Diet After Liver Surgery

Liver surgery is used to remove a part of the liver because of cancer. You will not be given food for two to three days after the surgery. Your diet will gradually increase to soft foods while you are still in the hospital. Most patients are able to leave the hospital after five to seven days. Post- operative instructions include the proper nutrition for healing after a liver surgery.

Smaller Meals

• The liver produces bile, which aids in the digestion of food and helps to turn glucose and fats into energy for the body. Your liver is smaller immediately after the surgery and may not be able to handle bile production. Eat smaller meals spread throughout the day to help with digestion.
  Plan to cut your normal portion size in half for each meal and eat six of these meals during the day. You can also choose to eat four smaller meals during the day after your surgery. Smaller meals can help your liver while it is reduced in size.
  Eventually the liver returns to its normal size after the surgery. There are no restrictions on the type and size of foods after surgery, but a healthy diet will aid in recovery and good overall health.
  Some patients experience gas after liver surgery. Walking and physical activity will help with this condition.

Well Balanced Diet

• A well balanced diet is all that is recommended after liver surgery, but make sure that you avoid deep fried and excessive amounts of fatty foods. Choose lean sources of protein such as fish and chicken for your meals. Healthy fats used in moderation like olive oil should be part of your well balanced diet.
  Choose your carbohydrates from fruits and vegetables instead of carbs made from bleached flour. There is very little nutritional value in these foods. Carbohydrates make up 40 percent of your diet and should come from the healthiest sources. Whole grains are better choices than refined sugars.

Healthy Choices

• The liver is responsible for very important functions in the body. Healthier foods can help with your overall health and make sure that you are giving the body the nutrients that it needs to function properly. Avoid junk foods, which are foods that do not provide nutrition to your diet. Diet is very important to continued good health. Drink at least eight, 8-oz. glasses of water a day to keep the body well hydrated.