Since there are two new people starting Optifast this month, I thought I'd check in and let you know how it's gone for me. (This forum doesn't appear to be active--there's an Optifast support group on FB that is active)
I started Optifast on January 10, 2018. I was on the 'full fast' (5 products, 800 calories) for 5 months, with the exception of one week of vacation when I had 3 meal replacements and 1 meal each day. After 5 months, I slowly transitioned to one meal per day and kept at that for most of the rest of the calendar year. I didn't make any slips at all during the first 5 months. I lost about 50 lbs in that time frame. Since then, I still haven't gone back to eating 3 meals per day. I've gone through short periods where I've just gone totally off the rails, food wise, and then come back within a week or so. The holidays were particularly bad for me. I've been back on full fast for the month of January to undo the holidays and to get myself mentally back on track. February 1, I'll transition to one meal per day again (dinner), and March 1, I intend to start having breakfast most days. I know that going back to regular food is going to be very difficult.
As for results, I've lost 80 lbs since January 2018. I look great. I feel great. My cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure, and blood sugar have all improved. I am diabetic and my A1C has dropped to a good level--while taking less medication. I have way more energy and am more mobile. I've been able to do more things (woodworking, home repair, decorating) that require getting up and down from the floor. I am about 7 lbs from my goal weight, which is a BMI of 30. That's still overweight, but no longer obese, and as I said, I feel great.
My program is very supportive. It's a 2 year program, with weekly classes. I see the doctor regularly and can see the dietitian as needed. I'll be scheduling an appointment with her soon, since I am going to have to start planning meals.
I didn't find Optifast full fast difficult, but transition to food has been challenging for me. I am motivated to keep this weight off, though, so I'm going to fight through it--it's just a different kind of fight.
Let me know if you have any questions.
--Beth
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