Liver Shrinkage? Can someone explain this concept to me?

[mommy2015 16]

I'm one month away from getting my surgery date set and I have my pre-op class this Tuesday. Is there something I do besides the liquid diet? ?

[Namaste6 82]

I was told to do a Liver Shrinking Diet (Make sure it is less fatty, and a smaller size considering the stomach is located under it).

I don't start my pre-op diet until 2 weeks before, but the Liver Shrinking diet a month before. This includes:

2 Protein shakes (Less than 200 cal, 12 carbs, 5 fat, 36 protein)

2 Protein Snacks ( Protein Bar, greek yogurt, 2 eggs, string cheese, 3 oz protein, or serving of nuts)

1 Meal (palm size protein, three handfuls of non-starch veggies, or one handful of fruit)

Plenty of Water

They said I can add a veggie to my protein snack too.

Talk to your nutritionist - I am sure at your pre-op class they will let you know if there is anything else.

I have been doing it for almost a month, and have lost 25 lbs. And according to my tests, my liver is healthier too.

[mommy2015 16]

Ok I've been told to concentrate on Protein and small meals more and not a thing about my liver. I'll be sure to ask at class.

Thanks so much!

[OKCPirate 5,323]

Here is the in-depth science behind it: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3679496/

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

I was cautioned about fatty liver, but never had a pre-op diet to follow. I just concentrated on eat lean, high Protein meals.

[Namaste6 82]

"A large liver prevents your surgeon from visualizing certain anatomy during the procedure. If the liver is too large, it then becomes unsafe to perform your gastric bypass surgery. Surgery, may then be cancelled and rescheduled to a later date."

I know we are all doing the Sleeve here, but the surgeon still has to reposition the liver in order to make the sleeve, so having a shrunken liver will help decrease complications. If the liver is accidentally nicked or cut, it can cause internal bleeding.

Stick to high Protein and low-carb, that is the gist of it. Many people do not follow a pre-op diet, and they are still fine. It is just a precaution to make things easier. I am sure your surgeon is highly qualified and even if your liver doesn't shrink they should do great.

[MichelleTN 169]

My surgeon only does a one day cleanse. One of your cuts in stomach is a liver retractor to hold the liver out of the way.

[Babbs 14,681]

My surgeon doesn't do the pre op diet. He told me he learned at a conference he attended that the shrinking is so minimal, that it doesn't make a difference for surgery.

*Shrug*

[mommy2015 16]

Great info! I'm for sure going to ask ????

[Namaste6 82]

Good luck!

[RGraham87 62]

The liver shrink diet is so your surgeon can move your liver easier and surgeon needs to get under your liver to complete your surgery. Most surgeons feel more comfortable putting their clients on the pre op diet so the have less of a chance nicking your liver.

My pre op diet was 5 days before surgery. I slipped up once the first day.

Each day I had a Protein shake for Breakfast and lunch. I choose the Adkins Protein shakes. For me they all taste better really cold.

For dinner I had a non starchy vegetable and the choice of broiled chicken or skinless fish.

Durning the day I was getting shaky. So I had half a apple to feel better.

good luck!

[mommy2015 16]

Thanks everyone!!