What is Gallbladder Stone?

The gallbladder is a small organ near the liver that stores bile. When the balance of cholesterol, bilirubin, or other substances in the bile is disturbed, stones can form.

How to Prevent Gallstones

The following measures can help prevent gallstones:

• Balanced diet:
  • Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables
  • Include fiber-rich foods (e.g., whole grains, lentils, beans)
  • Reduce fatty foods
• Maintain a healthy weight: But avoid rapid weight loss
• Regular physical exercise: At least 30 minutes, 5 days a week
• Drink enough water: 8–10 glasses daily
• Limit alcohol consumption
• Eat meals on time: Avoid long fasting periods
• Reduce fried and oily foods
• Avoid rapid weight loss – it increases the risk of stone formation

What to Do If You Have Gallstones?

Small stones may sometimes remain asymptomatic. But if you experience abdominal pain, nausea, or bile duct issues, consult a doctor. The main treatment is laparoscopic cholecystectomy – a surgery to remove the gallbladder.

What is Life Like After Gallbladder Removal?

Most people can live a normal life after gallbladder removal.

After surgery, the body sends bile directly to the intestines. There might be some initial digestive changes, but most patients return to a normal routine.

Post-Surgery Dietary Tips:

• Avoid oily and spicy foods
• Eat small, frequent meals
• Drink plenty of water
• Consume fiber-rich foods
• Probiotics (curd/yogurt) can be beneficial
• Increase physical activity

Regular Health Check-ups Are Essential

Even after surgery, regular health monitoring is important. Follow the diet and medication plan advised by your doctor. If you notice any unusual symptoms, consult your physician promptly.

Diet Tips for People with Gallstones

Recommended Foods:

• Whole grains: Rice, wheat, barley, maize
• Vegetables: All green leafy vegetables, cauliflower, cabbage, carrots
• Fruits: Orange, apple, pear, pomegranate
• Dairy: Low-fat milk, yogurt
• Lentils: Red lentil, green gram, black gram, chickpeas
• Protein: Lean meat, fish
• Oil: Olive oil, mustard oil (in small quantities)

Foods to Avoid:

• Fried and fatty foods: Samosa, pakora, chips
• Spicy foods: Especially with excess chili
• Fatty meats: Red meat, chicken with skin
• Chocolates, cakes, pastries
• Cold drinks and alcohol
• Processed foods: Biscuits, noodles
• Foods made from refined flour (maida)

This modification only reduces the risk, does not preclude complications of gallbladder stone disease. Therefore, you should consult your surgeon and plan surgical removal of gallbladder (laparoscopic cholecystectomy) as per surgeon's advice.