Question:
What kind of diet will shrink a fatty liver?

Some surgeons want the liver smaller before surgery, but mine hasn't mentioned it. I'd like to do what I can to shrink my liver even though it's not required.    — Shelley G. (posted on May 5, 2004)

May 5, 2004
My surgeon put me on the Adkins Diet. Good luck!
   — Jazzy

May 5, 2004
A diet that will help you lose 10% of your weight will automatically shrink the liver for nearly everyone. Christy
   — Christy L.

May 5, 2004
Low carb/low fat diet will shrink your liver and you too!!
   — DianeN

May 5, 2004
Congratulations to you.........you're doing exactly the right thing to minimize your risks. You're doing your reserach and you're taking responsibility for your own preparation! My doctor said low fat/low carb. I had been on the Atkins diet but it wasn't low fat enough so I went all lean meats/fish/poultry (grilled or broiled), fresh veggies and salads with low fat dressing, and really limited the fruit. No refined carbs at all. I also started drinking two protein drinks each day to help with hunger and to help me heal faster after surgery and I drank water, water, water just because it's good for you. I wish you the best on your surgery.
   — scbabe

May 5, 2004
My doctor put me on a 2 week protein drink diet, it was pretty much the protein drink and some juice. He said you have to still have carbs otherwise you go into a keytonic state where your body is breaking down fat. This is not a good state to be in for surgery. You can look up keytones on www.webmd.com for more information. I was supposed to have 80 protein, 120 carbs every day. Atkins does not give you the carbs you need. The last 2 days before surgery it was only clear juice but that was so I didn't have to take a bowel prep.
   — Kari W.

May 5, 2004
Don't forget to do some kind of exercise even if it is a light walk. I am having to do the same kind of preparation too!
   — davesband1

May 5, 2004
My understanding is that ANY diet will help. The liver is the first place to show signs of weight loss, so any weight loss before surgery will make the liver lighter and easier for the suergon to handle. If you are having lithroscopic surgery, this is really imprtant, as the tools the Dr. will use to lift the liver out of the way are very light. My suggestion is to go on any type of diet for a week beofre surgery to lose anywhere from 5 - 10 lbs, it will help your surgery and your surgeon! As you are likely going to be on a liquid diet right after surgery, that would be a good way to get a few pounds off and get "used" to the liquid protein habit. Good luck and we'll be thinking of you! Rhonda
   — glblgal

May 5, 2004
My bariatric surgeon has patients on a clear liquid diet for the 3 days prior to surgery. It's a killer, I was starving and fatigued. Good Luck !
   — Peg L.

May 5, 2004
MILK THISTLE!!! GO TO THE HEALTH FOOD SECTION OF YOUR LOCAL MARKET OR THE PHARMACY
   — Angie-H

Click Here to Return