Gallbladder surgery, also called cholecystectomy, is a common procedure to remove the gallbladder. Your gallbladder is a pear-shaped organ that sits underneath your liver in the upper right side of your abdomen. It stores bile, a mixture of fluids and fats that helps break down fatty foods in your digestive tract. Sometimes, the gallbladder develops hard deposits of bile called gallstones. The gallstones can be painful and may lead to inflammation and other symptoms that require surgery.
When you have gallbladder removal surgery, your doctor makes small cuts, or incisions, in your belly and inserts hollow tubes to reach the area. They then remove your gallbladder and sew up the holes. This type of surgery is called laparoscopic.
You may notice your stomach looks bigger after gallbladder removal surgery due to several factors. For example, the gas pumped into your belly during laparoscopic surgery could make you feel bloated. Changes in your digestive system and inflammation after the surgery may also cause bloating.
You should eat smaller, more frequent meals to help your body digest food and reduce bloating. Try to eat high-fiber foods, such as vegetables and whole grains, but avoid large-size portions. You should also drink plenty of water to help flush out your bowels and prevent constipation. Finally, you should avoid foods that are rich in fats and fried foods because they can be difficult to digest and can increase your bloating. You should consult a health care professional for individualized recommendations and guidance on healthy eating.