The Liver-Shrinking Pre-Op Diet
The primary purpose of this diet is to shrink your liver prior to surgery by depleting stored glycogen. This ensures a safer, smoother procedure.
When to Start Your Diet?
Find your BMI below to know exactly when to begin your pre-op protocol.
| BMI Range | Diagnosis | Starting Point |
|---|---|---|
| 30.0 - 34.9 | Obesity I | 1 week before |
| 35.0 - 39.9 | Obesity II | 2-3 weeks before |
| 40.0 - 49.9 | Morbid Obesity | 1 month before |
| 50.0 - 59.9 | Super Obesity | 2 months before |
| > 60.0 | Super Super Obesity | 3-4 months before |
The 10 Golden Rules
Essential guidelines to follow during your Pre-Op phase.
1. Protein Shakes
Drink at least 2-3 protein shakes per day to maintain muscle mass.
2. Vegetables
Eat raw and cooked vegetables—as many as you want!
3. Avoid Carbs & Starches
Avoid peas, corn, potatoes, pasta, rice, bread, cereals, popcorn, and sugar sauces.
4. Lean Protein
Eat at least 2 servings (4oz each) of lean protein: chicken, turkey, fish, lean beef, eggs, or tofu.
5. Add Berries
Add 1/2 cup of frozen berries or strawberries to your protein shake.
6. Shake Liquids
Add unsweetened almond milk, coconut milk or 2% milk to your shake.
7. Keep Satisfied
Add chia seeds, almonds, nuts, or psyllium husk to help you stay full.
8. Hydration
Drink at least 50-60 ounces of water daily. Avoid sugar-added drinks.
9. & 10. Avoid Completely
Strictly avoid carbonated drinks (soda, sparkling water, beer) and caffeine (coffee, black tea).
Daily Guideline Structure
2 eggs + veggies + 1 tsp oil
1 Protein Shake
4oz lean meat + veggies + 1 tsp oil / avocado slice
1 Protein Shake
4oz lean meat + salad + 1 tbsp dressing
Meal Ideas (Mix & Match)
- • Scramble eggs with mushrooms
- • Scramble eggs with spinach
- • Scramble eggs with tomato & onion
- • Scramble eggs with broccoli
- • Scramble eggs with kale
- • Scramble eggs with portobello
- • Scramble eggs with ham
- • Scramble eggs with tomato sauce
- • Boiled egg with green beans
- • Scramble eggs with cauliflower
- • Omelette
- • Scramble eggs with cherry tomato
- • Scramble eggs with zucchini
- • Scramble eggs with bell pepper
- • Scramble eggs with nopales
- • Scramble eggs with asparagus
- • Boiled egg with tomato slices
- • Boiled egg with asparagus
- • Spinach quiche
- • Sunny side up egg with spinach
Chicken & Fish
- • Chicken fajitas
- • Spinach and cherry tomato stuffed chicken
- • Grill chicken with cooked veggies
- • Chicken soup with veggies
- • Chicken with mushrooms or asparagus
- • Chicken salad
- • Steam fish with cooked veggies
- • Mustard fish & sauté veggies
- • Pesto fish with veggies
- • Lemon and basil fish
- • Garlic fish foil pack
Beef & Turkey
- • Steak with mushrooms and onions
- • Beef fajitas
- • Beef roll up with veggies
- • Beef stew or soup
- • Meatballs / Meatloaf with veggies
- • Turkey meatballs with zucchini noodles
- • Herb roasted turkey with veggies
- • Mushroom spinach filled turkey breast
- • Turkey taco lettuce cups
- • Zucchini stuffed with ground beef
Base (All you can eat)
Raw vegetables
- Cabbage, Lettuce, Spinach, Broccoli, Kale, Cauliflower, Arugula, Mushrooms, Zucchini, Carrot, Tomato, Cucumber, Sprouts, Beets, Onion, Bell pepper, Celery.
Choose 1 (Protein)
- • Chicken
- • Fish
- • Salmon
- • Tuna
- • Turkey
- • Edamame
- • Beef
- • Egg
Choose 2 (Dressing)
- • Avocado
- • Olives
- • Vinaigrette
- • Italian dressing
- • Olive oil
- • Balsamic vinegar
- • Lemon, Salt and pepper
The Protein Shake Guide
Quantity
20-30 grams of protein per shake.
Type
Isolated whey is highly recommended for best absorption.
Carbs & Sugar
Less than 5 grams per shake.
Products
Powder, drinks, or clear drinks are allowed.
Brands
ON Whey, Isopure, Premier Protein, Muscle Milk.
Pre-Surgery Supplementation
- • Multivitamin for adults: Alive, One A Day, Centrum Silver (Any presentation allowed).
- • Probiotics: 15-40 Billion CFU (Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium).
- 🛑 STOP vitamins, minerals, and probiotics 1 WEEK BEFORE SURGERY.
The Final Countdown
2 Days Prior to Surgery
Start CLEAR LIQUID DIET + Greek Yogurt
Add two greek yogurts per day (flavored ok, no fruit pieces). This helps with post-healing.
- • Gatorade / Powerade zero carb
- • Electrolytes
- • Apple juice (diluted 50%)
- • Chicken, beef or fish broth
- • Light gelatina & Popsicles sugar free
- • Chamomile tea
8 Hours Prior to Surgery
Strict NPO (Nothing by mouth)
Absolutely nothing to drink or eat after midnight preceding surgery or 8 hours prior to your surgery.
Post Surgery & Recovery
Start chewing ice chips (do not swallow the ice) to decrease nausea. Walk to decrease gas pain.
After the leak test, start phase I. Drink 1-2 oz per hour till tolerance. Avoid straws and chewing gum.
- • Multivitamin: 2 per day
- • Calcium citrate + Vit D: 1200-2000 mg
- • Iron: 40-65 mg
- • B12: 350 mg | Biotin: 250-400 mg | Zinc: 5 mg
- Rule: Chewable, liquid, or dissolve only. NO capsules/tablets. Do not take Iron & Calcium at the same time (wait 3 hours).
Experiencing Hairloss?
Common 3-6 months after surgery due to hypocaloric diet. Ensure you are getting:
Low Energy Levels?
Energy decreases because of the restriction (dropping from 2500 cal to 500-1000 cal). If you feel extremely low, ensure you are covering:
Need Nutritional Support?
Contact Ana Sanchez, our Head Dietitian
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