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Ashley
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Posted: Wed Jun 29th, 2005 05:32 am |
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| My stepmom just recently found out that she has gallstones. As far as a diet plan, she was given the vague directions of "Stay away from fatty foods". If you could please give me a list of some specific foods that she can eat I would be extremely greatful! Thanks!
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bessnfloyd
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Posted: Wed Jun 29th, 2005 05:40 am |
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I really cannot make up a list like that. Mostly she will have to read labels. Are there plans to remove the gallstones, or does the Dr. want her to just live with them? There are also medications that can dissolve them although they tend to come back, and the the drugs are not without side effects.
Fats cause bile to form, which not only can make the gallstones larger but can cause them to become lodged in the bile duct, leading to pain the serious health risks. Foods high in fat are, of course, fried foods, all meats, egg yolks (but not whites), most sauces, mayonnaise, etc. but not "fat-free" ones, nor mustard or ketchup which are fat free. There are fat free dairy products and dressings, and egg whites are a good source of protein. Most fish have little fat, although some more than others.
Breads, prepared foods, etc. have some fat, some more than others.
Completely fat free diets have sometimes been linked with INCREASED gallstone attacks, though. Nor are fat free diets completely healthy. It seems to me the Dr. should be a little more specific, and give some long range prognosis, as left alone, they won't go away by themselves and tend to get worse.
On thing that's very important, if there is no health reason against it, is to drink plenty of non-carbonated fluids, especially water. That will help dilute the bile, and let very small stones possibly pass out without problems.
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Bess W.
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Ashley
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Posted: Fri Jul 1st, 2005 02:56 am |
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To answer your question.. the doctor did specify that the gallstones will be removed. However, she is in a great deal of pain and he isn't going to be scheduling the surgery until late August. I'm just trying to do all I can to make this a little bit better for her. Being only 15 my helping abilities are somewhat limited to a few things.
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bessnfloyd
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Posted: Fri Jul 1st, 2005 03:42 am |
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Ok, it's good she's having them out. I am a little concerned about the pain. Is there a reason other than scheduling etc. that he is waiting? It's so easy to get into trouble by waiting. I think (not positive) there is a medication he can give her to help relax the bile duct, and as I mentioned, unless there are contraindications, lots of water and juice, mild exercise and a nearly fat free diet will help a lot. But if she eats NO fat, is still in a lot of pain, and the Dr. won't budge, if it was my relative, I'd have her into the emergency room every two or three days complaining of "excrutiating" pain until they did something. Medicaid, HMO's and Dr's who have vacations scheduled, etc. have done a lot of harm by waiting. My sister was misdiagnosed when she had gallstones, and by the time it was sorted out, she was permanently in pain with chronic pancreatitis.
Our Dr. had to check my husband into the hospital during a holiday when the HMO was on vacation in order to get going on some life saving surgery that was becoming critical.
However there may be a good reason he is waiting. Play "Mother" and keep her away from fats, whether she likes it or not! Let me know how it goes.
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Bess W.
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