Conference rocks::weight_control

455.0. "Opti Fast Medical Problems..." by SHARE::LUPIS () Wed May 17 1989 19:00

    I am new to the weight loss notes file but felt I had to share my
    story about Opti Fast.  I am one of the people who has had a horrible
    experience from this diet.  Like everyone else who wants to lose
    weight easy, I heard of Optifast and decided to attend the orientation
    program.  At the time, I was appx. 35lbs overweight.  I attended
    the orientation with great interest.  I did however wonder if they
    would accept me into the program where I did not meet the minimum
    weight requirment.  Very eager, I signed up because of space
    limitations.  I did not have a regular physician, therefore the
    hospital (Walthham/Weston) refered me to a physician at there hospital.
    On my visit, I was not weighed or measured in anyway.  Just a general
    discussion.  He signed a letter (requirment) stating I would be
    a good candidate for the program.  I was excited that help may be
    on the way.  I looked at the program in terms of therapy.  During
    orientation you are provided with a list of the "staff member" which
    was very impressive.  
         I was accepted and started my fast on December 1, 1988.  During
    the 12 weeks of fast, I was very disappointed by the level of
    education of our so called "behavorist".  She was not on the "staff"
    list that had been provided during orientation. I enquired to find
    out that she was just a social worker and had never been involved
    with a weight loss program.  I was a little upset but did not let
    that stop me.  Still determined and adhereing to the program, I
    got sick during the 12 weeks of fast.  Needless to say, our so called
    physician was no where to be found for two days!  I was getting
    thin and didn't need to lose any more weight. I couldn't keep anything
    in and got scared because of my size and weekness.  I did recover
    with no help from the Doctor.  That upset me also.  This happened
    twice where my response was terrible.  But I kept thinking positive.
    During the fast, we only saw the physiologist once.  She just stood
    in the hall each week and didn't say a word unless you asked her
    a question.  I did not know what she was getting paid for!  Our
    nutritonist was not on the "staff" list either.  She needed a course
    in personality. 
         After the 12 week fast, food was introduced.  Thats where all
    my real problems started.  I statred to grow hairs on my arms, face
    and other places that was very abnormal.  I also did not menstrate
    during this time.  The Doctor assured me I was fine.  As I started
    into the food program, the first week I gained 5lbs back.  They
    said it was normal but I should not gain anymore.  Well, I did.
    Each week after, I would gain and lose, gain and lose.  Sometimes
    I would go up 6lbs in one day and down 6lbs the next.  Keep in mind,
    I am now a size 3 to 5!  That is a big fluctuation for a small person.
    They suggested I see there Psychiatrist which is an additional charge
    of $1:00 per minute.  I knew I had day's where I didn't adhere 100%
    but most of the time I did.  I thought I was losing my mind because
    of the number of calories and exersize vs the rapid weight gain.
    I became very depressed but kept going.  I started to develope swollen
    ankles, wrists and eyes.  My stomach would bloat with anything I
    ate and the hair growth just kept comming in.  During the fast,
    my blood pressure was usually 90 over 45.  Very low but they said
    that was good.  During the refeeding, my blood pressure jumped 130
    over 85 (which was high for me but considered normal).  I finally
    saw the Opti physician.  He said "go see an Endocronologist" and
    "sorry, I cannot help you"  and walked away. He really could care less
    about my condition.  I was an emotional and physical reck.  I jumped
    a whopping 20lbs in one month.  Finally, I went to the Lahey Clinic.
    I found out I wasn't crazy!  The diet really screwed up my system.
    They said "your body is in an anorexic state.  Your system has just
    shut down. You will continue to see fluid build up (up to 8lbs a
    day) for the next two months".  They also told me I was re-discovering
    puberty.  Thats why the hair growth.  My glands stick out like spoons,
    unwanted hair growth, water retention, and 20lbs heavier, and still
    not menstrating, you tell me how you would feel.  Lahey couldn't
    understand why they accepted me into the program.  I was much to
    thin to begin with the told me.  I started to think......just because
    you want valiums, does that mean the Doctors should give it to you?
       I called the FDA to make sure the drug  was approved.  During
    orientation, Opti stated in writing that the program was "controlled"
    by the FDA with it's own number.  Well, it is controlled but NOT
    APPROVED!  The FDA has NO intentions of approving the product! 
    They said for me to file a complaint if any action is to be taken
    against Opti.
         I wanted to share my story so I may help someone else not to
    make the same mistake.  If you are going to join a weight program
    of this nature, ASK QUESTIONS!  find out if the program is not only
    controlled by the FDA but approved.  Make sure the staff is who
    they say they are.  Check credentials!  Most important,  get a good
    doctor first, not one that is bias to the different programs available.
    These programs where designed for really obese people (50+ lbs).
         Any questions or comments would be welcomed.
    
    Bonnie
    
    
    

    What An awful story!!!  Have you heard of anyone else having a reaction
    like that?  Is it just because the chemical didn't agree with your
    system?  How are you?  How long did they say this would last?  Let
    us know how you are doing and Take Care.