Not a way of life, but it helps the morbidly obese save their own life!
Written: Jan 17 '02
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Product Rating:
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| Helpfulness of Suport |
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Pros: Fast weight loss, no physical hunger, shakes convenient & tast great!
Cons: Some say it's expensive, but my insurance covered the costs.
The Bottom Line: The Optifast Program is a puzzle with five pieces: Fasting, Medical Supervision, Classes; Exercise; Water. If any one of the five pieces are missing, success is not assured.
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| heyred's Full Review: Optifast Program |
Many of the reviews here appear to have been written reviewing the "old" Optifast program (i.e., Oprah,1986).
Optifast has changed, for the better. I know - I have been on it twice. Once when I was 18 and my parents made me do it - I was not ready to change my eating habits, so I didn't (and regained the weight). In October 2001, my cardiologist gave me an ultimatum, and I returned to Optifast. To my utter delight, it has changed! And how! I met with my doctor once a week. Blood work every two weeks. EKG every four weeks - all without fail. These are critical steps!!
Now patients have the choice between powdered shakes and delicious ready-to-drink boxes, complete with straw. It sure made my busy life easier, and the boxes were not as obvious as a huge shaker would have been. And now they are delicious - no kidding! Chocolate, Vanilla and Strawberry flavors - Chocolate and Strawberry are my favorites. Optifast now also has a cream of chicken soup - not bad, just make sure to mix really well (I use a blender). Perfect when you want a hot meal. Food bars are now on the menu as well, if you want! The chocolate food bars are incredible! They also have peanut butter bars and apple/cinnamon. These really helped me when I wanted to chew.
I never cheated during the 12 weeks - why spend the money if you're going to cheat? Yes, you have to go back on food after 12 weeks. But during the 12 week fast, go to the classes and keep the materials as reference - you will read and re-read them! The diet is not the answer to losing weight. Those who think it was only to lose weight are missing the point entirely. The 12 week fast is to shrink your stomach *and* see that you *can* lose weight. I lost 43 pounds during the 12 week program and continue to lose during the "refeeding" process. I am more aware of food choices, product labels, and exercise because of the classes. I can now distinguish between physical hunger and mental (boredom) hunger. I have 50 pounds more to lose, then I will go on the maintenance phase for a year. I am already far more successful this time around than when I was 18.
During the 12 weeks, I also made sure that I followed the doctor's orders with 2-3 quarters of water each and every day, and taking a multi-vitamin every morning. I exercised every day, slowly at first and then building upwards as I felt that I had acclimated to my routine. Most of the people I speak with who failed after the 12 weeks messed up on one of the essential components: food choices; water; exercise.
This is NOT a diet, and then you can go back to your "old life" and old way of eating. Optifast is what you do when your life depends of changing your entire life, your entire outlook on food. Unless you are ready to make these changes, pass on Optifast.
Recommended:
Yes
Approximate Monthly Cost (US$) 400.00
Food Variety Restrictions A short list of allowed foods
Restrictiveness of Portions Satisfying
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Epinions.com ID:
heyred
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Reviews written: 2
Trusted by: 1 member
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