How to Get Rid of Nausea After Gallbladder Surgery

The gallbladder is a small organ located next to the liver. The gallbladder stores bile, which is made by the liver and helps the body digests fats. Gallstones and other disorders of the gallbladder can be treated with surgical removal of the gallbladder. Although this treatment can cure gallbladder problems, it can cause a number of different side effects, including nausea. Patients experiencing nausea after gallbladder surgery may need to take a number of different steps to try and eliminate the nausea.

Step 1

Make changes to your diet. After gallbladder surgery patients will often need to start with a liquid diet, the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons explains. This is because the body is still recovering from the surgery. Even once the digestive tract has completely healed, patients should try to avoid eating large quantities of fatty or oily foods as the body's ability to digest fats is impaired. Although the liver is still able to make bile, smaller quantities are available after the removal of the gallbladder, meaning that digestive tract can no longer adequately handle large fatty meals. Patients who are experiencing nausea may want to consume bland foods such as gelatin, toast and rice, the MayoClinic.com recommends.

Step 2

Take bile salt supplements. After gallbladder surgery the body no longer has a reservoir of bile that can be used when food is eaten. Bile salt supplementation can help decrease nausea after gallbladder surgery, according to GallbladderAttack.com. This is particularly helpful if the patient consumes a large or high-fat meal.

Step 3

Eat foods that contain ginger or take supplements that contain ginger, which can help reduce nausea, the American College of Gastroenterology notes. Ginger can be consumed once nausea has occurred to provide symptomatic relief or be taken as a preventative measure in people who experience frequent nausea after removal of their gallbladders.

Step 4

Wear accupressure bracelets. Accupressure bracelets press on the wrist and are effective for relieving mild cases of nausea and vomiting, according to the American College of Gastroeneterology.