SUCCESS STORIES

ROB’S STORY

Rob, a mechanic from Sydney, was sidelined from work with a back injury when a routine check-up revealed fatty liver.

The diagnosis was a shock, but instead of ignoring it, Rob took action. He started eating more whole foods like vegetables, fruit, legumes and wholegrains, and balanced his portions so half his plate was colourful vegetables, with smaller serves of wholegrains and lean protein.

He swapped some meat meals for fish or plant-based options, replaced heavy fats with olive oil, and cut back on foods and drinks that strain the liver, like fried takeaway, sugary snacks, and alcohol. As his back improved, he added walks and resistance training to his week.

After just three months of sticking to these steps, Rob’s follow-up tests showed his fatty liver had completely reversed. He’s back at work, feeling stronger, and says the key was “starting small and staying consistent.”

PETER’S STORY

Peter, a long-time air traffic controller, always knew liver health was something to watch in his family. Over the years, his tests showed signs of strain, but busy shift work made healthy routines hard to keep.

In 2016, a sudden hospital visit for gallstone pain became his wake-up call. A doctor warned he was close to liver failure, and Peter decided to act.

With support from a new gastroenterologist and a dietitian, he focused on healthier eating and gradual, steady weight loss. After 37 years at work he stepped back, continued the changes, and later used weight-loss medication. From around 105–110kg, Peter is now 85kg. At the footy he still enjoys a pie — but as a treat — and he finds walking is easier and he’s less breathless.

His liver tests, which once showed fibrosis close to cirrhosis, have stabilised in the past two years, and his blood sugar numbers have improved too. He feels better than ever.

“I’ve started to look after myself – and I’ve never felt better.”

WAYNE’S STORY

In 2019, Wayne collapsed at work with dizziness and nausea. At nearly 150kg, with dangerously high blood pressure, he was rushed to hospital. Tests revealed liver cirrhosis and inflammation.

The shock hit home when his youngest daughter lay beside him and asked, “Do you want to die?” That moment gave Wayne the push he needed to turn things around.

He stopped drinking immediately and followed the Mediterranean diet his doctor recommended — lean protein, fruit, vegetables, nuts, oats, and fresh foods without added salt or sugar. Slowly his strength returned. He started walking, cycling, and doing light weights, building up his energy again.

Today Wayne has lost over 60kg, his blood tests are back to normal, and his FibroScan® score has more than halved. A surgeon recently told him his liver now looks pink and healthy.

“My physical and mental health are better than they’ve been in 20 years,” Wayne says. “I’ve been given a second chance — and I’m so grateful.”