Is it the high protien or the low carb piece of the puzzle that does the lilver shrinking?

I know that most high protien diets are automatically low in carbs... but is it the protien or the lack of sugar really doing the work?

I am so freaking tired! In the last 3 weeks I have given up my Pepsi addiction so to add the low carb on top of that is just draining me! I'm not asking for a piece of cake just throw me a wheat thin for goodness sake!

Grrrr!

I'm pretty sure it's a combination...but mostly a deprivation of carbs that shrinks the liver. I mean...if you fasted for two weeks, your liver, among other things, would shrink. It's just that most foods fall into two catagories or a combination of the two...carbs and Protein.

I know it stinks...I hated my pre-op diet...but here I am 9 months later and it's all a distant memory. Hang in there...it's worth it

Lack of sugar.

I totally understand and i'm sure u will look back and smile at it later but right now i'm sure its not funny...lol.. r u taking vitimans or anything... cause that has to be hard with the lo energy and everything.. but time moves really fast and if u don't focus on it prehaps it won't seem so bad... I hope time moves really fast for you...

Many people are put on the Optifast liquid diet before surgery and Optifast is definitely not low carb (each package has almost 17 grams of carbs x 4 packs a day = 68 grams of carbs a day). Each pack also has 22 grams of Protein, but your total calories for the day with 4 packs is only 900 calories.

My understanding of the pre-op diet is low calorie, low sugar, low fat diet that promotes weight loss, which in turns shrinks the fat around your liver. High protein is used as a basic appetite suppressent. You stay satisfied for longer on higher protein food, while carbohydrates give you instant satisfaction, but don't stick with you for long.

I call 68 grams of carbs a day ultra low carb, given that I'd eat more like 150 grams a day. As would most people on "normal" diets, that is, not watching what they eat and eating packaged and processed foods like most of the population do.

Its the low carb that does it - depletes your liver of glycogen. Low carb tends to be high Protein because what else can you eat, lol? You actually dont lose a lot of fat in 2 weeks on Optifast, you just lose tons of Water and dehydrate which is why you lose lots of weight on the scales and pack it on in 2 seconds when you first eat something.

Thanks so much everybody- there just seem to be so many avenues for the same goal. I wasn't told to limit calories, just do something "Atkins type"... I have a bunch of Medifast left from my last attempt so maybe I will go that route for everything but dinner... just to take the drama out of it.

I appreciate everyone's input! I'm off to take my Vitamins (some super expensive Rx B combo) and get a good night's rest. Only 8 more days if I go to bed right now!:mad2:

I also find that taking a fish oil capsule helps my energy greatly.

HTH

I went in to have a CT scan done and they said that I have a "Fatty Liver". When i went to my doctor he said I had a high tryclerides leve. He then went on to give me a precrition strength Omega 3 pill and told me to staty away from sweets. The low carb intake and omega-3 will help with the "Fatty" liver.

Hope that helps.

I'm new to this web site- my surgery date is 3/24. Both my husband and I are getting the Lap Band. I'm having a very hard time w/ my 10 day diet. We drink- atkins advantage 2/3 drinks a day, eat little bit of cottage cheese each day, all the clear broths, sugar free drinks. I broke down today and had some crackers with my cottage cheese. I don't know how I'm going to get through this...I've lost 7lb so far!!! Any good low carb high protien suggestions????

The best way to find low carb, high Protein foods is to shop the perimeter of your grocery store and avoid all the middle aisles. SPeaking for the average layout, of course. The perimeter of the store is where they keep the meats, dairies, and more "natural" foods. The inner aisles are where they keep the frankenfoods, carby products, etc.

One of my favorite carb conscious (and one of my band favorites too) things to eat is turkey pepperoni and cream cheese. Lay the pepperoni on papertowels and microwave until it's cooked crunchy. You'll see it darken, and notice that the grease has stopped coming up. Don't let it cook until it's black tho. At home this is about 3 minutes for 25 pieces. Then blot them dry, removing as much grease as you can. They'll be super crunchy like potato chips. I use them to scoop some "garden vegetable" cream cheese -- very very good. They also make good scoops for cottage cheese.

I lived on the induction (super strict) phase of Atkins for over a year, so if you need any more help, just ask away.

Thanks so much everybody- there just seem to be so many avenues for the same goal. I wasn't told to limit calories, just do something "Atkins type"... I have a bunch of Medifast left from my last attempt so maybe I will go that route for everything but dinner... just to take the drama out of it.

I appreciate everyone's input! I'm off to take my Vitamins (some super expensive Rx B combo) and get a good night's rest. Only 8 more days if I go to bed right now!:thumbup:

I did left over medifast for my 2 weeks pre-op. Doc said my liver was great. I did the 5 packages and the "lean and green."

Denise