Liver shrinking diet

LAD · November 6, 2005

How many had to do this pre-op and what did you eat/drink?

chichigirl · November 6, 2005

Although I had my surgery done several years ago, 2002, my doctor at the time recommended a Protein shake, but I really couldn't tolerate it, tasted way to yucky for me to deal with, they're much better now, thank goodness.

My surgeon told me to eat an extremely low fat diet in order to reduce the fat around my liver. I ate a lot of Scramblers, or Eggbeaters, whichever you prefer, turkey bacon and lots of homemade vegetable beef Soup, made with a small amount of no visible fat beef. I also ate a lot of salads with no dressing, fruit and the occassional V-8, which I really enjoy.

That's what I did and in three weeks, I dropped over thirty pounds! What a great way to start off my new life. It must have worked, because I had one of the easiest surgeries on record. No recovery time, back to work in two days, no pain meds at all, even in the hospital. It was amazing.

Good luck to you and wishing you success on your surgery and recovery, along with your new journey!

Cindy

ErinR · November 6, 2005

I was banded on 09/19/05 and I had to do the LSD. For my Dr it was a pure protein/Liquid diet only. I could have low or no-carb only Protein shakes and pure Protein like lean chicken, or cheese. I also ate some raw almonds when I needed munchies. I could also have things ilke Crystal Light. My favorite drink was to get the 'Nectar' brand Protein Drink in the fuzzy navel flavor (peach) and mix it in with my Crystal Light lemonade. Peach lemonade Mmmmmmm. Usually the LSD is VERY low or NO carb. Your body needs to enter ketosis to drop the fatty deposits on your liver. This is super important since the liver is very fragile and if it is swollen or fatty, it can get in the way during surgery and be injured. So, even though the diet sucks it is important. I had to do it for 2 weeks and my surgeon said my liver after was perfect . In fact, the other patient that day had a BMI of only 32/34 (?..It was the lowest BMI that the Dr will perform surgery on..) and they said her liver was horrid. My BMI was 53! So I think that testifies to the LSD effectiveness. Good Luck!

p.s.

you can pick up ketone sticks in the pharmacy (they are a diabetic supply) you dip them in your urine to test if you are in ketosis. It helped for me to actually see that my body was doing what it was supposed to..especially when I wanted to eat that yummy dinner roll!

coyotegirl · November 6, 2005

I was on a 2 week liquid only diet. I called it the diet from HELL!! sugar free drinks like crystal light. I could have 3 cups of ff milk a day and 2 sf fudgesicles. everything else was see through. sf Jello, sf clear drinks, sf popsicles, Oh God this was a year ago and I can't remember what else I could have but I know it wasn't much. I thought I was going to die from it but I didn't. I lost 11 lbs that 2 weeks before surgery!

Oh yeah, I could have all the broth I wanted.(chicken or beef)

queenbeeoffour · November 6, 2005

I just started my pre-op diet today. I can have veggies, Protein and 40 grams of carbs per day. So far so good, but know I will be struggling towards the end of the week. All I know is that I don't want to have an "open" procedure!!!

BrandNewMe · November 6, 2005

I'm having surgery on Monday, Nov 7 and I am on Clear Liquids for 3 days prior to surgery. It is getting better, but I'm hungry. broth is the only think that helps a bit and drinking loads of apple juice, Water, and tea. I have moved my bed into the bathroom. But I keep telling myself soon it will get better. I try and keep busy and go shopping to look at skinny clothes is great motivation.

maudeispam · November 6, 2005

I was diagnosed with a fatty liver. I did a doctor/dietician Protein Shake diet. Optifast was the brand name. I did the chocolate & strawberry shakes and the Optifast chicken broth as well as the Optifast Protein Bars. I lived on that stuff for two weeks prior to surgery. I lost 12lbs before surgery, as for my liver, I am not sure it made much difference. I was very tender in the liver area, I think because it was enlarged and was possibly bruised or bumped during surgery. All is good now! Best of luck!