Gallbladder Dyskinesia Diet

Most people pay little attention to their gallbladder unless it malfunctions. As part of your digestive system, it plays a crucial role in releasing fat-digesting fluid called bile, in response to dietary fat. When your gallbladder fails to eject bile properly, its called gallbladder dyskinesia 3. Because gallbladder problems make it difficult to digest fat, doctors commonly prescribe a fat-restricted diet until the issue is treated or controlled. Follow your physician's dietary instructions and only make changes to your diet under his guidance.

What to Expect

Many gallbladder problems are treated by removing the gallbladder -- a procedure called cholecystectomy. Your doctor will likely refer you for a cholecystectomy if you have gallbladder dyskinesia. About 94 to 98 percent of patients with this condition experience symptom relief after gallbladder removal, according to a review published in the August 2007 edition of the journal "Current Treatment Options in Gastroenterology." You may benefit from staying on a restricted-fat diet before surgery 3. This type of diet typically limits you to 50 grams of fat per day.

Foods to Include

Diet After a Cholecystectomy

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A restricted-fat diet includes milk, cheese and dairy foods that are fat-free or made from skim milk, as well as lean meat, fish and poultry. Fresh, frozen or canned vegetables and fruits are included also. Other foods typically allowed on this diet are whole-grain breads, rice, pasta, noodles, low-fat whole-grain cereals and low-fat snack options such as:

• unbuttered popcorn
  
• baked chips
  
• flavored gelatin

This is by no means a comprehensive list, but provides a general idea of what is usually allowed on a fat-restricted diet used to reduce complications of gallbladder disorders.

Foods to Avoid

Coconuts, avocados and olives are high in fat and on the avoid list. Steer clear of fried or greasy foods in general, including fried potatoes and french fries, as well as fried or fatty meat, fish and luncheon meat. Avoid high-fat breads and pastries, including doughnuts, french toast, waffles and breads made with egg or cheese. Vegetables in cream, cheese, butter or other high-fat sauces are also a red flag. This diet also restricts beverages made from high-fat dairy, high-fat sweets such as ice cream and creamy or oily soups.

Restricted-Fat Diet Tips

Recommended Diet to Deal with Gallstones and Biliary Colic

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Use low-fat cooking methods such as baking, broiling, roasting or steaming, and trim any visible fat away from meat and poultry before cooking. You may find that eating small frequent meals is better tolerated than consuming three large meals each day. Check food labels when purchasing packaged foods and look for low-fat, nonfat and fat-free options. Create a list of safe foods to take with you grocery shopping, and build your meals around allowed foods.