Pre-Op Diet

The Pre-Op Diet

As you approach surgery, make sure you have everything you need for your 2-week Pre-Op diet.

1200 Calorie Pre-Op Diet

Goal: 1200 calories, 60-80 grams of protein every day – lose 5% of starting weight.
Purpose: To shrink liver to ensure a safe operation.
Mandatory! Surgery can be cancelled if liver is too large to do surgery safely.

This diet consists mainly of high protein shakes or incorporating protein into a variety of drinks or recipes. For unflavored protein we recommend Doc Hale Nutrition. Use code “DRNICK” at checkout for $5 off.

Other options include Ascent or Isopure. For patients with dairy issues, we recommend Now Sports egg protein or Evolve protein, which is plant based.

You can have protein drinks or protein bars for any meal or snack when you are hungry. For bars, we recommend Bari Life. Use code “DRNICK” at checkout for 10% off your first order. Once per day you are allowed to have an actual meal within the guidelines provided.

Please feel free to contact our office or dietitians with any questions, concerns, or comments.

7-Day Dinner Plan Example

(~500 calories each, including fat serving)

DAY 1 – Lemon Herb Chicken & Steamed Broccoli

• 5 oz white meat chicken breast (grilled or baked with lemon, garlic, herbs)

• 2 cups steamed broccoli

• 1 tsp olive oil drizzled over veggies

DAY 2 – Baked Salmon & Asparagus

• 5 oz baked salmon (season with lemon & dill)

• 2 cups roasted asparagus

• 2 tbsp avocado

DAY 3 – Turkey Meatballs & Zucchini Noodles

• 5 oz extra lean ground turkey (bake as meatballs with Italian spices)

• 2 cups spiralized zucchini sautéed in 1 tsp olive oil

• Sprinkle low-fat Parmesan if desired (optional, keep < 30 cal)

DAY 4 – Pork Tenderloin & Brussels Sprouts

• 5 oz pork tenderloin (roasted)

• 2 cups roasted Brussels sprouts

• ½ tbsp peanut butter stirred into a side sauce for flavor (yes, works with soy-ginger sauce!)

DAY 5 – Shrimp & Cauliflower “Rice” Stir Fry

• 5 oz shrimp (sautéed in garlic & ginger)

• 2 cups cauliflower rice + mushrooms + peppers (non-starchy)

• 1 tsp sesame oil

DAY 6 – Beef Sirloin & Green Beans

• 5 oz lean beef sirloin (pan-seared or grilled)

• 2 cups steamed green beans

• 6 almonds or cashews for fat serving

DAY 7 – Tilapia & Cabbage Slaw

• 5 oz tilapia (baked with paprika & lime)

• 2 cups cabbage slaw (shredded cabbage + cucumber + vinegar dressing)

• 2 tbsp low-fat mayonnaise in dressing

Weekly Shopping List

(for dinners only – shakes/bars for other meals)