Living with gallbladder cancer
If you have it can be difficult for your body to take in fat from your diet. You might need to take supplements to boost your calorie intake, and you may need to avoid fatty food until you have had treatment to relieve the jaundice.
You may have problems with your diet if you have had surgery to try to cure gallbladder cancer. Any problems you might have after surgery will depend on the type of surgery you had. Problems include:
loose or watery poo (diarrhoea)
nausea
difficulty digesting food
if doctors remove a large part of your pancreas
Tell your doctor or specialist nurse about any digestive problems you have. They can give you treatment to control them. Your can also give you advice and support. Sometimes, it takes time to get things right.
After having your gallbladder removed diarrhoea can be a problem.
This is because bile is no longer stored in the gallbladder and flows directly from the liver into your small bowel. Also, after your gallbladder has been taken out, your stools tend to stay in your bowel for less time. So you have to go to the toilet more often.
Diarrhoea will improve with time, but unfortunately, it can last for many years. This can make everyday life more difficult. Being continuously worried about having an accident with your bowels when you are out, can be difficult.
Some things may help. You could:
ask your doctor to recommend anti diarrhoea medicines to slow down your bowel
ask your doctor about medicines that help bind the bile
avoid foods that you find make diarrhoea worse, such as caffeine in tea and coffee, and spicy and fatty foods
wear a small pad in your pants – it may feel strange but might help to prevent embarrassing moments in public and so help you feel more confident
get a 'Just can't wait card' from the Bladder and Bowel Community – the card allows holders access to toilets in shops and pubs etc
Find out more about the Bladder and Bowel Community
You may find it easier to have lots of small meals and snacks throughout the day, rather than sticking to the traditional 3 meals.
It is a good idea to have plenty of nutritious snacks to hand that you can have whenever you feel like eating. It’s best to choose high protein foods and full fat versions of yoghurts and puddings. Or you can add extra calories by making foods up with milk, creams and soft cheeses.
Some high energy and high protein snacks include:
yoghurts (dairy or soya based)
milky puddings such as custard, rice pudding, trifle or chocolate mousse
dried, stewed or fresh fruit with cream, yoghurt or ice cream
nuts and nut butters
cheese
eggs
houmous
instant soups (make up with milk to boost calories)
cereal with added nuts, seeds and dried fruit – use full fat milk (dairy or soya)
milky drinks (dairy or soya)
flapjacks
Some of these ideas may not suit your digestion, or if you have diabetes or a stent. If in doubt, check with your dietitian.
Try to think of quick ways of having the things you like to eat. If possible, get someone to prepare your favourite foods in advance and freeze them in small portions. A microwave makes defrosting and reheating food easier and quicker.
If you are finding it hard to eat, your dietitian may suggest you have nutritional supplements. These are available on prescription. Some are powders you sprinkle on your food or make into a drink. Others are ready made drinks that are complete meals in themselves.
Sipping nutritional supplements throughout the day can really boost your calorie and protein intake.
Not all nutritional supplements may be suitable for you. For example, if you have diabetes, some nutritional drinks or supplements may affect your blood sugar levels. So ask your doctor or dietitian about what would be best.
If you had part of your pancreas taken out, you will probably still make enough insulin. Your doctor will need to keep a very close eye on your blood sugar to make sure you don't develop diabetes.
You might not make enough digestive juices if you have gallbladder cancer or if you had part of your pancreas taken out. You usually take supplements of enzymes to help you digest fat. These usually come as capsules that you swallow.
Last reviewed: 13 Oct 2023
Next review due: 13 Oct 2026
Cancer and its treatment can cause eating and drinking difficulties in some people. But there are people that can help and things you can do to cope better.
Get practical and emotional support to help you cope with a diagnosis of gallbladder cancer, and life during and after treatment.
Survival depends on how advanced your gallbladder cancer is when you are diagnosed.
The treatment you might have depends on the size and type of your gallbladder cancer and whether it has spread.
Gallbladder cancer is when abnormal cells in the gallbladder start to divide and grow in an uncontrolled way.
About Cancer generously supported by Dangoor Education since 2010. Learn more about Dangoor Education
Search our clinical trials database for all cancer trials and studies recruiting in the UK.
Connect with other people affected by cancer and share your experiences.
Questions about cancer? Call freephone 0808 800 40 40 from 9 to 5 - Monday to Friday. Alternatively, you can email us.
