Hi Cris,
LOL, what a catchy thread title.
I am not on Optifast now, but I have done the programme successfully, losing 60+ pounds and keeping it off for close to a year, without eating the family Saint Bernard.
I later regained, and I'd be happy to discuss that with you if you PM me. I hope they are providing you with regular education/support sessions along with the shakes. We were told the first 2-4 days were the hardest, until the ketones build up in your system. They are natural appetite suppressants that show up because of (if I remember correctly) the low calorie level. I found things easier after Day 3.
You CAN do this. For this programme, tho', I highly encourage you to become a little selfish. For example, if you can't handle sitting at the table at mealtimes, drinking your shake while they eat, then get hubby to handle them whenever he is there. For the first couple weeks, I would grab a book and go sit outside in the sunshine, reading, while they ate at the table inside, or even once the odours of meal prep began to hang in the air.
Do what you need to do to support yourself, and insist your family support you as well.
I also learned to make my shakes with a bit of instant coffee added (allowable within the programme). Good in the vanilla, but
awesome in the chocolate!
Ti'an