Question:
I'm desperate

I have to lose more weight, I recently purchased Optifast. I plan to drink two shakes per day and eat a sensible meal(like, fish,poultry and salad. Do you think this will help? Has anyone else tried optifast, or am I crazy for even trying? I always swore that I would never diet again, but I'm 14 mos post and want to lose another 30 or 40 pounds. Any words of advice are appreciated.    — Rebe W. (posted on December 4, 2002)

December 4, 2002
I can only recommend that you talk to your doctor first...our bodies are alot different now, so not sure if its ok or not to do that. Do remember that dieting is a vicious circle of losing weight, then gaining it back then some...it could happen here too. I know that probably doesn't help much, but I do wish you the best of luck in getting that weight off!
   — thekatinthehat

December 4, 2002
Rebe, I tried the optifast diet back in the early 80's. I lost almost 80 pounds which came right back on. I was on the 3 drink a day 800 calorie version. I was constipated after about three days. I had to replace one liquid with their fiber bars. Mine was doctor supervised, and I had to go to their gym 3 times a week. After three months I was so miserable I had to get off it. You can't stay on it for long and keep your sanity.
   — Janis D.

December 4, 2002
boy you sound just like me. i am16 mos post op and have 20 more to go. I am also eating carbs as liquids and most meats are still hard to handle. HOWEVER, if i would, i would probably be at goal. I haven;t exercise in a month, and it is foolish of me. It makes such a difference in losing and toning. I am thinking about buying Trim Spa. I think that I am taking W-A-Y too many liberties and wonder if we're needing a little readjustment in our commitment to this heavenly procedure. Good Luck.- Michelle
   — michelle R.

December 4, 2002
Have you tried real protein shakes? The kind you can make with water? No milk, no sugar?
   — vitalady

December 4, 2002
I'm 16 months post op and now have 16 more lbs until my personal goal. I've reached the goal set by my surgeon. I've been following Slim fast...a little high in sugar..but I'm doing OK with it. I've been on it since this past weekend and I'm down a lb already. As of this morning I'm literally half the person I used to be...woooohoooo. I don't know much about Optifast...but I believe it's the same concept as Slim Fast...high nutrient meal replacement drinks? I'd go for it...to be *so* close to thin...Best wishes to ya!! -Kim open RNY 7/17/01 -141 lbs
   — KimBo36

December 4, 2002
I can imagine how frustrated you must feel. But I have to say, of all the diets I tried over the years, personally, I found Optifast to be the biggest rip-off I experienced. It was horribly expensive because it was supposedly "doctor-supervised" (which meant a lot of unnecessary bloodwork was done, every week!, as part of the fee). Plus, even the powder was costly. Worst of all, I gained my weight back from Optifast more quickly than any other diet scheme I tried, hands down! I'd also add my voice to Michelle's (below). A regular protein shake (with water) -- one you can stand or even grow to like! -- would probably be a better buy than Optifast, could become part of your permanent daily eating plan, and might even help curb your appetite (mine usually helps with that). Good luck with whatever method you find to help you kick off those last pounds! And congrats on your weight loss so far.
   — Suzy C.

December 4, 2002
I think before I would go on another diet I would take a look at what you are eating now. Maybe you can cut out some carbs and replace them with some protein. How about exercise? Start taking a walk or if it's cold where you live, buy an exercise video. These so called diet scams have been getting rich off of overweight people for years. Try and lose the extra pounds by changing what you may be overeating and incorporating a little exercise in your daily routine. Good luck!
   — Kim B.

December 4, 2002
I tried Optifast a few years ago--quite expensive if I remember correctly. I also bought the supplements which made me so jittery that I had to stop them or not drive anymore! My pcp was not impressed with my decision to try Optifast at all, in fact, she insisted that I stop using it as soon as I told her about it! I did not lose any weight but my husband's coworker lost over 100 lbs in about 5-6 months. After the initial 100 lbs his weight loss came to a screaching hault, I believe he's gained the weight back at this point. I know a lot of women who are about as far out as you with the same amount left to lose, some have lost a considerable amount of weight due to plastic surgery, like the removal of the pannis, extra fat, etc..is this something you have yet to do or are you lucky and not in need of excess skin removal? I know a lot of people also try Pilates, Curves for Women and 24 Hour Fitness (they have personalized trainers) to help lose the few extra pounds! Good luck!
   — jenn2002