Undergoing any surgical intervention is not a small deal, especially when we talk about a major surgery like a liver transplant. The procedure involves the replacement of a diseased or damaged portion of the patient's lever with a healthy portion taken from a suitable donor. Experts from the best hospital in Pune suggest that it is extremely important to prepare yourself before the surgery in order to negate the risks of unnecessary complications later. One of the most important things that have to be taken care of is your diet. Since you are undergoing a liver transplant, it means that your liver is not functioning properly. As such, it can be quite difficult for your body to process and utilise the various nutrients that it obtains from the food you eat. This blog will help you understand how you need to set your pre-transplant nutrition goals.

Tips from the experts specialising in liver transplant in Mumbai:

People will always come up with suggestions regarding what you should eat and what you should not prior to your liver transplant. In fact, there is a vast pool of information available online as well. However, can you really believe all that you read or hear? Well, we don't think so. When it comes to your health, taking suggestions and advice from an expert is the best thing to do. Here are a few tips that you should keep in mind while planning your daily meals.

General Nutrition: What to eat on a daily basis?

• You need to take in more calories and proteins as your disease or ailment is likely to increase the need for the same. Try to take at least 3 big meals in a day with 2 to 3 healthy snacks in between.
• Take a well-balanced diet, ensuring healthy portions of proteins, carbs and fibre.
• Try to follow a Mediterranean diet, which includes low-fat dairy products, whole-grain foods, healthy fats and fresh fruits and veggies
• Refrain from eating any kind of processed or packaged food as these contain harmful preservatives that can further aggravate your liver problem.
• Liver diseases can make you feel full or bloated, even after eating very little. If you are facing the problem, try to take 4 to 6 small meals at regular intervals, while making sure no important nutrient is left out.
• Take proteins with every meal, as this helps to build muscle mass, allowing your body to heal and fight fatigue. Foods loaded with proteins include fish, eggs, meat, beans, nuts and seeds.
• Make it a habit to take bedtime snacks loaded with proteins.
• If you are not able to take your meals properly, you can always try nutritional drinks. However, if you are planning to do so, make it a point to inform your doctor about the same.
• People undergoing a liver transplant in Pune are advised to increase their calorie intake. You need to do the same by adding healthy fat to your diet. These include whole-fat dairy products, avocados, nuts and butter.

Weight loss diet: Looking those extra pounds

Excess body weight or obesity is likely to increase the complications associated with liver transplants. Hence it is very important to lose those extra pounds and bring your weight under control. Here are some effective tips that might prove to be helpful

• Take to a Mediterranean style diet plan
• While preparing your meals, take all the essential nutrients in the right proportions.
• Limit the intake of sugar, unhealthy fat and carbs.
• Stay physically active and avoid a stagnant lifestyle.
• Practice portion control. As important as it is to eat after regular intervals, it is equally important to limit the portions of food you eat.

These are a few things that should be kept in mind while you are planning your pre-transplant meals. In the next blog, we will help you understand all about post-transplant nutrition and how you can plan the same.