I have heard a lot of people talking about completing a liver shrinking diet some weeks before surgery. My surgeon has told me that because my BMI is only 36 I don't need to do this and that it is only for larger people. What's your thoughts on this guys? I carry all of my weight around my midriff, I haver super skinny arms and legs so I'm more inclined to think that my liver does need shrinking before my op. I am intending to do a 2 week diet consisting of meal replacement shakes and at least 2 litres of water.

Those that completed a liver shrinking diet, what did you consume?

Those that didn't were there any problems with the surgery?

Thank you!

I would start the habit now of following your surgical team’s instructions to a T. I think most who have had long term success here did just that. I know it helped me immensely in my first year, when I lost the most weight, to do what they said rather than trust my own instincts which led me to being overweight in the first place.

2 hours ago, Bessieboop1981 said:

Those that completed a liver shrinking diet, what did you consume?

to this question: i was told to have 3 protein shakes a day for two weeks (and that was all).

that said, i HATED the protein shakes they told me to drink (too sweet, omg), so i maybe had 2 shakes a day for the first maybe 8 days, then went down to 1 shake a day until the end.

(btw, after surgery, i found a less sweet protein shake, thank goodness).

If your BMI is only 36, then there are many different reasons your surgeon may not want you to do the LSD (Liver Shrinking Diet). I would listen to what your surgeon says. You'll have to not eat 24 hours before your surgery anyway, and nothing to drink after midnight before your surgery. My guess is they feel that's enough for you. I wouldn't push it, if I were you. Anytime I had to deviate from my main eating plan, I worked with my nutritionist and spoke with either my surgeon or the nurse practitioner about it and we came up with alternatives together. I'm 2 1/2 years out from my original surgery and 1 1/2 out from my revision (due to complications from the 1st surgery) and I've been extremely successful. I suggest not doing things behind your team's backs. Speak to them about your concerns and see what you can come up with together.

My surgeon has told me that it's not necessary but I can do it if I want to, sorry I should've mentioned that earlier

If you trust your surgeon to cut into you and rearrange your digestive system, you should probably trust his pre-op instructions. I would hope he is better qualified to provide medical advice than a bunch of strangers on the internet who have never met you.

Even though plans are fundamentally the same, surgeons will have their own requirements many based on you, your health and your needs. Best advice is always follow the plan you have been given. Of course, if you are struggling with the plan, contact your team and discuss alternative substitutions you may be able to include.

As for the pre surgical diet I was one who put on a keto diet for those two weeks. (I did about 2.5 weeks.) But I know a friend with the same surgeon, who had a higher starting BMI was on 3 shakes a day. Another, again same surgeon, was put on 2 shakes & one meal (protein & vegetable/undressed salad) a day.

If you are concerned speak to your team.

I had to do the liver shrinking diet pre-op for 2 weeks. 2 shakes a day then I ate a bag of frozen stir fry vegetables with 3 ounces of lean chicken or beef season fried in soy sauce for my evening meal. It was delish.

I lost weight. High volume, low calorie. I'd enjoy the food while you can. JS