Are you preparing to have your gallbladder removed or have you recently undergone surgery?

Did you know what you do the first 30 days after gallbladder surgery helps tremendously with recovery and reduces the risk of surgery side effects such as -digestive issues, fatty liver, weight resistance, etc?

Many doctors fail to give you advice on how to prepare for and optimize your surgery for the best outcome, and you’re most likely sent on your way with little guidance.

Gallbladder surgery is also often deemed as no big deal, but it is still a surgery, and with any surgery there are side effects. That’s exactly what we want to avoid and why you need a plan!

Hacks For Post Gallbladder Removal Side Effects

Now it can be totally normal to experience symptoms such as constipation, bloating, gas, diarrhea, nausea, and reflux the first couple days to weeks after surgery as your body figures out how to work without a gallbladder. But just because something is common doesn’t mean you need to deal with it!

I’ve helped many of my clients with post-surgery plans to ensure that side effects are at a minimum. Many of these symptoms can be handled holistically through diet and lifestyle changes which support optimal recovery.

Here are some of my favorite post-gallbladder surgery hacks that I like to teach my clients:

Constipation: If you’re backed up after surgery and need a little help going to the bathroom try one of these. If you’re not a fan of one, or if it’s not working try out another.

• 

  Aloe Vera

• Coconut Water

• Dandelion Root Tea

• Magnesium Citrate or oxide

• Smooth Move Tea

Diarrhea: If the opposite is true and you’re dealing with loose stools give one of these a try.

• Peppermint tea or capsules

• Chamomile tea

• Fiber: PHGG Sunfiber, acacia fiber or psyllium seed husk

• Slippery Elm

Bloating: Are you feeling fullness in the stomach and want to relieve that uncomfortable feeling? Before meals try out having lemon and ginger either fresh or as a tea. Then during your meals make sure you’re taking your time and chewing really well!

• Consider Digestive Enzymes

• Consider Gaia herbs gas and bloating tea

• Lemon/ ginger water before meals

Gastritis/ Ulcers: If you’re having pain and soreness in the stomach I recommend my clients try to try out cabbage juice with no pulp and drink it with aloe vera. It doesn’t sound too appetizing but it can be helpful.

• Aloe vera juice: https://a.co/d/0ijm1Vm

Back/Shoulder Pain: After surgery, it’s common to experience some discomfort in your back and shoulders due to anesthesia effects, muscle tension, or simply from the procedure itself. For this type of pain, gentle self-care can make a difference. Consider using an acupressure mat, which can help stimulate blood flow and release tension, or try applying a warm compress to the affected area. Heat can soothe sore muscles and help relax tight areas, offering relief. Try this mat: https://a.co/d/hszCW8w

Nausea: Because of the medication you need to take for surgery nausea is common, which can disrupt your stomach. You might also feel nauseous when trying to eat. To help, try sipping on lemon or ginger-infused water before meals—both are known for their natural anti-nausea properties. Additionally, rather than eating large meals, go for smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day, which are often easier on your stomach and less likely to trigger nausea.

Reflux/Heartburn: Heartburn or acid reflux can be a frequent and uncomfortable post-surgery symptom, but it’s manageable with a few natural remedies. Herbal teas or supplements like slippery elm and marshmallow root can coat the digestive tract and provide soothing relief. To avoid triggering reflux, try sticking to smaller, more frequent meals and avoid spicy or acidic foods that can aggravate heartburn.

Stress/anxiety: You just went through a big surgery and are dealing with a lot! Try to work on breathing exercises to help with relaxation or try out journaling your feelings. I really suggest also staying away from groups and forums online because often they tend to be negative.

Additional Help With Gallbladder Removal Side Effects

Surgery and the recovery after it can be overwhelming! That’s why I created The 30-Day Gallbladder Surgery Recovery Plan which offers a step-by-step plan for the first 30 days post gallbladder surgery. This ensures you optimize your recovery with less of the headache of figuring out exactly what to do. It’s simply laid out for you step by step!

Plus continuing with healthy habits post-surgery and having the right plan in place to optimize your digestion and metabolism without a gallbladder really helps to reduce both short-term and long-term issues! We go over all of this and more so you can feel empowered and reclaim your health not just after surgery but in the long run.