shrinking liver..

Lucygirl · April 21, 2007

The Doctor put me on a low carb pre op diet, it is supposed to shrink my liver to make it easier to band me. They said if it doesnt shrink they would have to cut me open to put the band on rather than doing it laproscopitly (sp?) has any one had to be cut rather than the "lapro" way? I have to admit, I do surgery 04-26-07 and havnt stuck to my diet at all. is it too late to try now? or does it really matter?

areellady · April 21, 2007

I really think it does matter...your liver sits on top of your stomach and they have to lift if up off and "clamp"it up and away to do the surgery..BUT I also think that it is NOT too late to try!!

LapBandit · April 22, 2007

I agree...you need to get on the bandwagon ASAP. My diet was low carb, low fat and no sugar. Those three things are what I was told for my liver-shrinking! The whole liver thing is important because it will make the surgery easier on the doc and your own recovery. Good luck...you can do it.

Lucygirl · April 22, 2007

Do you think I should go on a liquid diet for the last 2 days, maybe do protien shake from vreakfast and lunch, then a low carb dinner and then full low protien shake for the last 2 days?

areellady · April 22, 2007

If it were me..I would call and talk to your doc. office and ask them what they want you to do. I know you probably dont want them to tell you have to wait or anything but I think they would be your best bet to get the best answer!! Deanna...YOU CAN DO THIS!!!!

LapBandit · April 22, 2007

I agree...call your doc and tell them what you've been eating and see how to proceed. But, if you choose not to do that then I'd stick to pure liquids as directed and not eat any real food until told it's OK. Besides, this whole liquid diet is a pain in the butt but it's part of your initiation into banded life. It's a good way to get you real serious about all of the other life-style changes you'll have to make in order to be successful. And trust me...your lifestyle will change as a bandster. It's not hard or bad but the "old" days of eating whatever are long gone and success with a band requires a lot of dedication!

Iluvharleys · April 22, 2007

You really need to follow your doctors advise. A friend of mine had surgery and when they got in there they almost couldn't do the surgery. They told her she had the largest liver they ever saw. Anything that helps you get through a safe surgery is worth the suffering to go through it. Good luck!