To avoid common side effects such as diarrhea, there are also certain foods that you should avoid as much as possible. You should try avoiding high-fat foods such as lard, butter, bacon fat, hot dogs, salami processed baked goods, and pork. You should also initially steer clear of foods that can potentially irritate your stomach lining, such as spices that contain capsaicin. In general, it’s recommended to stay away from any foods that would usually worsen diarrhea, such as very sweet foods, high-fat dairy products, and products containing caffeine. Using a food journal to track what you eat may help you identify any foods that may potentially be causing problems after gallbladder surgery. Most patients are able to return to a normal diet after about a month after having their surgery.