What is it exactly that we are not supposed to have, that shrinks our liver? Is it Carbs? Or Sugar? I am on day 4 of my pre-op diet, and Im doing it, Im just curious about why its necessary (not the liver shrinking part, I get that) Just the mechanics of it I guess? I like the sugar free Vitman Waters, but they have 1 carb per serving, does that make them bad? Or, why does my surgeon require 2 weeks of protein shakes, when others Dr.s let them have actual food? Im going to stick with the shakes because I want to do my best to do what the surgeon tells me too (after all, he will be cutting into my belly) but I was wondering if anyone knew why there was such a variance in what people have to do?

As far as I know the liver shrinking has to do with weight lost overall. High protein will spare your body from ridding itself of muscle, so fat will be lost instead. Low carbs are great, but it doesn't mean no carbs.

The amount of protein that pumps into you during the pre-op diet helps you heal after surgery. I’m 2 weeks out and you can barely notice my incisions.

It is my understanding that you are shrinking your liver of fat. So it is the overall weight loss that will be effective. However you get there safely, is up to each surgeon.

What is it exactly that we are not supposed to have, that shrinks our liver? Is it Carbs? Or Sugar? I am on day 4 of my pre-op diet, and Im doing it, Im just curious about why its necessary (not the liver shrinking part, I get that) Just the mechanics of it I guess? I like the sugar free Vitman Waters, but they have 1 carb per serving, does that make them bad? Or, why does my surgeon require 2 weeks of protein shakes, when others Dr.s let them have actual food? Im going to stick with the shakes because I want to do my best to do what the surgeon tells me too (after all, he will be cutting into my belly) but I was wondering if anyone knew why there was such a variance in what people have to do?

I understand your questions and was wondering the same thing. I'd like to know as well which of the two actually helps shrink the liver. If it's carbs, I'll cut them out all together, same as with the sugar.

I was wondering the same thing when I had to start my liquid diet! I read a lot of information online but found it to be very complicated and overly medical. I did find this article though and thought it had some great information. Hope you find it interesting:

http://www.nutraingr...-suggests-study