Aspartame

I'm not allergic, but I never really eat anything with aspartame - it gives me a headache and I think it's horrible for you and I prefer to eat natural foods.

Today I learned that Opti is made with it, as are a ton of the "flavour" options for food after surgery (ie drink Crystal Light). I can work around the after foods, using fruit to flavour water and other flavours in things, but the Opti is really hard for me.

Has anyone had an alternative option to Opti ever? I understand the WHY to it, but if someone were allergic I'm sure there would be other options, so wondering what those are. 

Hi there,

I had the same concerns about aspartame before starting on Opti.  I was able to use Glucerna Diabetic with added protein via beneprotein.  You should probably clear it with your surgeon and nut, but they shouldn't give you too much grief as long as you mention your sensitivity.

As it turns out, I probably used about one week's worth of Opti (no headaches) as well, having it once a day for breakfast.

Good luck,

Tom

There are alternatives, as Tom said he had Boost with added protein.  But the rules are different for each centre.  You will need to discuss these concerns and if they agree to an alternative, they will let you know what it is.

Cathy

I used an alternative, but made sure everyone I spoke to knee well enough in advance that I would need alternative. I also emailed the dietician 3 different alternative shake options with all their nutritional details...etc to make it a bit easier on them, I made sure my shakes had the same or better (quite easy to do) nutrition/protein content as opti.

TWH has an alternative if you tell them that you have a sensitivity to Aspartame, it is made with Splenda though and I am not sure if that is a better option for you?

My husband does not want to use Optifast for ethical reasons. Nestle is a very bad company and he hates to given them any of his money. Didn't like that I had to do 3 weeks of it. When it comes time for his pre-op diet he is going to suggest Premier Protein in place of Optifast.

What ended up happening?