Modified Pre-op Diet for Vegans

Our dietitians have developed a modified pre-op diet for vegans so that you can still have a safe and successful laparoscopic procedure! It’s recommended by our clinical team to follow a low sugar, moderate protein liquid diet prior to surgery. The purpose of this diet is to deplete glycogen stores in the liver, which in turn will make laparoscopic surgery easier by reducing its size. The diet plan below does not have any animal products but will still allow you to get the 90 grams of protein recommended on the regular pre-op diet. It’s important to spread your protein throughout the day, so you will be eating 6 servings of protein, and each will provide about 15g protein.

Vegan Meal Plan:

Protein Drinks: 3 servings per day. Examples include: 310 Powder, Orgain Plant-Based shakes, ½ serving of Vega Sport Powder, OWYN, KOS, Pirq shakes, Ghost Vegan Protein Powder. Please mix any protein powders with water or unsweetened, plain almond milk only.
Protein Bars: 1 serving per day
- 1 No Cow, Misfits, or IQ BAR
Dairy Substitute: 1-2 servings per day
- 2 cups unsweetened soy milk, or 1 cup Silk Almond & Cashew Protein Milk
Lean Protein: 1-2 servings per day
- 4 oz serving tofu
Non-Starchy Vegetables: 3 servings per day
- These can be eaten with your protein sources at meals.
- Portions are ½ cup cooked or 1 cup raw.
  - Examples: broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, green beans, carrots, onions, peppers, mushrooms, salad greens, tomatoes, cucumber, celery.

*Please be sure to stop eating vegetables at least 1 day before surgery to be sure your stomach is completely clear.

Sample daily meal plan:

Meal #1: 4oz tofu scramble with ½ cup onions, peppers, and tomatoes

Meal #2: Protein drink from approved brands above

Meal #3: Protein bar from approved brands above with 1 cup raw carrots

Meal #4: Protein shake from approved brands above

Meal #5: 4oz pan fried tofu with ½ cup broccoli, cauliflower, and soy sauce

Meal #6: 2 cups unsweetened soy milk with sugar free hot chocolate mix

Feel free to use dry herbs, spices, seasonings, and hot sauce to taste. Caution with salt.

Liquids:

These liquids can be taken in any amount since they do not contain sugar. Aim for 48-64 oz or more daily:

Water
Sugar-free beverages such as Crystal Light, Wyler’s Light, Sugar-free Kool Aid, Sugar- free Tang, Diet Snapple, Minute Maid Lite (all flavors), Fruit 20 or Propel Zero
Decaffeinated coffee or decaffeinated tea with sugar substitute.

ATTENTION DIABETICS!!! For those with diabetes we recommend consuming 15 grams of liquid carbohydrates every 1-2 hours. Be sure to monitor your blood sugars and contact your doctor, PCP or endocrinologist if necessary. If your blood sugar is greater than 150mg/dl, spread out the liquid carbohydrates over a three-hour period.

Example liquids with 15 grams carbohydrates: