Hello Everyone,

  Has anyone had any experience with requesting an alternative to Optifast?  I have issues with aspartame and dairy products.  I know that there is no lactose in Optifast, but I have an intolerance to milk and aspartame is a trigger for my IBS.  I do not have a documented allergy, I just have abstained from both products for years.  I hope to get a letter from my doctor regarding this.  Not sure how this will go...  Thanks!

Optifast is mixed with water, so don't worry about the dairy. Talk to your surgeon as there might be a very low calorie diet you can follow. With them operating under your liver, they really want to shrink it. Hope that helps

I wasn't told of a specific product to drink before surgery.  I went to Popeye's body building store and got meal replacement protein powders there.  They will give you in store taste tests and if you take some home and don't like it, they will give you a full credit for a new flavour.  I prefer the fruity flavoured ones like Black Raspberry or Cran-pom but get something that is high protein and low fat, sugar, etc. and check the calories.  They can be as low as 100 c. per serving and up from there, depending if you are looking at the weight loss types, muscle mass, lean burn, etc.....

In Ontario, Optifast is standard procedure.  If you have a documented case of aversion, there will be a very low calorie diet typically suggested - usually chicken and salads. I've seen a few people go through it. 

Some centres are more willing to work with you on this than others.  I'd make sure to get that note from your doctor.

Dawn

I bet if someone went in and compared the optifast to a protein powder as suggested, then took those comparables to their doctor, they would approve it.  Most doctors don't realize there are good alternatives that have no reason not to work as well as optifast, boost, ensure or whatever.......

Sample -

OPTIFAST HP^® Shake Mix

Ideal for patients before and/or after bariatric surgery, OPTIFAST HP^® Formula provides complete nutrition in vanilla and chocolate flavors.

Nutritional Information

• Calories 200
• Protein (g) 26
• Carbohydrate (g) 10
• Fat (g) 6
• Sodium (mg) 480
• Potassium (mg) 800
• Fiber (g) 0
• Vitamins & Minerals 35% of RDI
• Lactose (g)
• 4EVERFIT BERRY BLAST:

• 2 Lbs. Black Raspberry Serving Size1Scoop(30grams) Servings Per ContainerAbout 30   Amount Per Serving     Calories 104Cal   Calories From Fat 0Cal       % Daily Value*   Total Fat 0g 0% Saturated Fat 0g 0% + Trans Fat 0g   Cholesterol 0mg 0% Total Carbohydrate 1g 0% Sugars 0g   Protein 25g 50% Calcium 135mg 14% Sodium 75mg 3% Potassium 115mg 4%   Typical Amino Acid Profile Of Protein   Per 100g     Amino Acid Qty (G)   Alanine 4.56   Arginine 2.23   Aspartic Acid 9.50   Cystine 2.14   Glutamic Acid 16.39   Glycine 1.58   Histidine 1.49   Isoleucine 5.31   Leucine 9.50   Lysine 8.10   Methionine 3.26   L-Phenylalanine 2.70   Proline 5.49   Serine 4.28   Threonine 5.87   Tryptophan 1.49   Tyrosine 2.61   Valine 5.49     * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet

  Ingredients:   Whey Protein Isolate*, Citric Acid, Natural Flavor, Blueberry Powder, Soy Lecithin, Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium, Carmine Color. * Cold cross-flow ultra-filtered and advanced micro-filtered. Contains ingredients derived from milk.

  Directions For Fruit Blast - The Isolate: Mix one scoop of Fruit Blast with 8 ounces of water. Use more or less water to reach desired taste.

This has been done.  People have tried to convince the centres all the time.  They get a NO.  You're not the first to suggest it.  The only exception is again when allergies are documented.  There's been some who have been on glucerna or diabetic boost. 

Dawn

Yup, I was through HRRH. I have a problem with dairy (Optifast is lactose free, but does contain milk proteins/whey). I just called my dietician and explained, said I couldn't do it and they provided a high-protein meal plan to eat. I ate real food right up until 12 hours before surgery.

Can you tell me what diet the dietician put you on? What did you eat? I'm on a high protein diet using Vega Sport Protein shakes and chicken and salad.

As of now I am on the 2 week opti diet and I can't stand it and the alternative is diabetic boost with added protein powder that is boost pro just protein one scoop per shake, I did call my dietitian and got approval from her as this is the alternative!! This for St Joesphs hospital in Hamilton ?