optifast vs boost

Ive read that the two shakes are almost identical, made from same comp etc. has anyone had any luck in ottawa asking for diabetic boost instead of optifast? its lactose free, and is insurance covered.

Ive read in a previous posts that some made exceptions and let them switch the shakes.

Just wondering if anyone in ottawa has ever asked or tried?

I have tried both (I am a diabetic type 2) (but not in the Ottawa area) and I have notice that optifast keeps you full longer than boost. (I was trying to loose a few pounds so I tried boost) I am currently on optifast until Wednesday and than Surgery is on Thursday. I would also think that optifast hase more vitamins that boost (it better considering the price) Goodluck!
Melissa

AmbiBambi is having surgery beginning of August and is on an alternate mealplan.. She would probably know the answer to that.

I think trying to use something else just because it's cheaper isn't a good way to start your new life.  Optifast isn't that expensive when you consider how much food costs.

Opti has more protein. They are not the same.

Which insurance plan pays for diabetic boost? I wasn't aware that any did.

yep, reg boost and diabetic boost is usually covered, I know my grandparents had reg boost covered as they got older.....dont know what insurance comp, but he worked at bell and was retired. my insurance covers it too. public service gov :) it has to be prescribed

I can't take Opti, allergic to it, so I got an alternate meal plan that includes either glucerna or boost diabetic.  Glucerna has like 11 grams of protein and boost has 16 grams. Opti has 22 grams, so I'm encourages to also have protein drinks for snacks.

I was told the drink solution is quite a bit more expensive then the opti. When you calculate that you are allowed 4 meals a day, 3 which are drinks and one cooked - plus snack(s) - you are looking at at least 6 drinks (1 package) every 2 days. The cheapest boost I found was at walmart at 10.97/pack. For 21 days you need 11 packages. that is about $137. I got some glucerna too, for a change, at $9.99/pack (11.30 with tax) on sale. Regular glucerna is $13.99 in the places I looked (walmart shaves .02 cents off that).

Then there is the protein powder you need for the snacks, I got a case of premier protein from costco, call that $30 with tax, and the meals you will need to make for the week.  the last 2 days you are asked to do pureed soups for meals, the ones I got were the no additive kind, cost $3.00/each. I got six (pre post-op shopping). When you add in the cost of yogurt, cheese, veggies, meat for the 1 meal a day it's not much of a savings over the opti, especially with the price of produce these days.

I don't know if this is something that they will allow you to do without cause - because it's not as controlled as opti. My diet is 1100-1200 a day, Opti is only 900 so it's not as restrictive, but it is boring. Days of drinking your meals gets dull, but sure makes it easy to get going fast in the am :)

I think that being on opti would be better for the less calories and higher protein, but I'm ok with going the alternate way. I would stick with opti if I could.

This is the info for opti

PER PREPARED 340 mL SERVING (54 g POWDER)
	Vanilla	Chocolate
Energy	225 (940)	225 (940)	Cal (kj)
Protein	22.5	22.5	g
Fat	7.5	7.5	g
Linoleic Acid	1.9	1.9	g
Linolenic Acid	0.35	0.35	g
Saturates	0.8	0.9	g
Carbohydrate	16.8	16.8	g
Aspartame	61	71	mg
Sodium	650	650	mg
Potassium	740	740	mg
Biotin	0.025	0.025	mg
Copper	.55	.55	mg
Manganese	1.1	1.1	mg
Selenium	0.011	0.011	mg
Chromium	0.011	0.011	mg
Molybdenum	0.022	0.022	mg
Chloride	415	415	mg
Choline	25	25	mg

here is Boost

Here’s some of the great nourishment patients get with each 237 mL serving of BOOST Diabetic:
Vitamins and minerals	28
Carbohydrates	16 g
Protein	16 g
Fat	7 g
Calcium	350 mg
Vitamin D	100 IU
Full nutritional information
Energy	190 Kcal/795 kJ
Polyunsaturates	1.4 g
Linoleic acid	1.2 g
Linolenic acid	0.3 g
Monounsaturates	3.4 g
Saturates	1.0 g
Cholesterol	10 mg
Sodium	180 mg
Potassium	70 mg
Phosphorus	300 mg
Magnesium	40 mg
Iron	4.5 mg
Zinc	4.5 mg
Iodine	0.038 mg
Vitamin A	500 IU
Vitamin B6	1.0 mg
Vitamin B12	0.003 mg
Vitamin C	102 mg
Vitamin E	60 IU
Vitamin K	0.032 mg
Thiamine	0.38 mg
Riboflavin	0.43 mg
Niacin	5 mg
Pantothenate	2.5 mg
Folic Acid	0.200 mg
Manganese	0.7 mg
Copper	0.5 mg
Selenium	0.018 mg
Chloride	200 mg
Biotin	0.075 mg
Chromium	0.060 mg
Molybdenum	0.019 mg
Choline	50 mg

Is opti lactose based? I normally dont eat alot of dairy because I get the .......tmi. Is that what you mean by allergic?

 Opti is lactose free I am lactose intolerant and brought that concern to my nut when it was given to me..I was on it for 2 weeks with no issues

Ottawa is very strict with their Optifast, so I would be surprised if they allowed Boost instead.  Too bad Optifast is not covered too!