Liver Shrinking Diet

Full Liquids

The purpose of the pre-op diet is to reduce the size of the liver prior to surgery through a high protein and low carb/low fat liquid meal plan. As you decrease daily carbohydrate intake and the stores of glycogen (sugar) in your liver, you can greatly reduce the size of the organ. This allows the surgeon to better access to your stomach which lies under the liver. This is a very low calorie diet and protein will be very important to help keep you feeling full. Aim for at least 60 grams’ protein/day. The first couple of days seem to be the hardest; hunger sensations should decrease as your body adjusts to the calorie level.

* Your surgical team will give you individualized instruction on how long to follow the liver shrinking diet prior to surgery.

Foods/Liquids allowed on the diet:

• Protein drinks:2-3 protein drinks daily (if using powder; mix with water/unsweetened almond/soy/coconut or nonfat milk only; OR premade); you may NOT add any fruits or vegetables
• Zero calorie/sugar free beverages: as desired to stay hydrated; NO ALCOHOL
  • Examples: Water, Crystal Light, Gatorade Zero, Powerade Zero, Propel Zero, Vitamin Water
    Zero, SF Kool Aid, Mio, Wyler’s Light, tea or coffee (sugar substitute/artificial sweeteners are allowed; small amount of sugar free creamer is okay)
• Sugar free popsicles (ie: cherry, grape), pudding or Jello: 2-3 servings/day
• Low sodium broth: 1-2 servings/day (1 cup servings)
  • Examples: low sodium chicken/beef/vegetable broth or bone broth for extra protein
• Thickened Vegetable Soup (low sodium/low fat): 1 serving per day (6-8oz)
  • Examples: Tomato Basil, Roasted Red Pepper, Butternut Squash, Sweet Potato Bisque
  • Homemade Option: steam vegetables, place in blender with broth or water and blend until pureed/liquid consistency. Strain through mesh strainer to remove lumps and clumps.
  • No more than 15-20g of carbohydrates/serving
  • NO: Cream of Mushroom, Broccoli Cheddar, Chicken Tortilla, Cream of Chicken
  • NO chunks of rice, pasta or noodles.
• Nonfat/low sugar yogurt: 1 serving/day (6 oz. serving); NO FROZEN YOGURT
  • Examples: Dannon Light and Fit, Yoplait light (NO fruit chunks and <10 grams sugar), Oikos Triple Zero, Nonfat Greek yogurt (higher protein); no mix in’s(fruit or granola)
• Plain Unsweetened Oatmeal or Cream of Wheat: 1 serving/day (1 packet or 1⁄2 cup cooked)
  • May use 1⁄2 cup unsweetened soy/almond or nonfat milk in preparation
  • May use sugar substitute (Splenda, Stevia) and spice (ie: cinnamon) to sweeten
  • NO sugar (honey, brown sugar, agave), flavors, or fruit

If it’s not listed above…it’s NOT ALLOWED!!!

Diabetic Modifications:

The pre surgical diet is a reduction from your usual intake. If you are diabetic and taking insulin, be sure to contact your doctor to discuss blood sugar management before starting this diet and make sure you are consuming 15 grams of carbohydrates every 2-3 hours.

If your blood sugars drop too low (less than 70 mg/dl), follow these recommendations:

• Have 15 grams of carbohydrates (choose from below)
• 4 ounces (1/2 cup) 100% fruit juice (no sugar added)
• 8 ounces (1 cup) fat free skim milk
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 3-4 glucose tablets
• Wait 15 minutes and re-check your blood sugar
• Consume another 15 grams of carbohydrates every 15 minutes until your blood sugar reaches 70

Sample Menu:

**If you are still hungry, have another PROTEIN SHAKE or YOGURT