To make a long story short....this liquid Protein diet SUCKS. So here are my questions:

1. Do Protein drinks "act" as a magic pill to shrink your liver?

2. If not, why can't I simply eat a high protein diet for 2 weeks?

3. Is regular food too "solid" thus not shrinking the liver?

4. What about these new protein chips....can't I eat those instead of drinking this "stuff"?

5. If eating food in the solid state is not going to shrink my liver....what if I pureed foods high in protein?

I could really use everyones advise here.....I feeling just awful.

Well here is I was told....

1)No Protein drinks don't shrink your liver they keep you full so you don't eat. It's the weight loss that shrinks your liver.

2) I was able to eat.. I was told 800 - 900 calories a day and 70 - 80 grams of protein. I would do the drinks durning the day and then at night have like a pouch of tuna or a pc of baked fish. (I got sick just thinking about all those Protein shakes so I called dietcian and that is what she told me.)

3) High fat food is bad because you want loss wieght. Your liver is very fatty and that is why it's easy to shrink if you a lowfat low cal diet.

4)Don't know this one...sorry

5)I don't think there is a need to puree your food during this time. I would call you dietcian and see what they say.

Every Dr is so different there are several doctors who don't even require the pre-op diet. Mine was one. I think it also helped get me mentally ready for the band also.

Good Luck...you will make it no matter how you get through it.

I did the Optifast protein shakes, bars and their chicken broth. They weren't bad but I got tired of not being able to eat. (I knew I wouldn't be able to eat "normal" food till several weeks after surgery.) I ate some lettuce, baby carrots, plain tuna, chicken, yogurt, and a few other healthy low carb foods. I lost 12 lbs prior to surgery, but my liver did not shrink. I was still able to have my surgery and all went well. My surgeon was not to concerned about the liver size. I did not get scolded by the dietician for "cheating" the system, but please check with your surgeon and dietician before eating anything.

I'm on the Medifast diet which has shakes, bars, powdered eggs, and a variety of soups that you can eat with a spoon. It's not good, but has to be better than just protein shakes. I thought I was going crazy on this stuff, but just shakes I would have already been committed. My Dr. said they've had completed success with patients on the Medifast diet and liver shrinkage. Ask your nutritionist. Best wishes to you.

I have read so many different opinions on this one. My surgeon requires a 2 week liquid only diet prior to surgery to shrink the liver. Of course, I have been chowing down with a vengence waiting on approval from insurance. I guess it is time to wind down my out of control eating.

I hope this helps somewhat.

First off....congratulations!!

You must increase your Protein and lower your carb intake in order to lose the proper amount of weight and/or shrink your liver during the pre-op phase. Glucose stored in the liver is called glycogen. Glycogen is like your backup fuel. When the body is deprived of carbs, glycogen is yanked from your liver, forcing your body to burn fat, causing your liver to shrink. If your surgeon is not able to move the liver out of the way, your surgery could get cancelled. Depending on your insurance plan, you might not get another chance.

I bought the vanilla and chocolate, Body Fortress, whey Protein powder at Wal-mart for $12.37 each. Add (a little) extra cocoa powder and splenda and even a little heavy whipping cream to make them taste more like a real milk shake. You can mix in some iced coffee for a frozen frap treat. You can mix the vanilla with DIET orange or root beer soda. Play around with your shakes. They are going to be your ally during this phase. Remember, this too shall pass!! Good luck!!