Plano, TX,– For thousands of people who undergo gallbladder removal each and every year, the procedure delivers welcome relief from chronic pain. Some patients, however, find themselves a little surprised when they encounter discomforts in the days and weeks following the operation. This is perfectly normal, doctors say, and can often be prevented when patients take a few precautionary measures during recovery.

“It’s important to remember that although not strictly needed, the gallbladder does play a key role in the digestion of some foods, especially greasy ones,” says Dr. Nick Nicholson, founder and lead surgeon at the North Texas-based Nicholson Clinic, one of the top weight loss surgery centers in the country. “Some patients may find certain foods off limits in the days and weeks following surgery, but this often passes with time.”

To keep post-surgical discomfort at bay, Dr. Nicholson recommends:

• Avoiding solid foods at first – In the first day or two after surgery, liquids or light, bland foods are often the best. It can be helpful to keep notes on what foods, as they are introduced back into the diet, cause discomfort.
• Keep it low fat – It’s wise to avoid greasy, fried and overly spicy foods initially. That is not to say they will always be off the menu, but in the immediate post-surgical days it’s best to avoid them.
• Go easy with fiber – Bulky, high-fiber foods are important in the diet, but not in the first few days after gallbladder surgery. Add these foods back into the routine sparingly at first.

“Some degree of discomfort during digestion is fairly common immediately after gallbladder surgery,” says Dr. Nicholson. “Taking it slow and easy with adding food back into the routine can make all the difference in the world. If discomfort is chronic, especially painful or raises any other alarm bells, do be sure to touch base with your surgeon for advice.”

To find out more about the Nicholson Clinic, its locations and the services it provides, visit it online at www.nicholsonclinic.com.

About Nicholson Clinic
Founded by Dr. Nick Nicholson, one of the country’s leading weight loss surgeons and co-author of “Weight Loss Surgery: The Real Skinny,” the Nicholson Clinic for Weight Loss Surgery offers a variety of options to help patients gain control of their weight and their lives.