What's the best way to get my Mother nutrition after gall bladder surgery?

Has it been long enough since the surgery that she should be cleared to drive and do things? Maybe she is in need of an anti depressant? I've had gallbladder surgery, although it was many years ago. But I remember being sore and afraid to eat a few things. For so long, eating caused me so much pain that I guess it was just that I was a little leery of eating.

I wouldn't even begin to think of a feeding tube unless her doctor has recommended it. Make her some high calorie shakes with ice cream (although she may begin having a problem with dairy) and fruit. Maybe some Ensure for the protein. Scrambled eggs. Jell-O. Refried beans with cheese. Unjury protein powder is excellent. You can order it online. Several small meals a day are much better for her than large meals anyway. Definitely avoid high fat and high fiber foods for a long while. Taking a short walk outside will help a lot to get her strength back. Eat with her or at least sit and keep her company. It's easier to skip a meal if you are alone.

I hope this has been helpful. It really is up to her how to fast or slow to progress. She just needs time and like I said, maybe some pharmaceutical help for a short while. If she was like me, she has been very sick and now will have to get used to being able to eat without being sick. Be sure she keeps her followup appointments with the doctor.

I had my gallbladder out when I was 40. I lost about 50 lbs afterwards due to the inability to eat. Nothing looked good or tasted good. I felt like I had been run over by a truck and I had had the laparoscopic surgery that was supposed to be SO much easier than the old "cut 'em up" way. I also had severe depression and anxiety. After seeing several drs and finally becoming almost suicidal, I was dxed with severe anxiety, probably due to the fact I was completely overwhelmed by life and finding out the hard way that having general anesthesia just messes my head up something terrible. I went on an antidepressant and antianxiety meds. Took a few weeks for everything to kick in. Foods that are high in fat may cause extreme pain to eat. (Ice cream, eggs, fried foods) The gallbladder produces bile to break down fats--until the body adapts to the loss of that, it can just reject everything you eat. I still cannot eat eggs, ham or fried food. I did drink Ensure, when I could. I would take your mom in for a psych eval. I know that I went willingly, because I was so sick...somedays she may feel like eating some things, some days, not so much. If she was OK before this, she should be able to recover. If she was anything like I was, I was sick a long time before they actually did surgery. I know I was super, super sick before and after. How long has it been? Older folks heal more slowly. I would not think a feeding tube is necessary--just try Ensure or for a better tasting drink, the weight loss shakes. They aren't so chalky. Good luck.

About the feeding tube -- if her doctor thinks what would give her a chance to regain some strength and it could then be taken out after a month or so, then I would definitely consider it, especially if she has no other chronic conditions. If it is being proposed as a permanent solution, then for myself I think I would refuse it. But what is Mother's attitude?

We turned down a feeding tube for my husband, twice. He had a terminal disease (dementia) and he was ready to go when his body said it was time.

My brother had a feeding tube during and for a while after treatment for throat cancer. It got him through a rough period, and he is eating normally now. In my mind that is the appropriate use of the tubes.

I agree with the suggestions to see a specialist about the anxiety/depression. Treating that may be the key to getting back on track.

When I had gallbladder disease and refused surgery, I lost 50 pounds as well. Bestest thing that ever happened to me. I had a severe attack and asked Tom to drive me to the hospital. He hit a HUMUNGOUS pothole, and my problem was permanently solved. Drove back home.

It bothers me that she's not back on track and still eating little. Since you asked for opinions, though, I personally would not insert a feeding tube in a loved one nor would I want one myself.

Gallbladder disease is a pretty straight forward diagnosis...both by symptoms and ultrasounds. Makes me wonder if they got it right. (Surprised it took a month.)

Gallstones block the duct that leads from your gallbladder to your stomach. The smallest amount of fat in one's meal triggers the release of bile down the tubal duct into one's stomach to help digest the fat. If a gallstone is blocking the way? YOWCH!! until the bile works its way around the gallstone.

I would often feel the familiar pain coming on and march around the house stomping my feet. Now, I sure realize that makes me sound NUTZ, and I'm pretty sure I was. But I'm better now. ;) ;)

Thanks, Maggie, I was super curious. That makes sense and made me laugh, too.

Yes, Ensure does provide the basic nutrition-again, it's kind of nasty, (thick and kinda chalky) so make sure it's very cold and encourage her to drink. I hope she does get a thorough checkup and a psych eval, Once my head was back in place, I (sadly) gained the weight back. Couldn't have it both ways, I guess. Gallbladder problems can linger and she can have "fake" attacks or she could be fearful to eat b/c ppossibly before the surgery she ate and had the excruciating attacks that only gallbladder sufferers understand. I was terrified to eat anything....does she feel the same way? Hoping for the best for you both!

I would suggest Ensure also - however - for any food you give her - stick to low fat or no fat as this can exacerbate the situation while her body is adjusting to not having a gall bladder that takes care of the fat. Also - if she like candy - perhaps you can get gummy vitamins - they are fruit flavored. Also - I'd start slow with soups (low or no fat) - tofu is pure protein and undetectable - along with perhaps soft noodles or pasta if she likes this flavor you can put in the juice from stewed tomatos and grated parmesian cheese. Perhaps she will eat a nice toasted piece of french or italian bread or rolls. Start small and don't put too much in front of her either. Lastly - perhaps a dessert cheesecake (I know it has fat but it's a dessert and may interest her better. Also - there are Soy Milks - with fabulous flavors - the soy milk is absolutely awesome - even coconut flavor or cashew. It is not difficult to digest - much better than milk - even skim milk. They have pina colada yogurts and many with crunchy toppings that if she would taste (whatever her favorite flavors are) it could be a start. Also - with regards to her activity, perhaps she would like books on tape - the Philadelphia Library has a free program for seniors who are limited with sight or ability. They could lift her spirits. Check into local transportation for Seniors and a Senior Facility around you might offer suggestions with regard to diet and exercise. Also - perhaps you can get in house assistance to come to the home and assess the situation. There are senior resources to be explored and these can, perhaps, reinspire her spirit/appetite. This is not 'it'. I know my mother is a fatalist and everything is pure drama - however - you can minimize this thinking to provide hope again and positive thinking so she will begin to participate in life again. My prayers and heart are with you folks.

I am so sorry to hear of your situation.
Have you tried the library for information relating to seniors?
How long ago was her surgery? I ask because it is common for a patient to be more emotional and irritable soon after the surgery, suffer with nausea (hence lack of appetite) and be light-headed, confused. I suspect that your Mom does not tell you all the things she is feeling because she does not want anyone to know how affected and helpless she has become.
I think you mother would be more traumatized being force fed by tube. Before drastic measures like tube feeding, try several snacks per day heaped with carbs and protein we only need a spoonful of peanut butter for example. In addition meal replacement drinks such as Boost or Ensure or pharmacy brand are invaluable. You can also get weight gain products like snack bars and shake mixes. Your pharmacist is qualified to recommend and it's worth it to make inquiries with them. A full meal plate will look overwhelming.
Seniors often do not fully recover their former vitality no matter what kind of surgery they undergo.

Maggie--
confused as to why hitting a pothole cured your gallbladder problems......

Oh, and to wrap it up, that huge pothole jostled the stone itself loose do that it emptied from the duct. Never had the problem again.