The surgery to remove the gallbladder is a standard gallstone procedure.
This small organ is part of the digestive system, but it’s not essential to our survival.
Its removal may actually contribute to weight loss and people manage it through a healthy diet and physical activity.
However, others may actually experience weight gain after undergoing this procedure.
What Are the Causes for Weight Gain after the Removal of the Gallbladder?
If there are too many gallstones or if they’re causing other health complications, your doctor may advise a laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
This is done in case the stones are blocking the bile duct resulting in sudden and severe pain under the ribs, on the upper right side. This is also known as a gallbladder attack.
According to one research published in the International Journal of Foof Sciences and Nutrition, weight gain is possible after this procedure.
Many of the patients who participated in the study experienced weight gain in the six months after the procedure.
The research has found two potential reasons why weight gain happens after this procedure. They’re the following:
- Because of metabolic syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is one of the side effects of the removal of this organ, associated with weight gain.
This is a combination of factors including hypertension, surplus belly fat, high levels of glucose, and high cholesterol.
In a study published in the PLoS Journal, people undergoing this procedure have a higher risk of metabolic syndrome.
Namely, researchers discovered that people with gallstone illness and gallbladder removal had a 50 percent higher risk of this syndrome.
This is why making the right lifestyle changes matters. These include regular physical activity and following a healthy and nutritious diet.
Also, find suitable ways to address stress and manage it. This will keep your blood pressure low and better your metabolism.
- Because of an unhealthy diet
According to research published in the British Medical Journal, a lot of individuals gain weight after the removal of their gallbladder.
Some patients did lose weight after the removal.
But, as many as 75 percent of them started gaining weight some three months after the procedure. Six months after the procedure, they were six percent heavier than before their surgery.
The researchers note that a higher intake of fatty foods after this procedure was the highest risk factor to gain weight after the removal of a gallbladder.
But, the metabolic changes may also contribute to surplus pounds. Weight gain after this procedure was found to be more common in women than in men, according to a study published in the Irish Journal of Medical Science.
This study also concluded that the ones who exercised on a regular basis didn’t experience as much weight gain after the removal of the gallbladder.
Which Foods Should You Add to Your Diet after Cholecystectomy?
- Fresh veggies and fruits
Add plenty of green leafy veggies and other veggies and fruits to get the needed amounts of minerals, vitamins, and fiber.
- Foods rich in fiber
After gallbladder removal, gradually elevate the amount of fiber you consume.
Opt for wholewheat bread, wholewheat pasta, beans, legumes, and oats.
- Low-fat protein sources
A diet low in fat may help lower the waistline circumference and avert belly fat.
Some of the best healthy protein sources are lean red meat, eggs, poultry, and white fish.
You can also add plant protein sources including lentils, avocados, nuts, and beans.
- Healthy drinks
Healthy drinks like water and tea are crucial after this procedure due to their ability to improve our digestion.
They help the liver remove toxins as well and lower the risk of belly fat.
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