Life after cholecystectomy or gallbladder removal is very challenging especially since we should pay more attention to the period when the operation has just been done. At that time, apart from physical care, special attention should be given to food. That’s why I have collected 21 low-fat recipes for you that you can eat after surgery. But it is better to say in advance that everything mentioned here is only knowledge and suggestion, for details take concern with any doctor or specialist.
After cholecystectomy or surgery to remove the gallbladder to treat gallstones, you must follow –
- Without a gallbladder, bile flows directly into your intestines, making it difficult to digest high-fat foods. That is why you should follow a low-fat diet such as lean meat (chicken, turkey, fish), low-fat dairy products, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. But you also have to remember that you should avoid foods like fried foods, fatty cuts of meat, full-fat dairy products, butter, and oils.
- Eating small meals is also very good for digestion which prevents bloating and discomfort in your stomach. Therefore, divide your daily meals into 5-6 portions if possible. Always avoid heavy and big meals.
- Adequate fluid intake helps maintain digestive health and also prevents constipation. So take more water, herbal tea, and different types of broth. Along with that, you should avoid foods that can cause gas in your stomach like – Beans and lentils, Carbonated beverages, and Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower). Also avoid normal tea, coffee, and alcohol.
So if you are worried about what to eat after gallbladder surgery, here are a few recipes for you. You can also call them a soft diet after gallbladder surgery.
Grilled Chicken Breast with Steamed Vegetables
Chicken breast, broccoli, carrots, onions, artichokes, pumpkin seeds, olive oil, salt, pepper powder, and such juices, you can make this amazing recipe in 15 minutes. I can say this recipe is a suitable choice for a post-cholecystectomy diet. Place sliced grilled chicken breast on a plate and steamed vegetables next to it. Now drizzle a little lemon juice on top and serve with brown rice or quinoa for a complete and balanced meal.
Just as you get high-quality protein from chicken breast to help repair your tissues, carrots, and broccoli provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber to keep your overall health and digestive system healthy. The most worrisome thing is that when a loved one at home has an operation, we should spend more time looking after them than spending time in the kitchen, and since this recipe is simple and quick, you can prepare it before it’s time to eat. This is one of the best chicken recipes after gallbladder removal.
Get the recipe here.
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Baked Salmon with Lemon and Herbs
Because of the low-fat content and easy digestibility of this recipe, I recommend adding it to the post-cholecystectomy diet. Salmon fillet, olive oil, salt, black pepper, sliced yellow onion, lemon, and fresh thyme are all you need to make this amazing recipe and it will take you about 40 minutes to make this recipe completely. You can serve this gluten-free recipe with quinoa or a simple green salad as a side dish.
We all know salmon is high in omega-3 fatty acids that support heart health and reduce inflammation, but you also get essential protein that helps repair your muscles. You will also be healthier if you bake it with olive oil you will also get healthy fats which will keep your heart very healthy. But please serve with light seasoning. This is one of the best low-fat recipes after gallbladder removal.
Get the recipe here.
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Vegetable Stir-Fry
Keeping your health and digestion in mind, I have come up with this vegetable stir fry recipe that is low in fat and high in fiber. But you can eat this recipe roughly 2-3 weeks after the operation as the rule is to slowly increase the amount of fiber in the food, but this is a high-fiber recipe. But just as I get vitamin C from the bell paper used in it, I get vitamin A from carrots, that is, it is a recipe rich in vitamins.
You will need broccoli florets, quartered portabello mushrooms, sliced red bell pepper, onion, asparagus, baby corn, snow peas, carrots, garlic, soy sauce, mirin or rice vinegar, sambal oelek and cornstarch (optional) to make this recipe. But you can avoid broccoli if you want in between. You can serve this dish with lean protein like grilled chicken or baked tofu as a side dish or with whole grain noodles or steamed brown rice. But let’s say a tip, try to make this recipe with as minimal oil as possible.
Get the recipe here.
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Baked Cod with Vegetables
After gallbladder surgery, you can prepare this recipe for lunch as it’s truly wonderful. You can serve this dish with brown rice or quinoa. While the avocado used in this recipe is a healthy fat, consuming excessive fat can make it difficult for you to digest. This recipe will be ready in about 30 minutes, and its flavor will impress you. Always use seasonal vegetables in this recipe.
Get the recipe here.
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Turkey and Vegetable Soup
After surgery, most doctors recommend soup and many dieticians share the same mindset. But at the beginning let me give you a suggestion that after the operation you should not eat any hot food, in that case, you should try to feed this soup to the patient at room temperature. Turkey breast meat, turkey stock, carrots, green beans, mushrooms, onions, rosemary, tarragon, thyme, olive oil, salt, pepper powder, and russet potato You will need to make this recipe, and the total time may take 30-35 minutes. Usually, this soup tastes better if heavy cream is added to it, but after the operation, I would strictly advise you to avoid it.
Just as you will get lean protein from the ground turkey used in the recipe, you will also get a good amount of fiber from the vegetables which will help your digestion a lot. Moreover, this soup is low in fat which is very important for post-cholecystectomy. When the soup is ready, you can garnish it with fresh parsley and serve it with a slice of whole-grain bread.
Get the recipe here.
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Quinoa Salad with Chickpeas and Veggies
In addition to containing vitamins A, C, and K, potassium, and magnesium, chickpeas, and vegetables offer very little unhealthy fat and provide enough fiber for digestion. The key ingredients, quinoa and chickpeas, supply excellent plant-based protein for tissue repair and maintaining muscle mass post-surgery. This dish has the potential to be part of a post-cholecystectomy diet due to its high fiber content and low-fat profile.
The ingredients for the salad are bell pepper, cherry or grape tomatoes, chickpeas, cucumber, garlic powder, lemon, parsley, red onion, quinoa, kosher salt and black pepper, olive oil, and red wine vinegar (which is generally used in recipes but should be avoided for patients). This salad can be prepared in 30 minutes and can be served as a side dish or as a main dish with grilled chicken or fish.
Get the recipe here.
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Oatmeal with Berries
This recipe is packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, which can help reduce inflammation and improve overall health. It’s high in fiber and very low in fat, making it suitable for those recovering from cholecystectomy. To make it, you’ll need old-fashioned oats, whole milk, frozen berries, cinnamon powder, vanilla extract, maple syrup, salt, and optional toppings like vanilla yogurt, crushed hazelnuts, sliced banana, and additional berries. It only takes 20-25 minutes to prepare. This recipe is easy to digest and ideal for a post-cholecystectomy diet. You can use honey instead of maple syrup and almond milk as a substitute for whole milk to reduce fat content.
Get the recipe here.
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Vegetable Poha
This is an Indian recipe that most people love for breakfast. It’s also not too difficult to make, but it can prove to be a great meal for those of you who are fresh out of surgery. This Poha is mainly made with flattened rice. Poha, mixed vegetables, green peas, onions, mustard, cumin, olive oil, curry leaves, ginger, green chilies, turmeric powder, lemon juice, cilantro chopped, cashews, or peanuts will be required to make it and the total time will be around 25 minutes But here I will advise you to avoid almonds as they contain a lot of fat.
But we know that Poha is very low in fat, but you will get enough fiber from the vegetables (carrots and peas) used in this recipe, besides, you will get vitamin A from carrots, and vitamins C and K from peas, which will strengthen your immune system. Moreover, Poha is digested very quickly, which makes it a perfect recipe.
Get the recipe here.
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Baked Sweet Potato (Yaki Imo)
This baked sweet potato recipe is based on a Japanese dish known as Yaki Imo. It is a great choice for those recovering from gallbladder surgery due to its rich nutrient content, including vitamins A, C, and potassium, as well as fiber, which is important for digestion post-cholecystectomy. The recipe is easy to digest because of its low fiber content, making it suitable for a post-cholecystectomy diet. Additionally, this recipe is vegan, gluten-free, and paleo diet-friendly.
Although it takes 1 hour and 35 minutes to prepare, it requires only sweet potatoes, olive oil, and cinnamon powder. Baked sweet potatoes can be served as a side dish with grilled chicken, fish, or a simple salad, or enjoyed for breakfast with a sprinkle of granola and almond butter.
Get the recipe here.
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Greek Yogurt with Honey and Nuts
After gallbladder removal surgery, you can enjoy this light and refreshing snack or dessert: Greek yogurt with honey and nuts. Start with small portions of Greek yogurt and nuts and monitor your digestion. During the early recovery period after surgery, it’s important to avoid high-fat foods, so I recommend using fat-free yogurt for this recipe. Start by eating small amounts and pay attention to how your body digests the yogurt and nuts. If you experience any bloating, reduce the amount you eat. If not, gradually increase the portion size. You can also serve yogurt with sliced fruits such as apples.
Get the recipe here.
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Lentil and Spinach Soup
I suggest making this soup with lentils and spinach, and you can also add other veggies like celery, zucchini, or bell peppers to enhance its richness and protein, as well as fiber. It contains vitamins A, C, K, and folate, as well as iron and essential minerals from the lentils, all of which are easy on the digestion. Additionally, this soup is low in fat but high in fiber. Serve it with a slice or two of whole grain bread and a garnish of parsley or cilantro.
To make this soup, you will need lentils, chopped fresh spinach, diced carrots, onion, garlic, vegetable broth, cumin, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. While the original recipe includes butter, it’s best to avoid it if you’ve had a cholecystectomy. Also, a helpful tip: because lentils are included in the recipe, I recommend trying this soup 1-2 weeks after surgery to prevent gas in your stomach.
Get the recipe here.
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Chicken and Avocado Salad
Just imagine a shallow bowl, layered with a green salad, topped with sliced grilled chicken, and garnished with sliced avocado. This sight is sure to make anyone fall in love with it and will leave foodies’ mouths watering. Whether you are cooking this dish for yourself or someone in your household, you have the power to create this wonderful recipe and bring joy to everyone. A fresh mindset can conquer even the most challenging of problems.
While this recipe can be prepared in just 30 minutes, I recommend marinating the chicken for 30 minutes beforehand. You will need ingredients such as chicken breast, avocado, basil, cabbage, ground coriander, garlic cloves, lettuce, parsley, scallions, mustard, olives, tamari sauce, pepper, sesame seeds, and more. However, I would advise against using cabbage and cheese. If you decide to follow my advice and make this amazing recipe, prepare the salad with grilled chicken breast, avocado, mixed greens (such as spinach, arugula, and romaine), cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and balsamic vinaigrette. This combination provides healthy monounsaturated fats, vitamins, and minerals that are beneficial post-surgery.
Get the recipe here.
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Palak Paneer (Spinach with Cottage Cheese)
Palak Paneer is another very popular Indian recipe that is a little difficult to make but tastes great. Trust me once you try this recipe, you will never forget its taste. But at the beginning let me warn again that you should eat this recipe at least 2 weeks after the surgery, not before. To make this recipe you will need Coriander, Onion, Spinach, Tomato, Ginger garlic paste, Fenugreek, Garam masala, Cumin, and Paneer. This vegetarian and gluten-free recipe will take you around 40 minutes to make.
Cottage cheese provides you with excellent protein, which is very helpful in tissue repair and muscle building, along with plenty of calcium. Spinach, on the other hand, provides you with high levels of iron, which helps increase red blood cells in your blood. Moreover, spinach is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and magnesium. Tomatoes are added to this recipe which are rich in antioxidants like lycopene which help reduce your inflammation. But here you will use low-fat cottage cheese (Paneer). This is my best Indian diet after gallbladder removal.
Get the recipe here.
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Banana Smoothie
This banana smoothie can be a great choice for breakfast if you can make it according to some rules but is also good for your post-surgery condition. At this point, we should always be careful to use low-fat or fat-free milk which is why this smoothie uses almond milk (unsweetened). Also, if you always opt for the low-sugar option, this recipe recommends using Greek yogurt (low-fat or non-fat) instead of plain yogurt. However, I would suggest you start with a small dose first and see how your body tolerates it, then gradually increase the dose. However, while this smoothie will help you hydrate, you’ll be drinking less water throughout the day.
If you have ripe bananas, almond milk (unsweetened), Greek yogurt (low-fat or non-fat), and honey (optional), you can easily make this smoothie in just 3 minutes. But you’ll still get nutrients like potassium and vitamin C from this recipe, which are great for your stomach. That is, this smoothie not only acts as an aid to your digestion but also helps you recover faster.
Get the recipe here.
Vegetable Omelette
Normal people can certainly try and even make this vegetable omelet and there are countless customizations, but post-cholecystectomy patients should make this recipe a little healthier. In that case, you will need eggs, bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, low-fat cheese (optional), olive oil, and an amount of salt and pepper powder to make this recipe and you can prepare and serve it in just 30 minutes. Just make the omelette, lightly sprinkle salt and pepper powder on top, and serve immediately.
Since we need to be very careful with our digestion after cholecystectomy, try to use as little olive oil as possible to make this omelet to reduce the amount of fat. In that case, one more thing came to mind do not use high-fat cheese at all, because it can cause many digestive problems, in that case, if you can avoid the whole cheese from this recipe, it is really good for you. Another tip is don’t use canned vegetables, try to always use fresh vegetables because freshly cut vegetables are very easy to digest.
Get the recipe here.
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Mango and Black Bean Salad
I came up with another amazing salad recipe, this is also a perfect option for those who have just had surgery to remove the gallbladder to treat gallstones. See this time we have to follow a lot of rules, especially in terms of eating, so if you can prepare this salad properly then perfect for you but let’s say in advance that you will eat this recipe 2-3 weeks after the surgery because here use Beans can prove to cause gas in your stomach as well as digestion.
Although many ingredients are required to make this salad, post-cholecystectomy patients can prepare this recipe with just mango, black beans, red bell pepper, fresh cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, cumin, and salt and pepper powder as per taste. In 10 minutes. Hope you understand that this is a completely vegan and gluten-free recipe that will help you balance your diet a lot. But if you don’t have seasonal mangoes, you can make this same recipe just use peaches or pineapple instead of mangoes.
Get the recipe here.
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Baingan Bharta (Roasted Eggplant Mash)
Baingan Bharta (Roasted Eggplant Mash) is a traditional Indian dish made with roasted brinjal which is as tasty as it is nutritious. A perfect recipe for a post-cholecystectomy diet as it is low in fat, high in fiber, and easy to digest. You can serve it with whole-grain chapati which is full of fiber. You will need eggplant, garlic, vegetable oil, garlic, ginger, green chili, red onion, tomatoes, red chili powder, coriander powder, chopped cilantro, and salt to make this recipe and the total time may take about 30 minutes.
However, if you can use olive oil instead of vegetable oil and avoid red chili powder, it is better for your health if you are a fresh out-of-surgery patient. Additionally, ginger, garlic, and turmeric contain various anti-inflammatory properties that can promote your healing process.
Get the recipe here.
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Poached Cod with Spinach
We all know that cod is high in protein but low in fat, known to be an excellent source of vitamins B6 and B12 and omega-3 fatty acids. Apart from that, spinach is rich in iron, calcium, and antioxidants and also contains enough fiber which helps our digestion a lot. But hopefully, you have understood that this recipe made with cod and spinach is absolutely perfect for your post-surgery diet. With onion, tomato, garlic, vegetable stock, white wine, fresh cod, spinach, and broccoli, you can make this recipe in just 10-12 minutes. But if you want to eat it during the first week of surgery, skip the broccoli.
Moreover, since you are getting direct protein from it, in that case, do portion control, and gradually increase the amount as I have advised you earlier. Also, use fresh spinach and cod as they are more nutritious and easy to digest.
Get the recipe here.
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Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers
We can try many options stuffed in bell paper, but we have to remember which of them is healthy, or which stuffing is good for our health. Especially for those who are only 1-2 weeks post-surgery, I have a wonderful recipe here that makes a stuffing made with quinoa and black beans served in bell peppers. Its taste is as wonderful as it is full of nutrients. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve warm. But if served with a green salad, it becomes a complete meal.
Medium bell pepper, quinoa, vegetable broth, olive oil, onion, garlic, black beans, fresh corn flour, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper, according to taste, you can prepare this dish after waiting 1 hour. Cheese can be added to enhance its taste, but is best avoided by surgical patients.
Get the recipe here.
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Carrot and Peas Pulao
Now I will discuss with you an amazing Indian recipe that is both vegetarian and gluten-free and also very easy to prepare and suitable for a Post-Cholecystectomy Diet. In just 20 minutes you can prepare this Polao which can be perfect for lunch or dinner. Basmati rice, diced carrots, green peas (fresh or frozen), olive oil or a small amount of ghee, cumin seeds, bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cloves, and salt to taste you will need to make this Polao and in all 20 minutes, It will take time. At the end, you can serve with onion raita made with low-fat yogurt garnished with fresh coriander leaves as a complete meal.
You will get enough fiber from carrots and peas but try to use as little olive oil or ghee as possible, as excess fat can disturb your digestion. Also, serve this polao warm, not too hot because it is very difficult to tolerate hot food after surgery. If you can prepare this recipe correctly, it will be very helpful in recovering from gallbladder surgery. So you can say that this is a perfect Low-fat recipe after cholecystectomy.
Get the recipe here.
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Apple and Carrot Salad
You can try this super easy apple and carrot salad that will help you recover very quickly. You can serve this salad as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish. To make this salad you will need apples, carrots, lemon juice, and raisins. Then you can refrigerate it to get the best texture. Then take out the serving time and serve in a chilled state. As a post-surgery diet, this is the safest recipe in my opinion.
Get the recipe here.
FAQ
How long do I need to follow a low-fat diet after a cholecystectomy?
Although there is no strict time limit, most doctors recommend following a low-fat diet for at least a few weeks or 1 month after surgery. This period is crucial for recovery. You can gradually return to your normal diet. It’s always best to consult your doctor for personalized advice.
What are some healthy fats I can include in my diet after cholecystectomy?
Always concentrate on healthy fats found in avocados, nuts and seeds (almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds), fatty fish (salmon, tuna), olive oil, etc. However, even though these are healthy fats, try to use them as little as possible. This is my humble advice to you. It’s important to not overburden your digestive system after gallbladder removal surgery.
How can I make low-fat meals more flavorful?
Experiment with different combinations of herbs and spices in your dishes. Instead of frying food, you can take the help of baking, grilling, or poaching, which are called low-fat cooking methods. In that case, if you find that the food is missing some kick, you can try adding lemon or lime juice there. These are entirely my own opinions.
Can I use low-fat substitutes for my favorite high-fat ingredients?
Why not? For example, instead of ground beef, you can use lean ground turkey or chicken. If you feel a dish calls for sour cream, use low-fat yogurt. Reach for non-dairy alternatives like almond milk or coconut milk.
Life after cholecystectomy or gallbladder removal may seem like a lot of pain but let’s say that proper care and care can keep you or your loved ones perfectly healthy. So you can choose your favorite pada from the 21 essential low-fat recipes mentioned here and prepare it. Remember, eating well is a key part of feeling well. Here’s to your health and happiness!
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