Pre-op liquid diet?

[Lila21 36]

I got my packet for pre-surgery requirements today, and I noticed that my surgeon suggests (but doesn't require) a pre-op liquid diet for two weeks. I am currently on the South Beach diet and doing OK with hunger, but I am afraid I'll be starving on a liquid diet pre-op. Does anyone know the reason it has to be liquid. I understand why post-op it must be a liquid diet, but not sure why you need to do that before the operation. I am curious because I tend to stay less hungry on solid foods, and if the goal is just to lose weight, I'd rather stick with South Beach.

[lisabug 10]

The purpose is to shrink your liver because it lays by the stomach. Some surgeons require some don't. I have to do a 3 day clear liquid.