Sammy D.
Loser's Bench Boot Camp Report
Oct 09, 2014
Just keeping a log of how things are going during my 4 Week Optifast diet.
10-9-14 Day 1 - It wasn't too bad. Only mild to moderate headaches. Wasn't too hungry, but I did have an old habit try to sneak a craving on me. I wanted a cigarette some kind of bad for a few minutes. I quickly realized it was all in my head, I used to have an old habit where if I was lacking in one habit I would increase the other. (Ex: Stop Smoking = Eat More, Stop Eating = Smoke More) I combated this urge with prayer and Bible reading.
10-10-14 Day 2 - Hunger pains a little stronger today, but still manageable. Light headache. I notice my sense of smell is getting way stronger and now I can smell even more than before food.
10-11 and 12-14 Days 3 and 4: Okay much harder especially the first half of day 4. I don't think this is physical hunger but more so reality setting in. I was more upset about leaving the church and being anti social to avoid food. Today was Homecoming, so you can imagine the smorgasbord I missed out on. What I think hurt me the most was missing the fellowship. Had a great sermon tonight that set me back on track, and have pretty much stayed on plan. The only slip ups I have had was a little FF Cottage Cheese, and a piece of lettuce. One awesome thing is since my last weigh in Sept 19th, I have lost roughly 17lbs.
10-13-14 Day 5: Feeling much better today. Montezuma's Revenge has begun! 
Liquid in liquid out they say, but has finally set in for me. Another odd thing was a found an uncontrollable craving for apple cider vinegar. After research I found this actually helps curb carb and sugar cravings. Who would have thunk it? God has provided me escape from the carb monster!
10-14-14 Day 6: Still on plan, but noticing my attitude souring. I think it's a combo of Chantix and not eating, but last night and this morning I haven't been myself. My usual long-suffering and long fuse has gotten much shorter. It's time to take a moment, take a deep breath and pray. I know it's nothing but my fight with my flesh manifesting itself outwardly. Staying on track. I WILL OVERCOME!
10-15-14 Day 7: Doing much better than yesterday. The feelings are still there, but able to keep things in real perspective. They say there is nothing wrong with the bird flying over, just don't let him nest. I believe that is very sound advice, it's ok to have a passing thought, but don't let it dominate you. Seems to be working well for me. Still on plan and still have Montezuma's Revenge but all is good. 21 Days left! I got this! I will probably begin to space out my reports now or only log in significant events from this point on.
Days 9-12:
First off what a great weekend. Pre-op was great with 25lb loss so far. And reat anniversary dinner with wife at Cracker Barrel (Approved and planned deviation).
Saturday morning began for me a slight shift off course from plan. I ended up having breakfast at the hotel, and ate 2 meals traveling home.... No problem get back on track Sunday right? Nope. Started the day on plan then woke up to pizza smell after my after church nap. Of course it immediately attracted me and I ate the last slice of ham/pineapple pizza that was left. Then after church Sunday night I grab small dinner with wife. One of those things where "oh you messed up, myswell try again tomorrow".
After last night I took a head check. Sometimes it's like a shark smelling blood. I know it's the flesh talking and nothing more than a small battle within myself.
I'm back on plan today and no looking back, and no more excuses. I've done well so far, no need to derail and screw this all up. Keep me in your prayers. I've most definitely learned something from this experience. Enough to carry me to the finish line.
10-23-14 Day 15: Over the Halfway point. I'm still on plan but man is it still tough. I don't think it is because of hunger as much as it is this God Awful after taste from the Optifast. I am so looking forward to surgery which is exactly 2 weeks from today. At least then I will be off this optifast and have a little something different. Broth or anything allowed on my liquid diet after surgery would be a vast improvement. I'm telling myself to hang in there. It's like the nasty medicine we were given as kids. Though it was almost unbearable, somehow it always made us feel better. Which amazingly enough I am already beginning to feel a difference and able to do more physically already.
10-30-14 Day 22: Still not doing too bad, I will admit, I have not been perfect but I have done nothing to completely derail me. So far I'm down roughly 35lbs. The Optifast is not only getting old, but it's getting more and more unbearable to drink
. Good news is, I am in my last week and the short roads of this stuff, just a few more days and I will graduate from the Loser's Bench Boot Camp to a promotion to the Loser's Bench! 
11-4-14 Yay! I made it! Last day tomorrow as I travel to Mooresville, NC for surgery 7am Thursday! I'm thankful surgery is right around the corner. This was most definitely one of the hardest things I've done. I will say ENVY those who only have to do 2 week diets. I'm proud to say just 3 more pounds (I'm expecting it when I step on the scale before surgery) and I will have a 40lb weight loss pre-op! Everyone make room.... Loser's Bench Here I Come!
