LuvShihTzus

A few other things I forgot to mention: Be careful mixing the Optifast with sodas and using a Magic Bullet. Some sodas are more carbonated than others, and we had the top explode off of the Magic Bullet while mixing one with Diet Root Beer. A blender works better because there is more room for expansion. Also, if you try the Tomato Soup, be sure to mix the powder with room temperature Water first and then microwave it to heat it up. If you mix it with hot water to begin with it will clump up on you and it is not very good. We also added a little seasoning to the soup to jazz it up a bit. We would also add some flavored extracts to some of the drinks. For example, we would mix the chocolate powder with diet cream soda and add a few drops of coconut extract. Good Luck! Cindy

I am not sure what the "HP" is, but I was on the Optifast diet for 14 days before my surgery back in June '07. I wasn't sure I could make it through two weeks either but I surprised myself. I lost 22 pounds in the two weeks. I did buy more vanilla than anything and mixed it with ice and diet soda (before soda became a no-no). I particularly liked it mixed with orange or root beer. I also had a choice of Garden Tomato soup in the Optifast. It became a treat for me. I still buy some occasionally to keep my protein up. My surgeon's office let it slip (not the surgeon) that it was okay to eat carrots, celery, and berries during the time when it was the toughest. I don't know how "legal" that is for most surgeons, but it made it easier to get through. My sister was banded two months later and used the same philosophy. She lost 17 pounds during the phase. I wish you luck. I am sure you will be happy you did it and it will be a distant memory soon. Take care! Cindy

Gidget just turned 1 this month. She's a bit spoiled, but she deserves it!

Oh, WASA, I wasn't ignoring you. I had been reading this thread before I left work yesterday and left it up. This thread is HI-LARE-EE-US! I have gotten many great tips from this board over the last few months, but this one just makes me laugh. Shih Tzus are by far the cutest dogs ever (with the possible exception of Yorkies). Love your little dog bed, but my baby has to sleep in my bed. SHIH TZUS RULE!!!!! Cindy