Liver Shrinking Diet: Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery Diet Plan
I’ve seen many people wrestle with the idea of a liver shrinking diet (sometimes referred to as a liver shrinkage diet) before bariatric surgery. It’s a challenging concept to accept, but it’s absolutely crucial for a safe and successful procedure.
I’m no bariatric surgeon, but I know people who have gone through this process, and I understand how overwhelming it can seem initially.
The liver shrinking diet is a special eating plan designed to reduce liver size before weight loss surgery and can also improve liver health. It’s low in calories and carbs, which helps shrink the liver and makes the operation safer.
A large liver can make surgery risky or even impossible — I’ve spoken directly to people who have had such a procedure done, and they utilized this pre-operative diet with great success.
Additionally, I’ve extensively researched this topic to create a clear, easy-to-follow guide for this diet prior to your surgery.
In this article, we will break down the purpose of the liver shrinking diet and components that will give you clear direction if you want to follow a liver shrinking diet and make the necessary dietary changes.
RELATED: The Importance of Nutrition for Bariatrics
All this being said, while I’m a sports nutritionist, I am not a dietitian. I recommend that if you’re serious about this diet and your liver health (or your overall health) that you speak with a certified dietitian and talk about your diet options.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not meant to treat or diagnose any condition. It is recommended that you speak with your doctor before starting any exercise program, changing your daily nutrition, or adding any supplements to your regimen.
Table of contents
Key Takeaways
- The liver shrinking diet helps make bariatric surgery safer by reducing liver size 5-10% before the operation.
- This diet involves eating 800-1200 calories per day for 2-8 weeks, which can shrink the liver by 4-17%.
- The diet focuses on low-fat, high-protein foods and limits carbs to under 50 grams daily.
- About 30.6% of patients on this diet lose more than 5% of their weight before surgery.
- A sample menu includes SlimFast shakes, vegetables, and low-fat yogurt to meet protein needs and shrink the liver.
Purpose of the Liver Shrinking Diet
The liver shrinking diet helps make the risks when you undergo surgery safer by helping reduce the size of the liver so it can more easily be moved during surgery. It also helps boost the results of weight loss surgery.
1. Reduce Liver Size for Safer Bariatric Surgery
Shrinking your liver before undergoing bariatric surgery is important. It’s a key step for safer bariatric procedures. A smaller liver gives surgeons better access to your stomach.
If you have an enlarged liver or your liver is too large, it makes the surgery a little more difficult. This is crucial because up to 90% of bariatric surgery patients have fatty liver disease. And if this organ gets cut or damaged, the liver could bleed heavily.
The goal is to reduce liver size by 5-10% before the operation. You do this through a special diet plan that cuts calories and carbs. Studies show eating 800-1200 calories a day for 2-8 weeks can shrink the liver by 4-17%.
This makes the surgery easier and safer for you.
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The liver shrinking diet focuses on low-fat, high-protein foods. You’ll eat lots of lean meats, fish, and veggies. You limit carbs to encourage your body to use stored fat. This process helps shrink your liver quickly.
Your doctor will guide you on the exact plan to follow. It may seem challenging, but it’s short-term for long-term health gains. Stay committed to it, and you’ll be ready for a smooth, successful surgery.
2. Improve Bariatric Surgery Outcomes
I’ve seen how a liver shrinking diet can boost bariatric surgery results. This diet helps patients lose weight before the procedure, making it safer and more effective. Studies show that low-calorie diets can shrink liver volume by 12-27% before surgery.
This is crucial because a smaller liver gives surgeons better access to the stomach. About 30.6% of patients on this diet lose more than 5% of their weight. That’s a big win for their health and the surgery’s success.
Doctors usually suggest an 800-1200 calorie diet for 2 to 4 weeks before surgery. Most people (80-89%) stick to this plan well. It’s not just about losing weight — it’s about prepping the body for a major change.
The diet cuts down on carbs and fats while upping protein intake. This helps the liver shrink and become softer, which is key for a smooth operation. By following the liver shrinking diet, patients set themselves up for better outcomes and a smoother recovery.
Components of the Liver Shrinking Diet
The liver shrinking diet has three main parts. It cuts down on carbs and fats while boosting protein intake. Let’s dive a little deeper.
1. Limit Carbohydrates
While I always tell my training clients to cut back on carbs, those who follow the liver-shrinking diet before surgery need to pay close attention to the amount of sugar and carbs they consume. It’s a key part of the liver shrinking diet.
This means eating fewer foods like bread, pasta, and rice. Instead, I suggest focusing on lean proteins and non-starchy veggies.
These choices help reduce the liver’s size, making surgery safer and easier.
Limiting carbs forces the body to use up stored glycogen in the liver. This process shrinks the organ, which is crucial for a smooth operation. I advise patients to aim for less than 50 grams of carbs per day.
It’s tough, but it’s worth it for a safer surgery.
2. Reduce Fats
You also need to cut down on fats in your diet to shrink your liver before surgery. This means eating less butter, oil, and fatty meats. Instead, focus on lean proteins like chicken breast and fish.
Also, you should choose low-fat dairy products and avoid fried foods. By reducing fats, you help your liver get smaller.
A smaller liver gives the surgeon better access during the operation. It’s not always easy, but you should understand that it’s worth it to have a smoother surgery.
3. Increase Protein
Protein is key in the liver shrinking diet. Make sure you eat plenty of lean meats, fish, eggs, and Greek yogurt. These foods help keep your muscles strong while you lose weight. High-protein foods also make you feel full longer.
This will help you stick to the diet better. Aim for at least 60-80 grams of protein each day.
Some high-protein snacks you can consider are hard-boiled eggs and cottage cheese. For meals, you can have things like grilled chicken or baked fish with veggies. Tofu is another great option for plant-based protein if you are vegan or vegetarian.
Another option is adding protein powder to smoothies, as it gives you an extra boost, too. By focusing on protein, you’re setting yourself up for better surgery results and a smoother recovery.
Are You Looking to Give the Liver Shrinking Diet a Try?
The liver reduction diet is essential for bariatric surgery success. It enhances the safety and effectiveness of the procedure. Patients who adhere to this diet can anticipate improved outcomes from their weight loss journey.
I recommend staying in close contact with your doctor and dietitian throughout the process. With the right strategy, you’ll be well-prepared for your surgery and the positive changes ahead.
Resources
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7808983/
- https://www.cuh.nhs.uk/patient-information/liver-shrinkage-diet-for-patients-having-laparoscopic-surgery/
- https://www.ibihealthcare.com/bariatric/liver-shrinking-diet/
- https://www.soard.org/article/S1550-7289(22)00733-X/fulltext
- https://www.healthline.com/health/nutrition/liver-shrinking-diet
- https://www.chelwest.nhs.uk/your-visit/patient-leaflets/bariatric-dietetics/liver-shrinkage-diet-for-bariatric-surgery
- https://www.obesitycliniclondon.co.uk/pdf/pre-op-diet-food-based.pdf
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