Pre-op roadmap
Your pre-op roadmap.
Two weeks of focused prep gives you the safest, smoothest surgery day. Here's exactly what to do, when — broken down by week, day, and hour.
Day-by-day2 weeks → surgery.
14 days
Liquid diet starts
Begin the pre-op liquid diet. This shrinks your liver, dramatically reducing surgical complications. Stick with it — this is the most important pre-op step.
10 days
Stop high-risk meds
Stop NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin), most blood thinners, and herbal supplements. Your coordinator provides your specific medication schedule.
7 days
Final pre-op call
Coordinator confirms travel, transport, and final pre-op questions. Last chance to ask anything before surgery week begins.
3 days
Pack & finalize
Pack per the checklist below. Confirm flights. Prepare your post-op recovery space at home.
1 days
Arrive in San Diego
Fly into SAN. Pompeii driver picks you up. Cross border, check into surgical center. Final pre-op imaging and labs.
0 days
Surgery day
Early morning admission, ~60–90 min surgery, recovery floor by lunch. You'll be walking by evening.
Questions? Call our nutrition line.
Our registered dietitians answer preoperative questions, clarify restrictions, and help with surgery preparation: meal ideas, supplements, and preoperative fasting. Call today for expert guidance and to be ready for surgery.
The most important stepThe 2-week liquid diet.
Patients who follow it: dramatically lower complication rates. Patients who don't: surgery may be canceled day-of when imaging shows an enlarged liver. Take it seriously.
3–4×
Protein shakes / day
Whey or plant protein, 25–30g per shake. 80–100g total daily protein target. Premier Protein, Fairlife, and similar are great.
Sugar-free
Jello, popsicles, broth
Sugar-free Jello, sugar-free popsicles, clear broths (chicken, beef, bone), unsweetened almond milk, decaf coffee/tea.
64oz
Water minimum
Plus broths, sugar-free electrolyte drinks, decaf herbal tea. Hydration prevents headaches and supports the diet.
Avoid
Caffeine, alcohol, nicotine
Reduce caffeine (avoid headaches). Eliminate alcohol. Stop smoking/vaping at least 2 weeks before — nicotine impairs healing.
No
Solid food, period
No "small bites." No "just chewing." No exceptions. The liver shrinks because it's not processing food — eating breaks the protocol.
Vitamins
Continue prescribed vitamins
Daily multivitamin (chewable or liquid). Your nutritionist customizes the protocol based on existing labs.
Take the first step
Stop guessing what to eat.
Here’s your Pre-op Transitional Diet.
Your guide to prepare your body for a safe an succesfull surgery.
PREPARE YOUR LIVER
IMPROVE OUTCOMES
BETTER RECOVERY
Prepare for Your Stay – Packing List
The following items are recommended to help make your stay more comfortable while keeping travel light and simple.
Passport / ID
Required for border crossing
Loose clothing
Stretchy waistbands · button-up tops
Slip-on shoes
Hard to bend over post-op
Phone & charger
Long cable for hospital bed
Toiletries
No fragrance · sensitive-skin OK
Lip balm
Mouth gets dry post-anesthesia
Current meds
Original bottles, your standard list
Compression socks
Provided in hospital · bring extras
Small entertainment
Kindle, headphones, downloads
Companion travel docs
If a partner is traveling with you
USD cash ($100–200)
Tips, snacks, small items
Pillow for the flight home
Trust us
The day beforeFinal 24 hours checklist.
Stop all liquids (including water) 8 hours before scheduled surgery
Shower the night before with the antibacterial soap provided
No makeup, lotions, perfumes, deodorant, or jewelry on surgery day
Light, comfortable, easy-to-remove clothing
Confirm your hospital arrival time with your coordinator
Get a full night's sleep — your body needs it
Companion confirms transport / meets you at the right entrance
Common questionsPre-op questions.
-
Be honest with your coordinator. A single small slip is recoverable. Multiple days off-protocol can mean your liver doesn't shrink enough — and surgery may be postponed when imaging shows it. We'd rather reschedule than operate dangerously.
-
Decaf, yes. Regular coffee in moderation (1 cup) — but reduce gradually before the diet starts to avoid caffeine-withdrawal headaches.
-
Most patients lose 8–15 lbs during the 2-week liquid diet. This is expected and good — it's part of what makes surgery safer.
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Tell your coordinator immediately. A common cold may not affect surgery; flu, COVID, or anything with fever typically means we reschedule for safety. Rebooking is no charge.