My surgery is on 1/29/14 (woo hoo!) and I am really struggling on the liver shrinking diet! The protein shakes that were recommended are thick and I don't really like the taste. I am allowed one frozen diet dinner and 4 shakes a day. What can I do to make the next 12 days more bearable?

stay busy, read, shop, blog, email, have sex, take a hot bath...drink ALOT

i was all liquids 2 weeks before and after surgery...its doable....use the free food items if you have them (SF popsicles saved me).......congrats and best of luck on your upcoming surgery.

If you really really dislike the shakes give your doctors office a quick call and ask them if you can substitute something else for them. Maybe a different type of shake will be better suited to your pallet.

I'm sure they would rather have you call and ask them if you can make changes and substitutions then have you fail at the diet or cheat by eating more then you should be and not making your target to shrink your liver prior to the surgery date.

Don't be afraid to ask questions, and stand up for yourself. If something is not working for you speak up and let them know they are there to help you get healthy.

Best of luck to you!!! 12 days goes by pretty fast and distraction is always a great tool!!!

I did the liver shrink diet with GNC Lean shakes and Muscle Milk.. they are not bad.. are not thick at all.. I could substitute a protein bar for a shake if I wanted ... I would alternate,, breakfast bar, lunch shake, dinner bar, then lean cuisine.. You need to call the Dr. and ask if it is okay first....Good Luck, it will all be worth it..

Thank you for the advice! I hope the 12 days go quickly! I am excited/nervous!!!

Considering you will likely need shakes postop too, it is a good idea to find what your dr prefers now. Mine gave me several options then told me that as long as shakes met certain criteria they were ok. That have me room to sample. Doesn't hurt to ask