**Keeps on working, and working, and working**
Written: Jun 18 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Quick, no choice, weight loss plan
Cons: Cost, Eventually need to go back on food
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| msilvermare's Full Review: Optifast Program |
When my knee became so painful that I was forced to see my doctor, I knew he would say something about my weight. It has be creeping--no, actually galloping,up--to an unacceptable level. I finally broke down and saw my doctor, and warned him first not to mention my weight at all, just look at the knee.
Well, when the doctor and X-ray said arthritis, I knew the weight was now a major problem. He suggested that I try the Optifast Program that is provided through the education department at the HMO to which I belong. I reluctantly agreed, I was so desperate. Remember, to lose weight you must exercise, but if you have arthritis, even walking is extremely painful. You can't win!
I had to attend an orientation meeting and sign a waiver warning that my hair might fall out, I might become constipated, or worse yet, die, though they reassured us that no one had died yet. They also explained that they use a newer version which allows 5 shakes a day, each shake containing 160 calories. Do the math--800 calories a day, total.
You are required to undergo pre diet EKG and lab work to see if you are physically fit to go on such a strict diet.
The regime or program consists of a weekly one hour meeting which has a focus or topic of discussion based on the 15 week notebook that Optifast provides. The leader of our group is wonderful. I truly think that that is what makes or breaks the program. No guilt, no lectures, just a genuinely concerned educator who wants you to focus on the good and bad in your life and decide how to make it more good and let go of the bad.
I began around March 15 of this year. In April, I went to San Francisco, and confess I ate the soourdough bread, the clam chowder, the crabs, you name it, I ate it. Even Ghiradeli chocolate. When I came back, I resumed the program.
I have gone off the program a few times. But, as of today, after three months, I have lost 40 pounds. My blood pressure has come down to normal. My knee, unfortunately, still hurts.
The diet is a totally restrictive diet. All you can eat are chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry shakes. Luckily, they have been recently reformulated and taste great. There is no feeling of hunger. If I break the diet, it is because I want a taste of something. I am required to check my potassium level every two weeks and after 15 weeks, you have to repeat many of the blood tests. I have not lost any hair, thank goodness, just weight--and more than two dress sizes. Even my panties are too big!
If you strictly follow the program and drink the recommended 100 ounces of water you will lose 2 to 4 pounds a week. It is recommended that you also engage in an exercise program to speed up up your metabolism.
For someone who has a lot of weight to lose, and wants to do it in a hurry--prior to surgery, or for health reason, this is a simple diet to follow. No cooking, shopping, food preparing. Simply throw a shake, water, ice in a blender, whir, and you have lunch--or dinner, or snack. I recommend it for those who are quite overweight with more than 40 pounds to lose.
I had originally intended to go on Weight Watchers after I lost 50 pounds. Now I am not so sure. I will wait and lose some more. When I get totally bored, I will change. As for now, I am extremely happy with my results.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
msilvermare
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Member: Margaret Silver
Location: Orange County, California
Reviews written: 80
Trusted by: 42 members
About Me:
I am a special education teacher and educational therapist at a middle school.
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