Looks like no more Opti for me...

Has anyone done the meal plan alternative instead of Opti?

Im on day 5 of Optifast and the last 2 days I've had tightness in my chest and throat, feels like what I would imagine asthma to feel like. Very tight and dry. I took Benedryl last night and it helped. Woke up today and had the same problems, took more benedryl and again it helped.

I called TWH and Sandra called me back and said, though she'd never heard of that happening before, she felt it best I stop the Opti and go on their alternate diet plan. I looked it over and it looks challenging!! Has anyone else done it?? Any tips?

Im feeling a little overwhelmed by this development but figure I'm already in ketosis so the blandness and tiny portions hopefully won't be too challenging. But I'm nervous the grains will put me out of ketosis and that I might be REALLY hungry which hasn't been a concern on Optifast

So sorry .. and maybe its the aspartame!!!

I get really really sick... even with sucralose! Omg so sorry!!!

It's a super bummer. I'm even enjoying the Opti and was really enjoying not meal planning. This is an extremely strict plan (only chicken breast and white fish for protein) and I have to start taking all the post op supplements asap. More shopping and more money! Just stressing me out.

My guess is it's the sucralose/aspartame too. Grrrrr. I'm not a happy camper! But I don't want to mess around or get sick before surgery. This is going to be a tough 16 days.

I can understand that would be an unexpected pain! Sorry!

Hey there!

I was on Opti for 4 days before they pulled me off of it due to me having hives and I wasn't able to keep the shakes down. The modified protein fast is challenging but completely manageable. What helped me through was prepping all of my meals on Sunday night. I did it for 2.5 weeks and actually ate the same thing every day. I lost 25 lbs on this diet but was able to stay in ketosis the entire time.

You will be hungry but if you drink enough fluids you really won't notice it. After 4 or 5 days in ketosis your hunger will be minimal.

Below is what I ate daily:

B - 1 egg scrambled, 2oz chicken, spinach/green peppers sauteed with cumin and 30g of bread (1/2 slice whole wheat)

L - 3oz Salmon, 1/2c asparagus, 1/3c wild rice blend

D - 3oz Chicken w/ Cajun spices, 1/2c green beans w/ salt and lemon juice, 1/3c wild rice blend

Best of luck on the modified protein fast! You can do this and it's so worth it!

Thank you for the info! I'm sorry the Opti didn't agree with you but glad I'm not the only one this has happened to. I need to work on being more adaptable because having to shift gears mid stride is upsetting me today. I was happy on the Opti plan and I'm super frustrated it isn't working out.

It seems to be a lot less calories, protein, fat, and carbs than the Opti too. In my fitness pal I mocked up a day and it was under 650cal! I'm kind of nervous about managing that.

thank you though so much for your support and encouragement, and for detailing what you ate. Gives me an idea. It did say white fish but you had salmon, did you ask about that or just went with it? I love fresh salmon and tuna so maybe it won't be so bad after all if I can have those. I can't see how 3oz of tuna could be bad.

Thanks again!

I didn't ask about the salmon since there was no restrictions other than needing to be lean protein. We may have slightly different plans though.

Don't worry about the calories. It will only stress you out. You're feeding your body good healthy food. Enjoy it and eat slowly. Now is a good time to practice chewing everything to death. Hahaha.

Ha! Yes, I thought that. It's post op practice without the tiny tummy.

Did you also have to take all your post op vitamins?

Edited to add: my plan is only 1/3 cup veg, 1/3 grains so seems like you got a bit more veg. Protein sounds the same.

Don't hesitate to call TWH with any and every question you have. It's totally OK. You're not being a pest. They are there to support you!!! They really don't mind and would rather you do it correctly and are ready for surgery!!!

Thsnks! They might be hearing from me. I already asked if I could use 0 calorie dressing on salad or a little soy sauce with fish. Making veg and protein completely plain is going to be a real challenge. Poached everything by the sounds of it.