Improving Outcomes in Cancer Patients With a Nutritional and Physical Conditioning Prehabilitation Program

Major surgery is a stressful procedure; good recovery after surgery is important to patients and their doctors. Studies done at the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) with cancer patients awaiting surgery have shown that exercise combined with simple diet recommendations (which may include a supplement) and relaxation techniques before surgery helped speed up the ability to resume walking after surgery. These results have made the investigators aware that exercise and good nutrition are as important before surgery as they are after surgery; while it is common practice to start strengthening the body after surgery (rehabilitation), there may be some advantage to begin this process before surgery (prehabilitation). The purpose of this study is to see if the following program, either before or after surgery, can help patients recover from liver, pancreas or bile duct surgery: 1. Exercise that may help participants move and breath better, 2. Nutrition advice and a supplement to make participants strong, 3. Relaxation and anti-anxiety tips to help cope with the stress of upcoming surgery The investigators will see if following this program will have an effect on participants' ability to walk before and after surgery.