Preoperative Liver Reduction Diet

Any weight you can lose through dieting before your surgery is an advantage - it will make the surgery easier and will reduce the risks associated with it.

It is recommended that a very restricted diet - one that is low in fat, sugar and carbohydrates - be followed for TWO WEEKS prior to surgery. By following a strict diet, your body reduces its glycogen and water stores (glycogen is a form of sugar stored in the liver and muscles for energy). As the glycogen and water stores reduce, your liver will shrink. This will make the surgery much easier to complete and reduce the risks associated with it.  The chances of your surgery being performed through the key hole (or laparoscopically) also improve.

This diet is only recommended for before surgery and is not to be followed post-operatively. It is possible that you will lose a lot of weight on this diet, but it will be mainly be water loss. Please ensure you continue to drink throughout the day.


Menu suggestions:

Breakfast
3 tablespoons of low sugar cereal
 (e.g. porridge, bran flakes, rice krispies)
or
1 slice of toast with a scraping of low fat spread

Lunch
1 slice bread with a scraping of low fat spread with:
Small portion (2oz) lean meat or fish, or
Small portion (2oz) cheese, or
2 eggs (not fried)

Salad as desired

Dinner
Small portion (2oz) lean meat or fish, Tofu or Quorn based dish or
Small portion (2oz) cheese, or 2 eggs, or
3 tablespoons of baked beans, lentils etc (cooked)

1 small potato or 2 tablespoonfuls pasta or rice (cooked)

Vegetables as desired

Daily
1/3 pint semi skimmed milk for use in drinks and on cereal
Fruits as desired (e.g. apple, orange, banana, pear)
Water, tea, coffee, low calorie squash or fizzy drinks
1 low fat, low sugar yogurt or fromage frais
2 teaspoons of low calorie mayonnaise or dressing, mustard, ketchup etc.
2 tablespoons white sauce or gravy etc

Additional notes
I slice of bread can be interchanged with 2 crisp breads, 1 small pitta bread, 3 crackers or 1 small chapatti

Avoid
Biscuits, cakes, puddings, chocolate, sweets, nuts, alcohol
sugar