Diet To Follow After A Liver Transplant Surgery!

Liver transplants are considered a safe procedure and has a high success rate. However, it is important for patients to follow proper aftercare instructions as given by the doctor. The liver helps process food and filter toxins and hence the patient’s diet must be carefully monitored after a transplant surgery. Weight gain after liver transplant can cause fatty liver disease and damage the sensitive transplanted liver.

Here are a few tips on the ideal diet to be followed after a liver transplant surgery.

• Avoid alcohol: Alcohol is a big no-no after a liver transplant surgery. In addition to not drinking any type of alcohol, patients should also abstain from any food cooked in alcohol or wine.
• Avoid pomegranates and grapefruits: Fruits are very good for recovery but certain fruits such as pomegranates and grapefruits should be avoided. This is because they may have an effect on the immunosuppression medications being prescribed to keep the body from rejecting the donor liver.
• Eat plenty of vegetables: Vegetables are essential during recovery process after a transplant surgery. This gives the body the necessary nutrition it requires and also acts as a good source of fibre.
• Eat lean meat: Lean meats like poultry and fish act as rich sources of proteins. This helps the body speed up the recovery process. Other forms of protein include soy, eggs, legumes and nuts. Avoid fatty meats as these are difficult to digest and can put a strain on the liver.
• Drink plenty of water: Water helps in hydrating the body and is essential during recovery from a major surgery such as a liver transplant. Water also helps improve blood circulation and eases the filtration of toxins. Patients should ideally drink 8-10 glasses of water a day.
• Limit sugar consumption: One of the side effects of medication prescribed after a liver transplant includes high blood sugar. To avoid this, limit your consumption of sweets and sugars. Avoid cakes, jams, jellies, packaged juices and chocolate.
• Have plenty of fibre: Fibre helps ease digestion and helps control cholesterol levels. An increase in cholesterol levels may be due to the medication being prescribed. Hence eat plenty of fibre. This could be in the form of whole grain foods, vegetables and fruits. As far as possible avoid processed foods.
• Get enough calcium: Medication prescribed after a liver transplant may make the patient’s bones lighter. This can increase the risk of conditions such as osteoporosis. To counter this, it is important to get enough calcium.

Before consuming any kinds of foods and supplements, it is essential to consult with the doctor about the diet that needs to be followed. A proper diet and aftercare can do wonders in recovering from the surgical procedure.