Discharge Instructions for Gallstones

Gallstones form when liquid stored in the gallbladder hardens into pieces of stone-like material. Stones in the gallbladder may or may not cause symptoms. They can cause pain or infection. You and your healthcare provider will decide on the best treatment for you. Here's what you can do.

Home care

These home care steps can help you after being diagnosed with gallstones:

• Eat a low-fat diet.

  • Read food labels to be sure the foods you are choosing are low in fat.

  • Limit the use of high-fat meats, dairy products, animal fats, and vegetable oils.

• Keep all appointments with your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider needs to monitor your condition.

• Discuss your treatment choices with your healthcare provider, including:

  • Surgery to remove the gallbladder and gallstones

  • Medicine to dissolve the stones. This is mainly for people who cannot have surgery. Take your medicines exactly as directed. Don't skip doses. Remember, it takes time for the medicine to take effect. Unfortunately, once the medicine is stopped, the gallstones usually come back. 

  • ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography). A healthcare provider uses a thin tube with video and X-rays to locate stones and remove them from the common bile duct.

Follow-up care

Make a follow-up appointment as directed by our staff.