What should I eat before and after surgery?

Before surgery: eat a balanced diet rich in protein (chicken, fish, eggs, beans) and vitamin C (oranges, peppers, broccoli) — both help with wound healing. Stay well hydrated. After gallbladder removal: start with bland, low-fat foods. Your body needs time to adjust to digesting fat without a gallbladder. Avoid fried foods, fatty meats, and full-fat dairy for the first few weeks. Gradually reintroduce them. Most people can eat normally within a month.

This is an important surgery question. We recommend speaking with your GP for personalised advice. You can also contact NHS 111 (free, 24/7) for urgent guidance, or visit nhs.uk for trusted health information. Please note: this is general health information, not a substitute for professional medical advice.