So hungry on Optifast

My surgery date is set for Dec 12/18 so I basically just started Optifast . . . six days in to be exact. I am still so hungry and still have a headache and generally don't feel too well. I've been on lots of low calorie diets in my life but never a liquid one and I'm finding it quite difficult mentally and physically. Has/is anyone else experiencing this? How long before the hungry issues go away? I know I can do it . . .just need some support :)

I did it and survived! My surgery was 12/26/17. I had to be on two weeks of Optifast before surgery over Christmas! I got sick of the Optifast and didn't eat all of what I was suppose too. I just couldn't gag it down, so I drank a lot of water and crystal light. Oh, and I slept a lot too. I want to say it was the hardest part of my whole experience.

Thanks you for this and for saying it was the hardest part of the whole experience as I too am finding it quite hard . . . and also don't like the Optifast shakes. I find mixing in some Crystal Light helps and I am drinking all four each day. I 'll end up being on the shakes for three weeks (surgery in Ottawa, Ontario)

If I remember correctly I was on 4 shakes (mine were premade), 1 soup and 1 bar a day. I couldn't have the bar because it was processed in a plant that also processes peanuts and I am allergic to peanuts so my nut let me swap 1/2 of a Quest bar in its place. That Quest bar was the best part of my entire day. I couldn't choke down another soup after the first 4 or 5 days so I just drank the shakes until I couldn't do it anymore. After a while, I just lost my appetite and drank water and crystal light. I hope your transition into surgery and post-surgery goes smoothly. Good luck!

It's definitely the worst part - it was almost a relief to finally have the surgery!!!

I wasn't allowed solid food at all, just four or five shakes and unlimited no-calorie beverages. I was also allowed to have chicken broth and/or tomato juice once a day (those were limited because of the sodium). The only "solid" things I could have were sugar free popsicles and sugar free Jello. I remember eating SF Jello with abandon because it was the only thing that somewhat resembled real food!!! The headache and general not feeling well are probably related to the carb withdrawal. I think I got over that after the first week. Good luck with it all - it IS tough, but you'll get through it and be on your way soon!

Thank-you . . . it helps just reading that not everybody went through this stage without issue! I haven't tried the Jello yet as to be honest I'm not a big fan of Jello. I may have to resort to using it though just to eat something :)

I hadn't eaten it in years and haven't eaten it since. Not a big fan, either - but it least it was something semi-solid!!

The only "dreadful" day I really remember is JELL-O DAY!!!!

I swore of Jell-o for the rest of my life after that day..ughhh

Hang in there..soon enough the surgery will be here and you will be on your way to a healthier lifestyle..

In the 80's I did Optifast for 12 weeks. Their motto was don't ever take the first bite. I didn't, I survived I was constantly hungry and almost fainted every time I stood up. If possible drink broth and hot caffeine free tea and you will survive. It is not fun, but it definitely gets much better.

Just don't let the hunger win, remember what you are trying to accomplish and what your ultimate goal is. For the surgeon they want to shrink your liver to make it easier to operate. Keep sipping water or propel to stay hydrated. Be kind to yourself and do something to distract yourself, I knitted a lot during that time just to keep my hands busy.

Take care of yourself, and know you can do it!

Thank-you . . . Just receiving words of support makes all the difference! I am really going to have to go out and buy some decaf tea (I love tea, it was very hard for me to give up the caffeine but I'm very proud that I did that)