What to eat before weight loss surgery: Diet for liver reduction

What is a liver-shrinking diet and why is it necessary?

Your doctor may advise you to follow this type of diet if you are preparing for bariatric surgery (weight loss) such as gastric bypass or sleeve surgery.

Many candidates for weight loss surgery also have an enlarged liver. This is often due to diets high in sugar and starches. If the liver is too large, the surgeon cannot safely bypass it to reach the stomach during surgery. This can lead to complications and slow healing after weight loss surgery. This diet is also very effective in reducing abdominal fat, both in and around the organs. It is well known that "central obesity" or increased abdominal fat is the most dangerous type of fat in the body and leads to many chronic diseases, increased inflammation and increased mortality.

The liver performs many important functions in the body, some of which are important for digestion and weight loss. These include the production of bile, which helps break down fats in the small intestine during digestion. The liver also produces cholesterol and special proteins that help transport fats through the body. This organ is also responsible for clearing drugs and other substances from the blood.

Diet for surgical weight loss

It is a low-carbohydrate diet that reduces the amount of glycogen (energy stored in the liver), water, and fat in the liver.

The diet consists of proteins, such as beef, pork, eggs, seafood, or chicken, and non-starchy carbohydrates, including foods such as broccoli, cauliflower, and leafy green vegetables. Fruit is limited, as it can be high in carbohydrates and sugar. Alcohol, carbonated drinks, and sugar are also prohibited. Portion sizes are not limited in this diet, and each meal should be well balanced in proteins and vegetables.

Tips for patients on a liver reduction diet

This type of diet is what patients will consume after surgery to ensure lifelong success, so starting a diet before surgery only helps build habits that can persist after surgery.

So here are a few things to keep in mind:

Make sure you eat right: This means no sugar, lots of protein, non-starchy vegetables, and healthy fats. and foods. You may also need additional vitamins.

Hydrate: Drink at least 64 ounces (about 8 cups) a day of non-carbonated fluids without sugar or calories. Water, plain tea, or sugar-free drinks are good options.

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