My surgery is in 6 weeks, looking for recommendations on what to eat leading up, what to have on hand after for food and comfort. Also is there anyone else going under on the 19th who wants to chit chat and support each other?

I know I can do this, I just don't want to do it alone.

In the two weeks before you’ll likely be put on a pre surgical diet. It may be all shakes, or a combination of shakes and a high protein diet or another plan so you can’t really prepare for that. However, nothing stopping you starting to introduce some new habits now. Start tracking your food or begin introducing appropriate portions for meals. Make sure you’re getting in 2L/64ozs of water a day. Reduce your intake of carbonated drinks. Maybe drop a snack or two. Or whatever you could start to do to modify your current eating style and food choices. If you’re not very active, try adding some additional moment or try some classes to see what you may enjoy.

Post surgery, you’ll again be on a restricted eating plan which your surgeon will give you. There will be similarities with this but also some differences with what others are given. Be warned though, your taste buds and sometimes sense of smell can go haywire and there may be foods you used to enjoy (flavour or texture) that taste disgusting or smell awful. This does pass in a couple of months but don’t buy certain flavours or foods you like that are allowed on your plan in bulk - you may end up being unable to eat them.

Get some small cutlery like baby spoons and forks or some cocktail/buffet forks, small plates & bowls. Your portions will be tiny & you’ll only be allowed small bites so the smaller bowls and cutlery make it easier to adjust. Buy some small containers for freezing leftovers or the small snack size zip lock bags; left overs will be common and freezing appropriate sized portions will come a new habit. If you don’t have any: a set of scales that goes down to small increments (ounces or grams), a blender, stick processor, or similar, measuring spoons and cups.

Get some over the counter stool softeners, anti nausea meds & pain meds (can’t take NSAIDs), and a heat pad/wheat pack.

I’m sure others will add lots of others.

Congratulations on having your surgical date. All the best.

I'm scheduled for the 10th. I officially start my liver shrinking diet today, though in reality, I started last week. I knew there would be some minor hiccups and I wanted them out of the way so I can be 100% on track with what my dr requests starting today.

He has me on a 3 week liver shrink diet as my BMI is over 50. The way he sets it up is:

Breakfast - Premier Protein Shake
Mid Morning Snack - 1 cup melon or berries (or 1/2 cup other fruits)
Lunch - Premier Protein Shake
Mid Afternoon Snack - Premier Protein Shake OR 1 of the following: 6 oz light yogurt, 1/2c cottage cheese, 4 oz tuna, 1 string cheese, or 1 oz low fat jerky
Dinner - 4-6 oz lean protein + 1 cup raw or 1/2 cup cooked non-starchy vegetables

I'm finding that I do well until that mid afternoon snack, then I'm wanting something more substantial.

I might be scheduled a week before you, but I'm here if you want to chat at all!

I have my surgery on the 18th if you ever want to talk! I am also working on figuring out some plans on what to eat the two weeks before surgery gets here.

You are going to do amazing!

On 11/13/2024 at 5:29 PM, Michelle2024 said:

My surgery is in 6 weeks, looking for recommendations on what to eat leading up, what to have on hand after for food and comfort. Also is there anyone else going under on the 19th who wants to chit chat and support each other?

I know I can do this, I just don't want to do it alone.

Hi Michelle

I am not on the exact date but very close to yours. Let me know if you want to chit chat! We getting close to D Day.

Hey Michelle,

My surgery is coming up soon, and I'm currently on the liver shrink diet. While I'm excited, the anxiety is definitely starting to kick in. It's my first surgery, so I guess it's normal to feel this way. I am excited to begin a healthier lifestyle and I'm looking forward to being on the other side of pre-op with my fellow December surgery buddies. We’ve got this!

@Odougz I feel you on that! My surgery is next week and the anxiety is getting real. I think its completely normal though. I mean, who wouldn't be at least a little concerned?! It's a major life changing surgery!

You're right though, we've got this!

Stay Strong December buddies!

Just a few days to go! How's everyone doing?!

This liver-shrinking diet has definitely been tough, but I'm really excited to finally be finishing it! I'm heading in tomorrow for pre-op testing, and everything is starting to feel so real. Hope everyone is doing well!

I am pretty lucky- my surgeon does not require it. Just a liquids diet the day prior to surgery. He thinks its unnecessary. Maybe because he only does laproscopic?

4 hours ago, Odougz said:

This liver-shrinking diet has definitely been tough, but I'm really excited to finally be finishing it! I'm heading in tomorrow for pre-op testing, and everything is starting to feel so real. Hope everyone is doing well!

Congrats! I had my testing earlier this week. Everything went well and I'm ready to go for Tuesday!

Liver shrink is HARD. I'm fine all day long, but really struggling when it comes to dinner time when I can actually eat real food and not just a protein shake. I feel like I'm eating the same boring things every day. I think I'd almost rather being in purely shakes, because at least that I can vary the flavor of.

@one more time, I wonder if it has to do with BMI? Maybe your bmi is lower and the size of your liver won't be as much of an issue?? I know bc my bmi was over 50, that's why I needed 3 weeks of liver shrink instead of my Dr's usually two week rx of it.

Niecy I'm with you with having surgery on the 10th! Best of luck to us both!

I too find the liver shrink diet extremely hard!!!!! I'm looking forward to the next step!

Good luck Koda!!

I did mix things up tonight and made crab legs for dinner with a side salad with fat free dressing! I surprisingly had NO issues eating the crab without butter. The flavor was so good!

The time is almost here, everyone! I hope all of your surgeries and recoveries go smoothly. I finished my pre-op testing and had a chance to speak with my surgeon and an anesthesiologist, so I’m feeling much more at ease. The doctor has me on a full liquid diet for the next few days leading up to surgery, which will be tough, but I'm really excited. Wishing you all the best and good health!

On 12/8/2024 at 11:41 AM, Odougz said:

The time is almost here, everyone! I hope all of your surgeries and recoveries go smoothly. I finished my pre-op testing and had a chance to speak with my surgeon and an anesthesiologist, so I’m feeling much more at ease. The doctor has me on a full liquid diet for the next few days leading up to surgery, which will be tough, but I'm really excited. Wishing you all the best and good health!

Today is the big day! I pray all went well. Bless up!?

I'm home and recovering now. I'm sore, and sleepy, but otherwise doing well! Time to catch up on some Netflix christmas movies!