Pre-Op Protein Liquid Fast
When does the diet start?
- 2 weeks prior to your surgery date
- There are no “cheat days” or “weekends off”
Why is the diet necessary?
- Shrink the liver prior to surgery – if the diet is not followed and the liver is too large Dr. Wadiwala may postpone surgery
- The shrinking of the liver allows more space in the stomach to allow the surgeon more room to manuver the laparoscopic camera.
- Jumpstart weight loss – the average patient loses 10-15 pounds during this diet
What does the diet include?
- Water – aim to drink 8 cups of water/per day
- Low sugar protein shakes – premier protein, fair life protein, ensure max, Atkins advantage, etc.
- Broth
- 1% or skim milk
- Sugar-free jello
- Sugar-free popsicles
- Low-sugar yogurt or greek yogurt
- Decaf tea
- Gatorade zero or crystal light
Post-Op Diet Stages
Stage 1: Clear Liquids (Day 1-3)
Includes:
- Water
- Ice Chips
- Sugar-free popsicles
- Diluted, clear juice
- Gatorade zero or crystal light
Tips:
- Take small, slow sips
- avoid straws and large gulps
Stage 2: Full Liquids (Day 4-14)
Includes:
- Low-sugar protein shakes – premier protein, fair life protein, ensure max, gen pro, etc.
- Low-sugar yogurt/greek yogurt
- Broth or smooth soups
- 1% or skim milk
- Sugar-free pudding
- Baby food
- No sugar added fruit juice
Tips:
- Aim to consume >60g of protein/day
- Set alarms on your phone to remind you to take sips if you are forgetting
Stage 3: Pureed/Soft Foods (Week 3-5)
Includes:
- Tender poultry and fish – may need to be pulsed in a food processor
- Soft tofu
- Scrambled eggs
- Hot cereal
- Soft/mashed fruits and vegetables
- Mashed beans
- Dairy – low-fat milk, cottage cheese, and yogurt
Tips:
- Aim to consume >800 calories/day
- Eat at structured meal times to avoid “grazing”
- Eat slowly and chew each bite until it is nearly liquid in consistency
- Do not drink any liquids with your meals; wait 30 minutes after a meal to begin consuming liquids
Stage 4: Regular/Solid Foods (Week 6-Lifetime)
Includes:
- Lean proteins
- Fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains
- Healthy fats – focus on a higher intake of unsaturated fats
- Low-fat dairy products
Tips:
- Keep carbohydrate intake to <90g/day
- When consuming meals, eat the protein first, then vegetables and fruits, then carbohydrates
- Avoid trigger foods that may cause dumping syndrome
