Surgery is scary enough without having to worry about what you eat. But guess what, folks? Nutrition isn't just about looking hot in a bikini. It can mean the difference between bossing your recovery or being punched back by post-op exhaustion. Time to discard that greasy pizza slice and chow down on some surgery-friendly sustenance.

Discuss your diet with your doc before any procedures. Understanding your surgical needs can shift that overwhelming dietary mountain into a molehill. And let's get real, fasting is as outdated as wearing socks with sandals. You'll need to follow a clear liquid diet about eight hours before your check-in time. Suck it up, because an empty stomach is a non-negotiable when going under the knife.

If you're popping GLP-1 agonists like sweet candies, you must start the clear liquid smackdown from 8 a.m. the morning before surgery. But this isn't Gospel; your doctor might shuffle things around, following his second-highest commandment, 'Doctor knows best'.

Lean protein is your pre-surgery superhero, promoting healthy tissue and blood production. Aim for 46 to 56 grams of this bodybuilding badass each day before surgery. Top protein picks include lean meats like chicken or turkey, fish, eggs, and beans.

Fruits and vegetables are no less of a superhero on your surgery preparation journey. They're packed with vitamins that support your immune system and counter inflammation. Aim to cram at least five helpings of fruits and veggies each day before D-day.

Whole grains? Yes, they made the cut too. They're a treasure trove of B vitamins that backstop your immune response during recovery. Keep it to four servings of your choice of grains a day.

You can stick to solid foods until the day before the due date. From then, you’ll need to wash it down with clear liquids, not a vodka and tonic, but water, clear fruit juices, and unadorned tea or coffee.

Now, let's talk about the proverbial wolves in sheep's clothing, stuff to avoid before surgery. That's right, not all proteins are on your side. Red and processed meats? Kick these to the curb. They're hard to break down and could trigger inflammation.

Highly processed snacks, think your sugar-frosted cereal or your bag of chips, also need to be given the boot. They're indigestion-inducers and inflammation-triggerers before your procedure.

Taking nutritional supplements? Fess up to your surgeon. Some can meddle with blood clotting and complicate your operation. Even if you love yourself a bloody Mary, your surgeon doesn't. Blood-thinning medicines and supplements are a big no before surgery.

The night before your surgery isn't your last supper, but food choices matter. Go for easy-to-digest, low-fat foods that won't provoke your digestive system.

Following a pre-surgery diet is a gift to your future self. Up to 20% of hospital inmates (aka patients) are malnourished, and this status can go south post-surgery. Smooth your healing process with a proactive pre-op diet, and transform your surgery from a scare into a so-what.

In short, if you're headed in for a scrappy surgical battle, don't wing it with your diet. Make smart choices, follow your doctor's directives, and come out the other side like a gladiator. Because health isn't just about pushing your body to its limits - it's about protecting it.