What can I eat when I am pregnant and have gall stones?

Question

I went into my doctors appointment today so excited to be five weeks pregnant, but the mysterious and terrible pain I have been experiencing under my right ribs turns out to be gall stones! My doctor wants to take my gall bladder out in a few weeks while it is safe for the baby. Anyway, my question is more about what diet I am supposed to be following! I was told to eat bland foods - the blander the better, and little to no fat. Has anyone else been through this, and what type of foods were you able to eat that didn't cause an attack and didn't cause you to have morning sickness either. Any advice or simply words of encouragement would be helpful right now! My husband just left for five weeks of training with the US Army Reserves, so I am in need of some kind words. Thanks again!

Answer 1

just stay away from fatty or fried foods...in other words, healthy stuff.  fruit, veggies, yogurt, grilled chicken, etc :)

good luck

Answer 2

Morning sickness really won't be affected by anything you eat.  You will either be sick or nauseated, or you won't.  As far as what to eat with the gallstones- bland means no spices to speak of, beyond a bit of salt.  I suggest you stick with vegetarian fare, fat free broth soups, and a calcium fortified soy milk.  You also want to avoid any foods which naturally give you more gas- things like cabbage and corn are big offenders for most folks.  Eat small meals, 4 or 5 times a day, as opposed to three big meals.  To avoid the morning sickness, try to eat something whole-grain before bedtime, and keep the old soda crackers by the bedside for when you wake up.  The nausea is more triggered by the empty stomach than if you have a little something on board.  I personally like nibbling on candied ginger myself- ginger has natural anti-nausea properties, and is perfectly safe for baby.  Flat ginger ale is a help as well, if you open the can at bedtime, it should be flat enough for a morning sip when you wake up.  They will do the gallbladder removal with a laproscopic procedure, which will help you feel much better.  The first day or so afterwards you will feel like a balloon, which isn't likely to help with your nausea.  So stock up on ginger ale and candied ginger now.   The more you move around that first and second day, the sooner the gas passes.  The gas will actually be the worst part of it- the incisions are really nearly nothing more than little poke holes and won't really bug you at all.  The first week, avoid salad veggies and gassy veggies, spices and carbonated drinks, and of course, as much fat as you can.  Once you are recovered from the surgery, you can start adding in a bit of fat until you discover what your personal fat tolerance will be.  It will also help to eat a bit more fiber, in the form of whole grains.  Those help absorb some excess fat, and will help you avoid the diarrhea and gassy feeling after a higher fat meal.  In the meantime, I don't suggest a fried chicken meal, or a Mexican dinner.  You do best to stick pretty much to a vegetarian diet, with an eye on the fat content.  And honestly, if it tastes really good- you will probably suffer for it.  Sorry, but you will feel better once your stones are gone.   After that, it should be pretty smooth sailing. Good luck dear, and have a healthy baby.