4 weeks of Opti

Okay, Am I gonna have to do 4 weeks of Opti?

Any one here have to do that much?

Im bouncing back and forth of the 400 line.. 397 - 402.

How hard is it to do Opti for 4 weeks and what tips do you have?

Hi there! My doctor had me on a low carb diet for 2 weeks and then one week of protein shakes so I don't really have any tips on how to do the Optifast. I did as best I could on the diet plan but I did cheat some, especially on the low carb part. I was very strict the 4 or 5 days before surgery and the surgeon said I had a great looking liver and there were no problems. I am DEFINITELY NOT RECOMMENDING that you cheat (I am not a doctor and don't play one on TV) but just do your best. Don't beat yourself up if you have an off day. Just hop right back on plan. I was kind of worried that because I didn't do as good preop, that I would struggle postop but that really hasn't been the case. 

Try not to stress it, just do the best you can! Good luck!

Every surgeon's plan is a little different. My pre-op diet was only 10 days. It was two meals of 2-3 oz of lean protein and 1/2 cup low carb veggies per day, 2 protein shakes per day, and as much sugar free Jell-O as I wanted. I'm not going to lie, the first few days were tough as my body detoxed from the carbs, but after that it was easier. My tips are eat the sugar free Jell-O, if you're allowed, and try to stay away from temptation. The first two days I couldn't even watch TV because of all of the food commercials.

It's really important to follow your surgeon's instructions, whatever they are, as they are trying to make it easier to work around your liver during surgery. My liver was huge and in the way, and even though I was perfect on the diet, they still nicked it. 

Thanks ladies

Four weeks of liquid diet along with 2 cups of veggies is gonna be difficult.

I have changed my eating habits already, and I will continue to cut out the simple carbs, sugars and etc.

Im not 100% sure if my doc will require 4, I pray 3 will be ok. But I will do what I need to do to make sure my sugrey is as safe as possible.

The liver is an organ that can regenerate itself. What compliations are from nicking it during surgery?

I don't think they are worried about hurting your liver. If the liver is too large it gets in the way of them doing your surgery laproscopically (too hard to see around it and may have to open you up).

My doc said they won't open me up.. They will close me up and send me on my way until I can lose weight and shrink my liver. 

A couple years ago I used MEDIFAST to lose some wieght. It is pretty much the exact same thing as Optifast just a different brand name. I was on it for 4 months and lost about 60 lbs.

The first week was the hardest! You ARE going to be grumpy and hungry! When you are hungry try over filling yourself with water and reminding yourself that you only have a little bit longer until you can eat again. You eat every 2-3 hours right? This is just part of the process - you kinda have to mentally accept, remember WHY you are doing it and that it is temporary and move on.

After the first week your body will adjust to functioning on the lowered calories and you will begin to feel a lot better. Keep sugar free jello, pickles, and celery around just in case you get too hungry because those are usually the only approved snacks.

Once you get past that first rough week you will be fine. And if you haven't already been dieting in preperation for the surgery you'll probably lose about 30 lbs in that 4 weeks!

OH I will be one cranky person when I start to detox. Oh well,, its all for the greater good.

Hey Manda,....

I had to do 4 weeks of Opti through TWH and it was rough but I managed AND we don't get to have the veggies at Toronto Western!  Some hospitals only make people do a blanket 2 weeks (I know Hamilton is like that for sure)...but I am not sure about HRRH! I was 368.8 when they ordered my Opti.

Four weeks opti comming up for me as well, no veggies or.other supplements! Hope it goes fast