OPTI

Ok so you guys have me terrified of the Opti stuff!!

I actually like it!  The taste, that is.  Eating only opti for 2 weeks kinda sucks but at least it's tasty.

My favourite combos?

Vanilla with:

-strawberry extract

-coconut extract

-orange extract (creamsicle!)

Chocolate with:

-caramel extract

-peppermint extract

-orange extract (just like those chocolate oranges!)

I looove opti when I had it. No need to be terrified of it

I loved Opti too. I had mine as a "hot chocolate" and they were creamy and rich and very filling.  I could have done months of opti so damn easy every day!

I am having surgery July 14th and luckily have only one week of  Opti to take....I really like the idea of hot chocolate :) will give it a try when I start on July 7th :) 

I really didn't mind the chocolate opti. I drank it plain the whole time. I had 50/50 chocolate and vanilla, so I would start and end my day with chocolate and have the vanilla in the middle of the day (it made me look forward to my night time snack). 

Also I found ice and a shaker cup helpful -- especially if you dislike the smell since you can drink it from the spout. I bought sugar free red raspberry torani syrup and added that to the vanilla. Some people mentioned they found it too sweet, and I tended to use extra water in the mix which also helped with my water goal. I thought it tasted a bit like getting a raspberry shot at starbucks.

I can't wait to start Opti in a few days. It means the time is almost here for surgery! That seems weird to type, but it's true :)

I take it back! Opti phase sucks :P 

but I am still excited :)

I hated it...I am very fussy and the chocolate flavour was repulsive to me.  I took vanilla and mixed it with flavouring and then gulped it down all at once.

The first one or two were not great but then you get used to it and it becomes tolerable.

If I could get through it anyone can.....it really is not that bad.

Opti isn't bad.  There are times I actually miss having it.  No need to think about meals.  I had almost 3 weeks of chocolate and liked having "Milkshakes" (I have milk issues so this is the closest I get to milkshakes).  I didn't know about modifying the flavor.

The trick is to plan your day, and don't be afraid to use the "extras" (which depend on clinic).  I know when I get up, when I go to bed, and worked it out that I had a shake about every 4 hours.  And in between, had a bottle of water flavored with Crystal Light Iced Tea.  In Ottawa, you don't get veggies at all, just SF popsicles, SF freezies and SF jello.  I'd have SF Jello for a snack in the evening.

Also remember, this is the last step before surgery.  On surgery day, you'll wonder how it cold have gone so quick.

Cathy

P.S.  You may need some SF Metamucil capsules while on Opti.  Just because there isn't much fiber in the shakes.