct connecting the liver and small intestine gradually stretches and expands, replacing the gallbladder's function of storing bile.

Note 4: Increase the number of meals appropriately. It should be noted that you should not eat too much at each meal, especially within 3 to 6 months after surgery. It is better to eat 4 meals a day. Eating smaller meals more frequently can reduce the burden on the digestive system and is beneficial to recovery after surgery. It is best to eat some vegetables containing vinegar every day, because vinegar will enhance the digestion ability of the stomach, and can also adjust the pH in the intestines to facilitate the function of bile and promote the digestion of fatty foods. Drinking tea regularly and eating more fresh fruits and vegetables can also help digestion and absorption of food.