Optifast and muscle cramps?

I'm just about done day 3 of opti and am experiencing muscle cramps in my calves as I walk. Is this normal? Any advice, thanks!

Otherwise, I'm actually enjoying the Opti so far, especially now that my 7 year old has stopped offering me food!

Karen

You might need some magnesium. If I get a cramp I have some of the "calm" brand magnesium powder. Not too much though or you'll be in the bathroom. Are you taking your vitamins?

I have not been taking my vitamins, I just thought of them as post-op, not sure why. I usually just take my regular meds and my Vitamin D.

Thanks,

Karen

are you drinking enough water? maybe its from being slightly dehydrated?

I wouldn't think so. I've been averaging almost 3 litres a day. I drink 20 ounces as soon as I get up then 20 ounces after each shake. I figured I should drink lots to keep everything moving.

3 litres of water a day is a lot without the vitamins and minerals. It can mess up your chemical balance which will make your muscles cramp. Vitamins and magnesium stat! Also if you're feeling light headed, I'd have a half glass of orange juice or my nurse said 5 lifesavers!

Lol @ your 7 year old offering you food. Too cute.

I was going to ask abou****er intake too... sounds like you're getting a lot.

Mare you walking more than you used to?

Maybe just try rubbing a cream like Voltaren on your calves and see if that helps.

Good luck!

Voltaren was on my forbidden list. I was told it causes a rise in blood pressure.

The nurse prac at TWH was fine with it. Orange juice and life savers and any other sugar (or any food for that matter) were forbidden while on Opti.

I guess we all get different advice so the best thing is to call your own centre.

The cramps could be caused by an imbalance of some sort, I'm just offering my experience at what might help based on advice I was given

At Humber I was told lifesavers (5 at a time which I thought was overkill) if I felt light headed at any time pre or post surgery and voltaren (which I loved) is a NSAID and I was sad when told I had to stop using it.

Peace