I also started Optifast yesterday (5/6/2016). This is my second go around. I was very successful the first time losing 50 lbs. That was in 2012. Unfortunately over the last several years I've put it all back with a few more to spare. Life sort of kind in the way. I'm determined to make it stick this time! I have huge health concerns as well, as my cholesterol and triglycerides are high, and my A1c makes me pre-diabetic. I'm on day 2 and so far so good.

Hi Everyone,
I started Optifast through Kaiser on Jan 19,2016 at 223lbs and 5'7". I just finished 17 weeks of Optifast and began transitioning and had my first "real food" meal last night, 3 oz of chicken breast and asparagus for a total of 230 cals. I have battled weight my entire adult life, losing and regaining. After seeing my lab results in Jan and noting that I was prediabetic that was enough to push me to completely committing to this program. I was already on a blood pressure pill. I did not want to be a victim to the effects of diabetes.

I've had 6 Optifast meals/day for a total of 960 cals for the last 17 weeks. I 100% committed to this program. I never once ate off plan. When the delicious smells of food came my way, I just reminded myself of why I was doing this and how I felt when I stepped on the scale each week and saw the progress towards my goal. That was enough motivation for me. I have a husband that I still made meals for from time to time but he and my friends and family have been very supportive. I went out to restaurants and events but planned so that I took the Optifast soup with me or I ate a bar or shake before going and then just enjoyed the company over a glass of diet soda or coffee. I did not want to isolate myself because I know the real world is out there and I needed to learn how to have it in my life and not make my life all about food. I have sat through many nice meals with my friends and family and incorporated my food plan into it and survived and felt good about it.

It comes down to making yourself #1 and remembering that life is just a series of choices and the choices you make effect the outcome. Attending the classes weekly gives support and new friendships. It really helps to share and open up to others. The medical management gives you the real numbers of what your body is doing and is just another way to see your progress.

So, here is where I'm at now. As of 5/10/16 I weighed in at 180 for a total loss of 43 pounds in 17 weeks of full meal replacement products and not straying from plan. I went from a size 18 to nearly a 12. I am happy to say that I am off ALL medication with a normal blood pressure. I just had fasting labs done and I am hoping that the A1c has come down to normal. The doctors seem to think the will.

My goal for activity was 10000 steps per day but you set that yourself and I made that about half the time. Some in my class who had physical difficulty had goals of just getting in 100 more steps than the day before. You set your own goals that are realistic and try to do better each day. Some days you are successful and some days not but you don't stop trying to reach the goal completely. Just start over.

I have had no adverse side effects with Optifast and have used this time to learn about myself. I am not one who enjoys cooking or being in the kitchen so I have had to put lots of thought into how I will plan and prepare meals because eating out and fast food was a staple for me. I have bought an Air Fryer which I just love and it is quick and easy. If I'm cooking it has to be simple. I'm happy with chicken and asparagus for now. Over the next few weeks we will drop a meal replacement and add a "real food" meal at around 250 cals each to start revving up our metabolism to continue to lose weight.

I wish all of you the best on your weight loss plan. Optifast works as do most plans IF you commit 100% and remember why you are doing it, remind yourself of your goal, savor the positive effects and learn from the not so positive effects. Thank you for creating this group. I look forward to being a part of it as I transition into the world of "real food".

I finished week 1 with a 7 lb weight loss. I realize a good share of it was water but I'm really, really happy to see the scale move! I'm part of an Optifast cohort which really helps and we talk about our challenges and goals. Have a great week everyone!

Hello. Looks like people aren't very active here but thought I would check in anyway. I have just completed my first month of the program. I have had some ups and downs first sure. 1 week in Florida didn't help my progress ended up gaining 8 lbs. But all said and done I am down 16.1 lbs from starting optifast. 41.6 lbs since the first of the year. My goal for the next month is to buckle down and work toward a weight of 180lbs. Fingers crossed!!