gall bladder

[genah46]

what something my husband can eat to help him go to the bathroom after gall bladder surgery?

[mklarson]

When working with patients after gall bladder removal, constipation is a common concern.  A number of us at our medical clinic have patients add L-lysine tablets (500mg) at the start of each meal. This aids digestion and has a softening effect on the stool. Many foods that contain high amounts of lysine are cut from the diet after gall bladder removal as they can cause indigestion (not because of the lysine but because of the oils or acids in those foods). Interestingly, the side effect of taking too much l-lysine is diarrhea, so cutting back the dose to find the right amount is easy to do.

Lysine is one of eight essential amino acids (building blocks of protein) that the body cannot manufacture on its own. The addition of L-lysine also benefits the skeletal system by contributing to the production of collagen, the protein used to make bone, tendons, cartilage and connective tissue. Calcium absorption and use is also facilitated by l-lysine, and l-lysine benefits the skin by helping to maintain its health and elasticity. When taken with vitamin C, l-lysine appears to help symptoms of the heart condition angina pectoris. It has also been used to treat sores caused by the herpes simplex and herpes zoster viruses.

Additionally, it is believed that l-lysine benefits people with osteoporosis by helping to prevent bone loss. As mentioned before, calcium absorption appears to be enhanced by l-lysine.  

One last aspect you may like about L-lysine, is that is is very inexpensive and can be found in the vitamin section of most stores.

I hope this helps.

[gymdandee]

The best thing to do is eat very small meals and low fat, easy to digest foods.Pasta in a soup broth works well, mashed potatoes,mixed with a fat free chicken broth, raw fruits and vegetables are a problem, as well as dairy products like cheese, So stay away from those, at least for now. Also to stay away from cirtrus fruits and acids like tomatoes. peanut butter and jelly sandwich too should be OK. use low fat wheat bread, toasted, and a very thin amount of peanut butter,then some jelly kashi instant brown sugar oatmeal,one package is OK. no milk,just the oatmeal, but when you are not eating,it's a nice warm treat.Plus it's good to get fiber and protein! Be careful with  fried, or greasy and sometimes spicy foods.

[rnangel]

Prune juice has natural laxatives and works well. Staying hydrated and eating fiberous foods (fruits, veggies and whole grains) are essential for regular bowel patterns. However, taking metamucil without drinking adequate water can lead to worse constipation. Increasing physical activity is a natural way to increase intestional motillity.

There are stool softeners that help put water in the bowel to soften stool (docusate, lactulose) and can be found at your local drugstore. Bowel motility agents like sennakot and exlax can cause cramping and diarrhea and should be reserved for more urgent uses. Consult with your doctor if there is a history of bowel disorders.

Anesthetics and pain medication slow bowel motility after surgery and lead to constipation. The longer stool sits in the bowel without being evacuated, the more water that is extracted, and the harder the it becomes. Bowel obstructions can occur and are a very serious situation. They are less common in people under 45. Absence of a bowel movement for several days, accompanied with nausea, vomiting, unusual bloating of abdomen, fever and abdominal pain are some symptoms of a blockage and indicate a trip to the emergency department. I hope this helps.

Well wishes to you and your husband.