Optifast dieter in need of support

MzzAmbitious
MzzAmbitious Posts: 15 Member
in Introduce Yourself
Greetings All!!

Today I am starting the Optifast diet and am looking to connect with individuals who are on the same or similar diet. Optifast is a medical supervised diet where I am permitted to consume up to 1250 calories per day. 3 of my meals will be Optifast meals (breakfast, lunch, and snack) and 2 of my meals will be "regular" food (snack and dinner). If you've ever been on a similar diet and have any advice to share, please connect with me! I've struggled with losing weight in the past because I've tried doing it alone. I am hoping that being a part of the community will help me stick to this plan!

Replies

  • concordancia
    concordancia Posts: 5,320 Member
    Just to warn you, there isn't much love for this kind of diet around here. Most people prefer to eat food and build healthy habits.

    I am glad to hear you are doing a medically supervised version and your calorie intake sounds reasonable!
  • TwinkiesNKetchup
    TwinkiesNKetchup Posts: 76
    I'm not on the optifast diet but I'd be happy to be a cheerleader for you. Best of luck. Patty
  • MzzAmbitious
    MzzAmbitious Posts: 15 Member
    Concordancia, I love food too, which is why I told the doctor that I would not do well on this diet if I had to only consume Optifast foods for the entire day. Do you have any other diets you could suggest? My whole goal is to simply find something that will work and will stay off.

    Wehrlip, thanks for the support! Are you on any type of diet and if so, would you mind sharing your information with me?
  • concordancia
    concordancia Posts: 5,320 Member
    Concordancia, I love food too, which is why I told the doctor that I would not do well on this diet if I had to only consume Optifast foods for the entire day. Do you have any other diets you could suggest? My whole goal is to simply find something that will work and will stay off.

    To get started, I read the South Beach Diet, but I only followed it closely for the first week or so to help adjust away from lots of breads and baked goods. Now veggies and lean proteins form the base of my diet, with some fruit and whole grains.
  • KristineW78
    KristineW78 Posts: 42 Member
    I think one good thing about starting off with this diet is that it provides hope and motivation. Once you learn which foods are healthy and good, start to incorporate that in to your own agenda so that it really becomes an awareness and you change your lifestyle instead of just a programmed thing. The recipe section here and asking people what they eat/their favorites are will help with variety too! :)
  • yoyonomore55
    yoyonomore55 Posts: 350 Member
    I used Optifast for a 4 month period to start a medically supervised diet 2 years ago. I slowly transitioned to eating all healthy food. I lost over 70 pounds and have kept it off. For me, it was a way to re-set my eating habits. My doctor is awesome- We combined working with a nutritionist , adding in exercise, and learning how to eat only when hungry. I still log daily and learned that this has to be a life-style change. I am 57, healthier and stronger than I have ever been.

    Good luck on your journey.
  • MzzAmbitious
    MzzAmbitious Posts: 15 Member
    Thank you all for the tips and advice! I truly appreciate it! I am going to look into them all and figure out what works best.
  • MzzAmbitious
    MzzAmbitious Posts: 15 Member
    Also, congratulations to you all on your success! Looking at what you've lost is inspiring!
  • Jayme34
    Jayme34 Posts: 160 Member
    Hi there,
    I started optifast on Feb.27 and i have lost 9 lbs so far. I have 4 optifast shakes per day and then 1 cup of soup broth per day and also decaf coffee tea and water flavoured with crystal light and mio. I am in canada and its called the optifast 900 plan. I am having gastric bypass on March 13 and optifast helps to shrink your liver for surgery.

    The thing that is helping me the most is caffeine free herbal teas and also sugar free "torani" syrups to add some extra flavour to the shakes since i only bought vanilla and chocolate. Other than feeling tired, i feel pretty good. Good luck to you too!
  • somi77
    somi77 Posts: 6
    Hello - so glad I found this board - I started on Optifast this past Friday (3/15). Nothing else seemed to work so far so I thought I would give this a try. It is expensive - but thankfully I can afford it as a short term plan.
    I am on an Optitrim plan where I have 4 Optifast products a day and one meal - to a total of 1000 -1200 calories a day. My doctor told me I can eat as much raw vegetables as I want.
    So far its been good - I was really really hungry and had headaches on Friday and Saturday, but have been much better after that.
  • Gaurris
    Gaurris Posts: 1
    I just joined and I have been struggling to lose weight to prepare for Weight Loss Surgery. Sounds silly to loss weight to loss weight but it is a requirement of the Ontario program. Optifast is the product I will be on before surgery, so I think it is a good product since it has been selected by Bariatric Specialist.
  • iceychips
    iceychips Posts: 1 Member
    I started Optifast yesterday. I needed change and I feel that this is the best thing for me to relearn healthy eating and portion control. I struggle with Hashimotos and a few other autoimmune issues so giving this a try first and then eventually going organic and raw is my goal. Day 2 and I am learning that Strawberry shakes and Yogurt Bars are nasty :))) I cannot stand the taste of vitamins. I am trying to still get to my goal of 1 gallon of water a day but that is really hard. I need support as well.
  • jdaniels9
    jdaniels9 Posts: 1
    I will start optifast tomorrow. I'm nervous that I will miss food soo much! I will be on 4 shakes and 1 bar a day (i cant tolerate some of the ingredients in the soup). I have 20-30 pounds to lose, depending on which doctor I ask. Any and all advice and support appreciated!
  • bbottas
    bbottas Posts: 1 Member
    Hi there, my name is Brenda. I live in Canada. The Optifast program in Canada doesn't have the variety of the USA programs. We have vanilla shakes and chocolate shakes. I've entered the program twice this past year. I started at 404 lbs and am down over 130lbs. In 6 months with less than 20 people in my group we lost a total of 1019.8 lbs. ;) The program works people, you just have to be dedicated to it. My program included 16 weeks of shakes alone and then 6 weeks of transition from shakes to food ( healthy menus provided to follow ), then a stabilization period. Every week included a doctors visit, a one hour class on diet or behavior modification, and a one hour exercise program. I have tried everything out there and Optifast is a winner. Unfortunately, the Dr who has directed the program since 1986 is retiring, so it will no longer be available in its current form. I formed an Optifast Alberta Patient Initiative to encourage our Primary Care Network to continue the program. We could sure use your support. We have a Petition going that you can sign if you'd like to help us(after signing a request for donation pops up for iPetitions but is not required, just close at that point unless you wish to donate). Please help us! We also ave a Facebook page that we're trying to build into a forum for Optifast support and discussion. I'll put the links in this post. We'd sure appreciate your support.

    "Optifast Alberta Patient Initiative"
    http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/optifast-alberta-patient-initiative/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=system&utm_campaign=Send+to+Friend

    https://www.facebook.com/pages/Optifast-Alberta-Patient-Initiative/632776946748843?ref=ts&fref=ts
  • mysticden
    mysticden Posts: 1
    I must begin the optifast program again. My husband is going on a business trip next week. That will be the ideal time for me. In the mean time I hope to stay on a low carb high protein plan. I need to work a plan not just to lose weight but also for sanity. I obsess over food and food thoughts if I have no plan of action. Like everyone else, I am not an island, I need others for support. I have tried to go it alone and it just doesn't work.
  • Sharleeneet
    Sharleeneet Posts: 6 Member
    On January 22, 2013 I turned 58 years old, I weighed 280 at 5'3" and shrinking. I made a decision to love longer than my parents and to do that I needed to lose weight. I started on an Optifast plan January 28th and so far I've lost about 40 pounds. I've cheated, binged and clawed my way back to sanity and 1200 calories per day. At first I just lost inches, no pounds and then Wham! a big chunk of pounds dropped off...then inches, then a few pounds...all the way to 40. I have a total of 115 pounds to lose, 40 gone and 75 to go. I just try to focus on 10 lb chunks, that makes it easier. When I hit 240 my goal was to get to 231, just small 9 or 10 pound chunks. Slow but steady.

    Lately something odd has happened. When a person asks me to go out to lunch and I decide to stay in and drink my Optifast...I get this very unusual euphoric feeling that is similar to runner's high. I really like that feeling! What I really like is buying new clothes that are two sizes smaller, and putting darts into my old jeans so they won't fall off, and punching another hole in my belt. I love the Optifast chocolate high protein shake and drink that each day around 3pm to get me through the evening.

    I try to log into this site every day...and I record every solitary thing I eat -- even the bad stuff. I wear a pedometer and keep track of my steps each day. Exercise has never been a priority in my life however it is moving up the ladder.

    To stop from obsessing on food I read stuff on this website, take the dog for a walk, call friends and if necessary just go to bed really early. Drinking water when I feel hungry has helped. Saying the serenity prayer helps too. Good luck to you!
  • Yovnee
    Yovnee Posts: 7
    Hi there - congratulations on your weight loss. I attend my 1st meeting on Wed! I will be 56 next month and am weighing in around 275. I hope I can do this!
  • Boomdalatty
    Boomdalatty Posts: 1
    Hi, I lost over 40 pounds in less than three months last winter. Over the last 1.5 years, I have gained back 30. I'm trying again (a modified version) with other shakes, foods, etc. The toughest part for me was the transition off of "only shakes". I found myself getting compulsive again....
    I don't want to go back to the clinic (their schedule is VERY inconvenient for me), so I'm hoping to build a support group through this website. Anyone else in my shoes?
  • Lennonluv2
    Lennonluv2 Posts: 956 Member
    Wayyy back in 1990 I lost 100 pounds on Optifast in only six months.

    Five shakes a day plus raw veggies. That was It. I kept the weight off for two years but then I gained it all back plus another 30.

    Over the years I have lost and gained the same 50 pounds....however these days I've got my eye on the prize and am going to get it done once and for all...counting calories and working out.

    Good luck to you, and to anyone who does the Optifast program, my only advice keep your Dr's appointments. If you're going to be on such a low intake being under a Dr's care is a must.
  • 2bawallaby
    2bawallaby Posts: 17
    Hi, congratulations on starting the program. I, like some others before me have mentioned, had the Optifast for three weeks prior to having gastric sleeve surgery on 17 April 2013. In Australia we get the coffee, chocolate, vanilla and strawberry flavours, and also lemon and chocolate dessert. For my 'meals' I ate a medley of roast vegetables. Whatever vegetables I had (usually cauliflower, broccoli, carrot, zucchini, capsicum, punnet of grape tomatoes, garlic cloves, onion), drizzled with some garlic flavoured olive oil, baked in the oven for 30-40 minutes, then put some balsamic vinegar on them, bake for another 10 minutes. Can I tell you it is divine!!! Even after my surgery I did this and pureed it all. Now that I am on soft food, I still eat it. I think it has to be one of my favourite things to eat. I did not have potatoes or corn or other vegies that are high in carbohydrates.

    Give that a go if you like. I love it!!!:love:
  • medicvaldez
    medicvaldez Posts: 42 Member
    I had to use it and hated it, fasting will make you lose weight but it doesn't fix the problem in your head...I only say this because you said you can't stick to a program. i've been there. I even had the lap band and ate myself through it so i had it deflated. Let me ask you this...once you reach a loss, and you are happy with your goal, what will prevent you from gaining it again? How many times have you lost and gained? We have issues with food and not having the power to respect it to nurish us, instead it's a crutch and we abuse it.
    when you say if someone has a suggestion on what to eat are you serious? if so, i can give you a billion ways to lose and have your back on good days and bad. optifast is EXPENSIVE, tastes like crap, and yeah it works, but for how long???
    i was just about 300 lbs started eating right excercising researching everything on why I ws failing then lost a **** ton of weight the right way, it sucks, it's hard but i feel so much better for figuring out what my issues were. I started MFP to track my intake and my macros and found so much support here its amazing!! i lost my first MFP pound this week and want to help anyone reach their goal while i reach mine. i've been on all the diets...but you know what...I finally found the "plan" that works and that is feeding your body!!! Great yummy fresh amazing FOODS!!! and my body loves me for it.
    I won't say it can't work because for some it can, but let me ask you this...have you ever made the right choices and stuck with them or have you given up before you ever tried. trying is more than a few months seeing seccess then quitting, it's giving 100% all the time because you love yourself and know you deserve it. Just my opinion but if i can lose 70ish pounds, get rid of insulin injections and eat my way through turkey burgers and sweet potato fries, I'd take it anyday over a shake.
    Good luck friend, add me if you'd like,
  • GeekAmour
    GeekAmour Posts: 262
    I had to use it and hated it, fasting will make you lose weight but it doesn't fix the problem in your head...I only say this because you said you can't stick to a program. i've been there. I even had the lap band and ate myself through it so i had it deflated. Let me ask you this...once you reach a loss, and you are happy with your goal, what will prevent you from gaining it again? How many times have you lost and gained? We have issues with food and not having the power to respect it to nurish us, instead it's a crutch and we abuse it.
    when you say if someone has a suggestion on what to eat are you serious? if so, i can give you a billion ways to lose and have your back on good days and bad. optifast is EXPENSIVE, tastes like crap, and yeah it works, but for how long???
    i was just about 300 lbs started eating right excercising researching everything on why I ws failing then lost a **** ton of weight the right way, it sucks, it's hard but i feel so much better for figuring out what my issues were. I started MFP to track my intake and my macros and found so much support here its amazing!! i lost my first MFP pound this week and want to help anyone reach their goal while i reach mine. i've been on all the diets...but you know what...I finally found the "plan" that works and that is feeding your body!!! Great yummy fresh amazing FOODS!!! and my body loves me for it.
    I won't say it can't work because for some it can, but let me ask you this...have you ever made the right choices and stuck with them or have you given up before you ever tried. trying is more than a few months seeing seccess then quitting, it's giving 100% all the time because you love yourself and know you deserve it. Just my opinion but if i can lose 70ish pounds, get rid of insulin injections and eat my way through turkey burgers and sweet potato fries, I'd take it anyday over a shake.
    Good luck friend, add me if you'd like,

    This. A thousand times this. So much nicer & more eloquent than what I wanted to post.

    tumblr_lks6fzJvuF1qhfyv3o1_400.gif
  • medicvaldez
    medicvaldez Posts: 42 Member
    LOL thx :bigsmile: all intended with love xoxo
  • mcdermka
    mcdermka Posts: 17 Member
    I used Optifast for a 4 month period to start a medically supervised diet 2 years ago. I slowly transitioned to eating all healthy food. I lost over 70 pounds and have kept it off. For me, it was a way to re-set my eating habits. My doctor is awesome- We combined working with a nutritionist , adding in exercise, and learning how to eat only when hungry. I still log daily and learned that this has to be a life-style change. I am 57, healthier and stronger than I have ever been.

    Good luck on your journey.

    I too am 57 and struggling... thanks for the inspiration!

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