Life After Gallbladder Removal

When I had my gallbladder removed, I honestly thought it would be a simple “fix and done” situation. The doctors made it sound so routine - and it is, technically. Gallbladder removal (or cholecystectomy) is one of the most common surgeries performed worldwide, usually because of gallstones or inflammation.

But what no one really tells you is what happens after.

For me, recovery was less about the physical scars healing and more about learning a brand-new relationship with my body - and my food.

The Unexpected Side of Recovery

I expected a few days of rest, maybe some discomfort, and then life as usual. What I didn’t expect was how much my body would change.

After surgery, I started noticing things I hadn’t struggled with before — bloating, weird food sensitivities, and one particularly tough symptom: dizziness and vertigo. At first, I thought it was all in my head, but it was real. It made working, concentrating, and even standing for long periods exhausting.

I remember feeling frustrated. I didn’t want to be “that person” who was always sick or always tired. I kept pushing through — until my body made it clear it needed care, not avoidance.

That’s when my healing journey truly began.

So, What Does The Gallbladder Actually Do?

Before surgery, I didn’t think twice about my gallbladder. It was just “that small organ that caused pain.” But it turns out, it’s a tiny organ with a big job.

The gallbladder stores bile — that greenish fluid the liver makes to break down fats. Once it’s removed, bile flows straight from the liver into the small intestine. Sounds harmless, right? Except now, bile drips continuously, whether you’re eating or not.

That constant flow changes how your body digests fat. Suddenly, foods that used to be comfort foods might become triggers. And, in my case, even thinking about a creamy pasta dish made my tummy uneasy.

How I Learned To Eat and Heal Differently

This phase wasn’t about restriction; it was about re-learning.

• Go slow: I reintroduced foods one at a time to see what worked.

• Focus on balance: Lean proteins, skinless chicken, fish, gentle grains like rice and quinoa, and cooked veggies were my go-to... still is, I must also add - eating according to your blood type helps alot - well, atleast for me!

• Stay hydrated: Drinking lots of water water between meals.

• Seek guidance: When I felt stuck, consulting a dietitian helped me understand that my new “normal” was still healthy - just different.

I also found value in probiotics and digestive enzymes - they supported my digestion and helped me process meals better, funny enough a gastroenterologist advised digestive enzymes are a waste of time - they sure saved me lots of pain and indigestion.

Finding Peace in The Process

This experience wasn’t just about food - it was about listening to my body and giving it grace. There were moments I felt frustrated and alone, but eventually, I realized how many others were silently struggling after gallbladder removal too.

That’s why I started speaking about it - to remind others that it’s okay to slow down, experiment, and find what feels good for you.

Healing after gallbladder surgery is truly a journey - one filled with discomfort, discovery, and, eventually, empowerment. The key is to treat it like a new adventure: one where you rediscover your relationship with food, your energy, and your overall health.

With patience, awareness, and self-compassion, you can find your rhythm again - and thrive in your new normal.

Close-up view of a healthy meal featuring colorful vegetables