BOPDHB Patient Resources Laparoscopic Gastric Sleeve Procedure | Page 45

• Each sachet is mixed with 200mls of cold or warm water. • Stir, blend, or shake well. How to use Optifast • You can have a maximum of 2 cups of low starch vegetables each day – see the “foods allowed” list as outlined on page 42. • You need to drink at least 2 litres of calorie free fluid a day. Water is best but you can also have black tea or herbal tea (ie no milk), diet cordial, mineral water or diet soft drink. Coffee is a diuretic, which means it can cause fluid loss from your body. You may then become dehydrated, which will cause low blood pressure, dizziness and tiredness. A small amount of coffee can be included, but this shou ld be black, with NO MILK, and only 1-2 cups per day. • You may need to add a fibre source such as Metamucil or Benefibre to prevent constipation. You can buy these from a supermarket or Pharmacy without a prescription. Use 1-2 teaspoons a day as required. Tips: • Use the stock to make a soup with vegetables. • Use herbs, spices and sauces for flavour. • Try vegetables for dinner and Optifast for supper. • Use the shake to make a smoothie, and add the fruit serve to create variety. 41