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Liver reduction diet questions!



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I'm on day 4 of my liver shrinking diet, with 8 days left to go... the first 2 days were the hardest, but it's no cake walk now either.

I'm only allowed 4 Protein shakes or bars and 1 Protein rich/low carb meal a day, all of which has to total less than 1300 calories a day, and I have to spread it out every 3 hours from 730-730 daily.

I can't lie... the shakes and bars are absolutely disgusting, which makes drinking and eating them VERY difficult for me... and I'm awake until between 10 and 11 every night... so not having anything but Water after 730 every evening when I'm used to snacking right up till bedtime is hard, too.

I've been struggling with this diet and worrying that after surgery I'll be miserable, in pain, and not only unable to satisfy my head hunger (like I feel now) but also worrying that I'll physically be unable to stop feeling actually hungry and unable to stay hydrated because of the restrictions I'll be under then.

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I too had a hard time. I was required to do Optifast for a week pre op. By the 2nd day I was so lightheaded and sweating. I called and the PA allowed me to stay with the shakes for Breakfast and lunch but at dinner have lean Protein like baked plain chicken and vegetables. No sauces. Could have seasoning but no salt. Definitely easier to do. Surgery is tomorrow. I too am worried and hope my liver has shrunk.

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You have to get past the first 3 days. After that it is easy. Don't cheat! My liver was so small I didn't even have to have a retractor. I think it one of the reasons my recovery was such a breeze! You can do this! If I did it, anyone can!

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Don't cheat! It was a struggle but after my surgery the surgeon told my husband that he could tell that I did exactly what he told.me too.! I was proud of myself because I worked so hard and it paid off! Hang in there!

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Don't forget why you are doing the pre-op diet. It's to make the surgery SAFER! Is cheating on the pre-op diet worth increasing your risks during surgery?

I am finishing up my Liver Shrinking Diet in preparation for surgery on Friday. This is the one that is closest I could find on the internet to what my doctor prescribed:

http://advancedsurgicalpartnersofva.com/util/forms/liver-reduction-diet.pdf

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My surgery is this Friday! Initially I thought I was going to cheat and would not last on the pre op diet but I stuck with it and changed my mind set! I WANT THIS!!!!!! I WANT TO CHANGE! food has been my great escape for years and I am done with the same old mentality. Don't cheat!!!!!! It's not worth it. You will be just fine..... the first couple of days are a little rough but it gets better! Good luck to you!

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I admit it... I have cheated on the diet. Not a lot and not every day but some days I just couldn't seem to feel satisfied, so I had extra veggies with my meal one day... one day I ate 2 meals and only 3 shakes instead of 1 meal and 4 shakes... one day I ate a trail mix fruit & nut bar and twice I had 2 squares of a Hershey's bar in between meals.

On the bright side, my doctor already told me my liver is pretty small... but on the other hand I'm scared that if I can't be 100% committed pre-op, how am I going to keep from regaining weight after I recover from surgery?

I'm trying really hard to stick to the diet 100% today and tomorrow, because Tuesday I'm on Clear liquids only after lunch since surgery is the next day.

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The diet is so important to avoid "fatty liver" that would give you bad complication... hang in there !

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I am five days into my 4 week liver diet and I have had to have something for my nerves. Lol. Seriously. I can have one lean meat and veggie with lunch or dinner and I look forward to it. If it wasn't for hot sauce I don't know how I could tolerate the chicken broth. But I have not cheated. This is too important. Besides the pounds have started rolling off and that gives me strength.

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I'm on day 6 of my liquid only pre-op diet. 4 shakes a day sf Jello and Popsicles. One 5 oz serving of carbmaster yogurt and one 8 oz cup of skim milk per day. Water and low sodium broth. That's it. No meal and no veggies, personally day 4 was the worse for me. Yesterday and today. Smooth sailing. Hang in there and don't cheat. You're only cheating yourself and it's not worth the risk. I just take it a few hours at a time. I break my day up by shakes. shake #4 is in 2 hours so I can have a Popsicle or some broth until then.

You got this! Stay strong!

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I stuck with it. Did not cheat. Mine was for one week, three Protein drinks a day and Water. I was weak and shaky. I also had a headache most days. I could not go to work even. But I made it through. Surgery was Jan. 10th. Pre op. Diet surgery weight 303. Weight today279.

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      · 1 reply
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