I am scheduled for surgery on December 31st also. I am sticking to the diet as best as I can. Have I had solid food since starting the pre-op diet? The answer is yes. I had a small piece of fish the other day and today being Christmas I had an ounce of chicken breast and about a tablespoon of mashed potatoes. Yes, it wasn't on my diet, but I don't think I was sabotaging myself or my upcoming surgery. I think it's in our heads that we better eat this stuff while we can. After surgery we won't feel like eating anything for a good while. I have to say watching people eat all of my favorite foods while I sip a Protein shake sucks big time, but always being the biggest person in the room and watching life pass me by while I sit on the sidelines is even worse. We can do this!!