Liver Shrinking Question

[carolc 94]

I am waiting for insurance approval and can possibly have a surgery date in 2-4 weeks. I have been following a 1200 calorie low fat diet for over a month already but now have to do a 1000 calorie, fat free diet, pre op (liver shrinking). It may sound irrational but I am scared to death that my liver won't shrink despite my efforts! At my pre op class we were shown the pictures of a nice liver and a big ole fatty liver (fatty liver was sewn up with no surgery). I asked if people can have a fat liver even while following the diet and the nurse said it was rare but could happen. I should add that I am "that" patient that has quite a few rare and odd things.

Am I the only worry wart here that thinks about this? Have you heard of this happening before?

[Newbie girl 9]

Hi Carol,

I am 6 days post op and also had a fatty liver. I did a lot of "last dinners" in the months leading up to surgery. My dr put me on a 4 week pre-op diet, but I didn't really buckle down until the last 2 1/2 weeks. During that time we even went on a family vacation and I allowed myself one real meal a day. The rest were shakes. Somehow I lost almost 15 lbs during this time. We all have our turning points when we decide how bad we want this. Mine was on the way home from our trip. We stopped at a dairy queen ( which I love and we don't have any near where we live). I wanted A huge ice scream sundae so bad, but opted for my Protein Shake in the cooler. Thankfully the 15lbs was enough to shrink the liver and get the surgery. I'm now down 28.5 lbs and still recovering. It's easier to follow the plan now because it's hard to finish even one shake. I wish you the best of luck!

[Chuckles 28]

I worried myself sick before the surgery i gave up all carbs and would work out like crazy so I could deplete all the glycogen in my liver. I lost 10lbs before surgery on the two week preop diet. Every thing will be fine. Good luck!

[Losingitforgood! 50]

My doctor told me I could follow the pre op diet- or follow any other plan where I was losing weight. I've done a pretty good job of losing on my own- so I would say as long as you lose some weight you should be fine.

[carolc 94]

thank you so much, I really appreciate the support!

I cannot wait until I can be on the other side of this, I am so ready.

Have a great day:)