Encouragement please?!

 YOU CAN DO THIS!!!!
It is almost the hardest part of the journey.  We are all here for ya!  

Char

Got through the Optifast with just one incident, but lots of close calls.  But lost 15 lbs before surgery.  I used the crystal lite lemonade alot to get my water down.  Keep with it. It will be surgery day before you know it.

You can do this! I've just been through what you're going through, it sucks, there is no way to sugarcoat it - but we're all here to support you through the worst of it. Whatever you do - don't allow the carb monster to make you cave. You're well into ketosis at this point and any carbs will send you back to square one! You know you can do this!

You've gotten some good advice about bulking up your stools to give you some relief, metamucil and lots of water. You can also take Tylenol to help with pain from the cramping. Warm fluids like broth may also help. Have you gotten some NSA popsicles or made your own jello/crystal light popsicles? That would be something different. If you're feeling the need to chew, how about some sugar-free gum?

Good luck Dave!

I just want to also send some positive vibes your way...
I too am on Opti.... but only on day 5.... I had a hard time with craving food, not because I was hungry, I just missed eating....
Fortunately, I have not suffered your same fate...Opti seems to be sending me in the other direction..... Glad to hear the immodium is working for you....
Chin up, we will be on hte bench soon!!!! 

 Dave you can do this. I know you can. Just think of how good you will feel and how good you will look. You wife will have to chase the other women away. lol. 

You go in the 23rd right?