I need help BAD with the Liver shrinking! going for 2nd surgery in 3 weeks

[Angelwings7172 1]

Hi all,

I'm new to here and Tuesday I went under for my gastric sleeve procedure; but once they went in, My liver was too big for the doctor to continue... I do have to admit.. during the 2 week liquid diet before, I did cheat a little bit ( it was over the 4th of July) But I really don't want to have them open me up and say the same thing..

Anyone have any suggestions about what I can do to shrink it QUICKLY?? I have been doing predominently all liquids.. But are getting severe headaches when I don't eat something solid -( I have been doing a mozz string cheese stick and 2.25 oz of trail mix ( Power Up brand Anti-Oxident) And Fair Life White or Choc Milk...

Anyone else had this happen and any suggestions to help me?

Thanks!

[RNsleever715 117]

Bless your heart! I will freak out if that happens... I am glad they didn't proceed if it was risky, but yuck!

My preop liver shrink diet is low carb, 3 Protein shakes a day. No alcohol.

What's your starting weight if you don't mind me asking? Have you ever been diagnosed with a fatty liver?

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

I would definitely cut out the fatty foods you are eating. cheese and trail mix aren't the best are full of fat and carbs. Other than the Protein shakes I wouldn't do milk at all. Try 2 shakes a day and one salad of lettuce (romaine or spinach) with olive oil/vinegar dressing or salsa instead of Salad Dressing and a good Protein like chicken breast or a hard boiled egg. In between drink Water until you think you are going to float away. If you aren't already taking a Multivitamin, I would start.

Also try to walk at least 60 minutes a day even if you have to break it up into 15 minute increments.

[VSGAnn2014 12,992]

Hasn't your surgeon given you a liver-shrinking diet to follow?

I would think in this situation, she/he would be advising you to follow a very strict diet of her/his own choosing.

Good luck to you.

[ShrinkingPeach 1,291]

Agreed with @@VSGAnn2014, what exactly Is your plan?

[brandeett 52]

I'm having a hard time with my liquid diet too. I'm calling the office tomorrow because I've had massive headaches that had me most bedridden over the weekend. Today I feel like I could pass out. I feel dizzy and weak. Yes I am keeping hydrated.

[Angelwings7172 1]

Thanks all to the answers and conversation.. I haven't been diagnosed with Fatty liver, But my doctor said that mine is the largest he has come across during his surgeries ( He said it ENORMOUS)... Not something to mess around with ;/ So I am taking the shrinking PRETTY darn serious.... My top weight has been just under 300 (297) I'm at 271 right now.. The diet that they told me to be on is Liquid.. All liquid ( not clear, But I'm sure that's what he will tell me tomorrow..My appt is at 8:30am) Vsgann2014 and Shrinking Peach, I will definitely ask him for a more defined Plan;) I NEED IT... Also, the headaches aren't as bad as Brandeett, but Getting there... That's why I was supplementing the trail mix, mozz and milk.. Otherwise, Mostly all chicken and veggies.. Blended or smoothie-ing everything...We're also Juicing all our veggies twice a day ( about 8-12 oz each time) I'm trying to drink more Water today because I feel stopped up (or harder/muddy-like bowel movements).. Sorry for the TMI all... Rnsleever715, I sure hope that you don't have to go through this when you have surgery... I am going to cut down the cheese and trailmix... I sure appreciate you all being here for me with answers and advice.. and any help from you all is APPRECIATED SINCERELY

[LivingLight 65]

My pre-op diet is up to 3 Protein shakes a day (with skim or unsweetened almond milk, or water), low fat broth, sugar-free Jello and 4+ cups (as much as I want) of green leafy veggies (INCLUDING: lettuce, spinach, kale, cabbage, cucumber, celery, tomatoes, onion and garlic, you may have them raw or steamed (no oil, butter, dressings or sauces).

It also specifies (and this is cut and pasted):

• Do not eat any type of carbs, fats nor oils. Carbs include FRUITS, flour and sugars.

I don't think you should cut down the cheese and trail mix, I think, if you want the sleeve, you will have to cut it out completely.

Edited July 20, 2015 by LivingLight

[thatonesleevedgirl 21]

You need to drink more Water if you're getting headaches. Use dasani drops for flavor if you don't like water. If it's a full liquid and Protein Shake diet don't eat anything! Follow it strictly!

I also did mine over the 4th of July so u can do this!!!

[glitter eyes 1,398]

I had a fatty liver pre op. My surgeon puts his patients on a strict liquid diet only either one or two weeks prior to surgery to help with the liver shrinking. He told me to do one week, but I was so scared my liver wouldn't shrink enough that I did two weeks instead.

I can imagine how hard that was for you to have to not have your surgery due to your liver.

Like others have suggested I would talk with your doctor. If he is wanting liquids only then, as hard as it is, I would suggest doing only liquids- without any cheating at all. It is very difficult, but you can do it. Just try to focus on the end result and how great you will feel in the long run.

Good luck to you ????

[cat268 26]

My pre-op diet is up to 4 Protein Shakes a day, the rest Clear Liquids. sugar free Jello, sugar free Popsicles, chicken, beef, or vegetable broths, zero calorie sugar free beverages, and 1 cup of V-8 juice if wanted. No solids at all, no cream Soups or milks. I'm on the 3 rd day and I've learned to save the v-8 for the evenings when I am the hungriest. It smells and tastes sooooo good.

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

Don't juice your veggies, especially if you are getting a little constipated. Juicing gives you too much fruit sugar and almost no Fiber. If you must drink your veg, then try blending in a nutrabullet type product instead.

[Angelwings7172 1]

Thank you all, My surgeon has told me that I need to keep the liquid diet up and ONLY if the headaches are BAD do the milk, cheese, and trail mix. He also informed me that for my height and build that my Liver being as big as it is was such a surprise ( He has done over 400 surgeries and RARELY is surprised) I appreciate anyone's meal plans suggestions;) Also I am taking something my Chiropractor suggested ( it's 3 servings of veggies in a pill.. Brand is Standard Process "Cruciferous Complete for liver functionability ) I will add eating the veggies steamed with the juicing.. I feel a heck of a lot better HEALTH wise since I have been juicing.... Also, My dietician said she'd email me some recipes for smoothies and other broth type meals;) Also, going to stock up on the V8 thanks to @Cat268.. Really, THANKS!! Keep posting you meals for me please and any supplements you are all taking.