Anyone else have 4 weeks of OPTIFAST?

I've been reading post after post from every forum for days and I've only read of one other person having to be on OPTIFAST for more then the average 2/3 weeks.

I am also wondering why there is such a varying set of rules of what you can have while on OPTIFAST, I have no intentions of having anything outside of what I was told I could have which are 1 cup of broth, OR one sugar free popcycle/day decaf tea or coffee and crystal light.

I knew this phase wasn't going to be the easiest and so far I'm quite proud of myself, I went out for lunch with my daughter and  my friend and while they ate lunch I sipped on water and crunched on ice, I've learned to ignore the very loud stomach noises lol What I'm struggling with is the muscle aches, the headaches, not being able to sleep and the fact I can't get on my treadmill for 45 min without feeling like I'm going to vomit or pass out. 

12 shakes down and only 100 more to go!

Different hospitals allow for different things.  Just keep to the plan.  The four weeks will pass by quickly, but it is boring.  These feelings will get better.  Promise

Thank you for the encouragement Deb007, I appreciate it. As I said I have no intention of consuming anything outside my given plan, just curiosity got to me and I don't understand why it isn't the same all across the board. I understand perhaps a difference when talking plans between Canada and the USA, but differences between local hospitals is puzzling.

Don't try figuring out the different centres as it is impossible. the amount of time on opti depends on your weight and liver. i had a friend who had 7 weeks. just hang in. soon hunger and symptoms will pass. 

I've heard that it depends on your pre-surgery weight. Make sure you check back often for encouragement!

Hi daizymom, 

thanks for the reply, I had also heard it goes by weight, I am on the the lower end of 300. I had a friend who was 360 and was only put on it for 3 weeks. I was just curious is all, yesterday was by far the worst day but I made it through and finally slept last night and feel so much better today! I appreciate all the encouragement out there. Yesterday I found French vanilla extract and today my morning shake was like having an icecap. I added a 1/2 a teaspoon of instant decaf coffee and a 1/4 teaspoon of extract, it was actually yummy!

That does seem like a long time.  What hospital are you at?

Hi daizymom, 

My surgery will be at St Mikes. My friend had hers done at Toronto Western as well, I believe that's where you are going too.

Yes, when I finally get to have surgery, it will be at TWH. :)

Instant decaf??? Brilliant!! I've got another few weeks before I start it but that was a great idea!

I've got all sorts of extracts, but the instant is just great!

Thanks for the idea!