I wish I could start my opti early...

So I know that a lot of people don't like the taste of opti, and I haven't had that luxury yet, but I have known my surgery date for almost a month now, and I am trying really hard not to have "food funerals".  I don't want to rush into things or be regretting not eating, but I feel like the longer before surgery I'm on opti, the easier it would be after.  And the less I would be last ditch eating now.

One of my main support people in the process has been my grandmother, and today she said she wanted to take me out for dinner before I go on opti... I really struggle with not eating out so much -- it's one of the reasons I'm here.  One of the things I'm working on is saying no to going out to eat.

why not go to GNC and buy their lean protein shakes - they are very similar to the opti fast calories and ingredients.

I definitely thought about taking some protein shakes ahead of the opti... I wasn't sure if it would have all the vitamins needed though.

I had my surgery date a good 3 months. I planned my "last meals" during the last two weeks before opti. Basically things I won't be eating for a long time. Funny thing is that I didn't really crave that many things! I ended up getting a very bad stomach flu. Other than a few pieces of toast, I didn't eat anything the last 4 days before starting opti. 

I truly enjoyed the few things that I did have before opti and I don't regret it!

I am on day 10 of Opti, I don't mind them at all. I chew Excel per the nutritionist also. Don't ru**** though....as long as your mind is in it, you'll be fine when it comes. I ended up going for my last meals also, but looked forward to starting Opti.

I was much the same - couldn't wait to get on with things. I think its lovely that your grandmother wants to take you out - think of it as a together-time to spend with her, she obviously wants to celebrate your upcoming surgery and likely doesn't know of other ways to *celebrate* with you. You don't have to go nuts at the restaurant, just enjoy the company.

She has been awesome :) she has been to several appointments with me and always asks questions about how things will change. She called last night to tell me she had made some soup and asked if I want to freeze some for the post-op liquid stage.

My family always celebrates with food. The friends I have confided in know that I want to try doing activities instead of going to a restaurant. But I know it's hard to change years and years of habits.

I still celebrate with food - but for ME, the focus is the "get together and the company", not the actual menu, if you know what I mean. :)

It is hard to make changes. Right now changes can be small like making sure you drink water and not drinking with meals. Giving up pop if you drink it now. It is great you want to get going but relax and go with the process. Eat what you want now. Go out and look at menus. See what you think you will eat after surgery. What would you have that is protein based. This too is a good exercise for getting ready. You will eat out again. Just not the same portions.

Opti was the worst three weeks of my life. I reacted to the sweeteners and stayed on it with no cheating. Some people like it but many don't. Don't rush to go on it