If you have gallbladder stones (gallstones), these tips can help reduce symptoms and lower the risk of painful attacks. They do not remove existing stones.
✅ Foods to Eat
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains (oats, brown rice, whole wheat bread)
- Lean protein (skinless chicken, fish, beans, lentils)
- Low-fat dairy products
- Drink plenty of water
❌ Foods to Avoid
- Fried foods
- Fast food
- Fatty or processed meats (sausages, burgers)
- Butter, cream, and full-fat cheese
- Pastries, cakes, and sugary snacks
- Soft drinks and sugary beverages
Healthy Lifestyle Tips
- Eat small, frequent meals instead of large meals.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Lose weight gradually if needed (rapid weight loss can increase the risk of gallstones).
- Exercise for at least 30 minutes most days of the week.
- Stay well hydrated.
When to See a Doctor Immediately
Seek urgent medical care if you have:
- Severe pain in the upper right side of your abdomen
- Fever or chills
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Persistent nausea or vomiting
- Dark urine or pale-colored stools
These symptoms may indicate a blocked bile duct or infection and require prompt treatment.
Can Gallstones Be Treated Without Surgery?
- Small, symptom-free gallstones may only need monitoring.
- Symptomatic gallstones (causing pain or complications) are most commonly treated by removing the gallbladder through laparoscopic surgery, which is generally safe and effective.
- Medications to dissolve certain cholesterol stones exist but are only suitable for a small number of patients and often take months to work.
- need to know your ultrasound results.
- Stone size: (Example: 5 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm)
- Number of stones: One or Multiple
-
Do you have pain?
- Yes / No
-
Where is the pain?
- Right upper abdomen?
- Does it occur after eating oily or fatty food?
-
Any of these symptoms?
- Fever
- Yellow eyes/skin (jaundice)
- Vomiting
-
Less than 5 mm
- Can sometimes pass into the bile duct, but may also cause blockage.
- If symptoms are present, surgery is often recommended.
-
5–10 mm
- This is the most common size.
- If the stone causes pain or repeated attacks, laparoscopic gallbladder removal is usually the best treatment.
-
More than 10–15 mm
- Less likely to pass on its own.
- If symptomatic, surgery is generally recommended.
- You may only need regular follow-up with your doctor.
- Eat a low-fat diet.
- Stay hydrated.
- Avoid fried and greasy foods.
General guidance based on stone size
If you have no symptoms
If you have symptoms
If you have severe pain, fever, yellow eyes, or persistent vomiting, seek medical care immediately, as this may indicate a blocked bile duct or infection.