You will have told you how long you need to follow this diet before surgery. This depends on your personal treatment plan.
Make sure you have 4 Optifast packets each day. Do not drink less than 4 Optifast a day as this can result in muscle loss and poor healing after surgery. Mix 1 packet with at least 300 ml (11⁄4 cups) of cold water. You can add ice cubes if you like. Shake well or blend in a blender. Drink at least 2 litres (8 cups) of fluid each day including the Optifast amounts.
Drink sugar-free, calorie-free beverages that are non-carbonated, including:
You can also eat up to a total of 500 ml (2 cups) a day of the following vegetables while taking Optifast. These are the ONLY vegetables you can eat:
You can use a small amount (1 tablespoon or 15 ml) of calorie-free dressing with your vegetables if you like. You cannot eat any other solid foods while you are taking Optifast.
You may add any of the following to your Optifast to change the flavour:
If may need help adjusting your diabetes medications while on Optifast
Sometimes, people have constipation or diarrhoea while taking Optifast. This is mostly related to the low amount of fibre found in the product.
If you have constipation, try increasing your liquids up to 3 litres (12 cups) each day. You can also try using a fibre supplement such as Benefibre or Metamucil capsules. Use the sugar-free versions of these products. Start with the lowest dose and follow the instructions on the label, up to the maximum daily dose. If you still have constipation, you can also use medications for constipation such as Colace, Senekot or milk of magnesia.
If you have diarrhoea, it is still important to drink at least 2 litres (8 cups) of fluids daily. Using a fibre supplement such as Benefibre or Metamucil capsules can also help with diarrhoea. Use the sugar-free versions of these products. Start with the lowest dose and follow the instructions on the label, up to the maximum daily dose.
