Starting shakes...

Hey everyone!

I start my 3 weeks of Optifast on Wednesday, I am so nervous!

Any advice, tips, expectations I should have? 

I have very little self control and 3 other people in my house to feed, I'm extremely nervous that I won't be able to control myself and will give in to eating food.

Wish me luck!

You've got this ... I was so anxious about going on Opti for 3 weeks as well and was worried I was going to cave in ... but I kept telling myself I have not come this far along in the process just to fail in the last 3 weeks! I was actually quite full with the Opti, although the first couple of days is hard as you might feel headache-y but that's just your body adjusting.  Use ice with your Opti and I found that my last Opti of the night, I didn't put as much water in it and made like a chocolate pudding out of it just to change it up.  Not sure what hospital you will be out of but TWH only allowed broth, sugar free jello and sf Popsicle, I didn't even want the jello or popsicle and just had the broth. Opti will prepare you for what's ahead of you in terms of self control.  

I wish you lots of luck ... and the board is great for any hints and tips! Cathy

Thank you!

I just finished my opti yesterday. I now have clear fluid only, today and tomorrow then surgery. First shake I thought tasted pretty good. By the third shake I was over the taste. To me it tasted very chemicaly. I tried a couple of the syrups but they just tasted like more chemicals. I finally tried decaf coffee. I brewed it very strong (I have a Keurig I used 2 k-cups and brewed each as 4 oz like an espresso). The strength of the coffee overpowered the chemical taste. I found it was like having a latte.

I took full advantage of the broth and Jello. Hubby made his own bone broth. It was delicious. I ate that along with 3 packs of jello a day. 

Today I am missing my morning Latte (opti shake). It is all relative.

Watch out for the Hangrys especially if you have kids. This is the hunger making you angry. I found it very true. My strategy for this one was to wait, breath deep, and evaluate weather my anger was justified or it was because the hungry feeling making me angry.

There were some days I did not think I would make it. I desperately wanted just one piece of chocolate. I used distraction techniques to avoid it. I used some of the same techniques I used to quit smoking. My thinking was that I never wanted to have to do something this hard again so I had better stick to it. 

Also I used the Jerry Siegnfeld method of dont break the chain. you can find it here. https://www.writersstore.com/dont-break-the-chain-jerry-sein feld/

There are many many people here than have done it. You are at least as good as them. Stop talking yourself into failure. It sound corning but believe in yourself. 

C.

Thank you! Good luck on Wednesday with your surgery!

The first two days were rough. But, after that, it got easier. I planned when I would eat. I avoided eating with my family. The broth is a great change from the sweet stuff. Stock up on jello & Popsicles. I would mix mine in a blender with ice & Starbucks instant coffee. I got a drink cup with lid & straw (so I couldn't smell it). It's just like a frapp, without all the bad stuff. I lost one pound per day before surgery. Good luck. You can do it.

I have only tomorrow left of my 4 week Opti journey Surgery on Wednesday as well.

I actually cried the first shake I drank because it was so gross, and I was like you nervous to get through it but i did it! and you will too!

I personally Plug my nose take a few sips of the shake, and then take a sip of decaf coffee and swi**** in my mouth to get rid of the chalky/chemical flavour it does overpower it!

Broth really helped me for the first 2.5 weeks, now i don't even want to drink it and the jello, i used to have as a snack while watching tv before bed, and I havent been needing that as much now either.

It get a lot easier after the headaches etc go away and then u really just get into a routine with it.

Good Luck!

Beth

Good luck! I am also starting Opti on Wed. :)

I'm starting my optifast on Wednesday too. I plan on using coffee,  jello powder ( I saw a recipe in wls binder) and extracts.

It days to have it for times -breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack. Is snack supposed to be before bed or anytime during the day? 

Thanks, 

Jen

I got the chocolate Opti and will probably use a strong decaf coffee to blend it. Not a big fan of syrups or jello myself but after a few days on Opti I may become more adventurous out of necessity!

Edited to add: I'm spacing my four out evenly through the day. 6:30, 10:30, 2:30 & 6:30.