{"id":251,"date":"2018-07-27T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2018-07-27T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/synergyhomecare.com\/az-mesa-85202\/2018\/07\/27\/how-to-help-a-senior-after-gallbladder-surgery\/"},"modified":"2026-03-20T22:56:32","modified_gmt":"2026-03-20T22:56:32","slug":"how-to-help-a-senior-after-gallbladder-surgery","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/synergyhomecare.com\/az-chandler-85224\/knowledge-center\/how-to-help-a-senior-after-gallbladder-surgery\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Help a Senior After Gallbladder Surgery"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The gallbladder is a little pear-shaped organ located just below the liver on the right side of the body. Its purpose is to hold the bile made in the liver. Bile is used during digestion to break down fats and some kinds of vitamins. Sometimes, a person develops problems with their gallbladder, like gallstones, that make it necessary to have the organ removed. Although gallbladder surgery is common and sometimes done as an outpatient surgery, it can still leave your aging relative feeling uncomfortable.<\/p>\n

How Gallbladder Removal Affects Digestion<\/strong><\/p>\n

Normally, bile is stored in the gallbladder and released as the body needs it for digestion. Once the gallbladder is gone, the liver still makes the same amount of bile. However, instead of going into storage, it is constantly released into the intestine.<\/p>\n

For most people, the body eventually gets used to the change. All but about 10 percent of people who have their gallbladders removed go back to eating normally over time. But, in the first few weeks after the surgery, your aging relative may have some digestive problems, such as stomach aches, diarrhea, and frequent bowel movements.<\/p>\n

Dietary Changes After Surgery<\/strong><\/p>\n

Making changes to the older adult\u2019s diet after surgery can ease digestive problems. Your aging family member\u2019s doctor will probably tell them to limit the amount of fat they eat for a while. Eating a small amount of fat may not cause any problems because a little fat is easier to digest than fat in greater quantities. Large amounts of fat may not digest quickly enough and cause bloating, gas, and diarrhea.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s no specific diet the older adult will be required to follow after the surgery, but some dietary changes that may help are:<\/p>\n