Dear joiebk,
I am sorry to hear that you have been having such awful problems since your gb removal. I also had a cholecystectomy at the beginning of this month after suffering several episodes of excruciating biliary colic over the past two years. Tests revealed mulitple gallstones in an inflamed gb with very deranged liver function tests.
Since the op, I only experienced acute pain - mainly around the belly button area - in the first two weeks and now just a general ache due to scar tissue in that area.
I have a degree in Nutrition and before the operation, I spent several hours researching about all aspects of the cholecystectomy op, including bile acid malabsorption. I think I have become an expert on bile acids - primary and secondary - and conjugated bile acids (bile salts). During the course of my research, I came across some journal (gastroenterogy journal) articles about bile acid malabsorption and substances that mop up/absorb bile acids such as fibre, pectin, cellulose etc. There has been quite a lot of research in this area. I also discovered that if bile acid malabsorption is suspected, your doctor should refer you for a SeHCAT test for a definitive diagnosis and treatment.
In my case, befoer I was discharged, I devised a dietary plan to minimise the amount of bile acids just sitting in my intestine. I would start off with a glass or two of water, then an apple, then porridge with semi-skimmed milk. Then I would eat a banana mid morning. For the first few days after the op, I had low-fat soups for lunch eg. chicken and vegetables/rice or minestrone. For dinner, I would eat maybe poached fish with potatoes and vegetables/salad. I now eat some nuts every day because our bodies are still producing bile all day and every day so that same bile can break down the fat in the nuts. We need healthy fats! If feeling peckish at any time, I have toast with cottage cheese with cherry tomatoes, celery or olives. A good qualty jam or marmalade will give you pectin too. I have not tried chocolate, pizza, or any high-fat foods apart from an avocado which was ok.
Before my gallbladder was removed, I was very reluctant to drink water and many people said that this could have contributed to my gallstones. I don't know if there is any truth in that but now I drink plenty of water and herbal tea (some mornings a spoonful of apple cider vinegar in the water) because I am aware that the gallstones can still form even without a gallbladder.
In summary, try to eat pectin-rich fruits - apples, oranges, pears, apricots during the day to soak up the bile. Drink water first thing in the morning and last thing at night. Don't go too long without food so that the bile won't build up in your gut. I eat as many different fruits and veg as I can.
It's 10 pm now and I am going to have a banana and some Ovaltine!
If you would like to read some of those journal articles that I found, do let me know. I actually enjoyed the intellectual challenge! Reminded me of my uni days in the 80s.
Good luck.