HCG Non Simeons week of Nov. 29, 2010

[lostfox]

I just posted some of my notes in the rogue thread on another hcg forum, and thought I'd post it here too, updates on what I'm finding is working for me so far:

The Simeons protocol recommends fasting or eating an apple in the morning. It definitely helps to keep the calories down on a VLCD.

Using coconut oil in the morning helps me a lot - I put 1 tsp in my tea. It helps me to eat less throughout the day. If I skip it, I eat more. It's more important than an apple for me in the morning. Having cooked with coconut oil at dinner on a fasting day is not as effective in curbing evening hunger than having coconut oil in the morning. So, I've found, that if I fast and skip the AM coconut oil, it ends up catching up with me.

Alongside that, psyllium husk sometime in the late morning or early afternoon is also effective. Skipping this on a fast also makes it harder not to overeat when I break it. So, whether I'm fasting until lunch, or until dinner, it's important for me to modify the fast and include a tsp of coconut oil, and a tbsp of psyllium.

As far as the recommended apple goes, I may try to get into a habit during this diet of making baked apple cinnamon in the evening instead, to have a low fat/low cal desert that satisfies my sweet tooth and provides fiber and nutrients.

The Simeons protocol also recommends 2 other types of fasts to be used occasionally as plateau breakers and correction days. In P2, it's a day of apples, which is a kind of fast. In P3, it's fasting till dinner and only having a steak and a tomato or an apple.

I find pushing past these limits any further is a little challenging, but modifying around these limits can be hugely successful. So far, fasting until dinner and having only eggs and vegetables was a successful method for me. A full day fast, like an apple day, was also effective as a correction day after a day of cheating - but - I think I can only sustain this full fast of a day and a half at most, once a week - any more and I'll get into problems of overeating to compensate. And, even on a full day fast after a cheat day, I'll use the coconut oil and psyillium.

As far as cheating goes, I'm following the 80/20 rule - to be effective at dieting, we really only need to be good 80% of the time. So I allow for an occasional cheat - once out of 5 days, on average, or 20%. Preferably, less, but that's acceptable to me and shouldn't have too much of a bad effect on overall results. For me, having a correction day of a full fast was doable and effective - it was doable, because I don't have much need to eat after a cheat day. BTW, a cheat day for me is 2000-3000 calories - I mean, it's big, and it barely causes a bump on the scale and is gone after a correction. As long as I'm on plan 5 days out of the week, a cheat day is ok, and 1 correction day is doable.

So guys, I say, don't beat yourself up for cheating. In general, don't plan to cheat, but have cheating in the plan, with a 20% limit, that way it's easier to be good that 80% of the time. That's totally how I used to eat when I was at my goal weight, I'd take myself out to eat for a big greasy salmon burger and fries or something once a week, and I'd eat according to how I thought was healthy back then the rest of the time. For me, right now it works better to make an allowance for those cheating days that happen than to plan for a specific day to be a cheat day - that way I leave room for error in my overall plan.

After a cheat, I will either have a full day fast, or a fast till dinner and eggs and veg only.

2 VLCD days broken up by a medium or high day is also effective, so that's a good basic routine, interrupted occasionally by cheats and corrections. By skipping breakfast, we're fasting every day, so we can modify that by fasting either till lunch or until dinner on some days, and get in an Eat-Stop-Eat kind of pattern.

One other thing, I received my Chanca Piedra tincture the other day, and I'd recommend it to anyone whether rogue or protocol as a preventative. One of the major risks of losing weight quickly, and of fasting, is developing gallstones. Chance Piedra is the stone breaker - it is an incredible herb.

So that was a mouthful, hope I made sense, those are my thoughts for now on what's working for me

[Selahgal]

Originally Posted by lostfox

I just posted some of my notes in the rogue thread on another hcg forum, and thought I'd post it here too, updates on what I'm finding is working for me so far:

Thanks for sharing all the information. I know everyone has valuable experiences that help others to be successful. I don't even think of doing the hHCG plan MY way as 'cheating' any more. I just think of it as tweaking, revising, updating, personalizing it, etc. I like the idea of thinking of the changes as positive and motivating, even though my plan is no longer the standard original plan given.

[Healthy and Happy]

Deb, 3 lbs lost on VLCD#1 is AWESOME!!!

[Healthy and Happy]

I'm doing good today so far.... had coffee/cream first thing this AM, a couple spoonfuls of sf pumpkin custard around 10am when I got huungry, and for lunch I had 3 eggs, mozzerella, and a few slices pepperoni with a green apple. Oh and a pickle too! Trying to give baby lots of protein to grow healthy and strong in there.

[lostfox]

Originally Posted by Selahgal

Thanks for sharing all the information. I know everyone has valuable experiences that help others to be successful. I don't even think of doing the hHCG plan MY way as 'cheating' any more. I just think of it as tweaking, revising, updating, personalizing it, etc. I like the idea of thinking of the changes as positive and motivating, even though my plan is no longer the standard original plan given.

Oh, my pleasure of course, and I wanted to give the disclaimer that I know fasting isn't the way for everyone, and lots of people rogue and protocol do great with eating breakfast and eating more, smaller meals. We all work differently and all have different needs with our blood sugar, etc.

I like to read people's notes on the diet and their variations, what's worked, what didn't, etc. I learn a lot from it. I'm reading Debs journal and loved her post #75 - Deb - can you republish it?!

I also liked #80, when you quoted from Kendra Pearsall, MD.

[amm]

Hey everyone!

I received my hhcg in the mail today and am nervous about starting! I don't take much as far as medications go, and I never use any herbal or homeopathic anything, so I guess I'm nervous about any possible side effects.

I am planning on doing the Omaha Med Spa version of the diet for a few weeks to see how my losses are. I'm hoping to not have hunger!

[duckydelights]

Originally Posted by ouizoid

thanks guys--I do have a terrible metabolism. Very hypothyroid, went thru menopause at 35--currently on compounded thyroid (recently tweaked) as well as bioidentical hormones--but truly have struggled to lose weight at all over the years--the weight I gain from eating any carbs at all seems truly out of proportion to the number of calories consumed and vice versa. It is very discouraging to work as hard as I do and see so little in the way of results. I guess the best thing I can say is that I have not gained back the 50 pounds I have lost (except for +/- 15 pounds every year ;( But I have a good 40 pounds more to lose and it seems like NOTHING budges it. I weigh 178.5 today--and it seems like I have almost nil wiggle room--

I am just getting into the HCG diet regime - my drops will arrive tomorrow but I can sympathize with the hypothyroid and not losing weight. I lost 100 lbs. 7 years ago doing an extremely no fat, no wheat, no dairy, salt or sugar. When I had my thyroid removed in December 2005, I shot up 30 lbs. in about 2 years and didn't change anything. I have struggles seriously over the past 2 years to lose and gain the same 5 pounds...

I'm done with struggling and now trying HCG...Good luck with your battle, I know how you feel!

Jackie

[duckydelights]

Originally Posted by amm

Hey everyone!

I received my hhcg in the mail today and am nervous about starting! I don't take much as far as medications go, and I never use any herbal or homeopathic anything, so I guess I'm nervous about any possible side effects.

I am planning on doing the Omaha Med Spa version of the diet for a few weeks to see how my losses are. I'm hoping to not have hunger!

What is the Omaha Med Spa Diet and where do you find info about menus??

I am new to all this so thanks in advance!

Jackie

[Selahgal]

Originally Posted by amm

Hey everyone!

I received my hhcg in the mail today and am nervous about starting! I don't take much as far as medications go, and I never use any herbal or homeopathic anything, so I guess I'm nervous about any possible side effects.

I am planning on doing the Omaha Med Spa version of the diet for a few weeks to see how my losses are. I'm hoping to not have hunger!

No worries, Andrea, you'll be finer than frog hair! Only side effects of the hHCG are GOOD ONES like less hunger, more energy, etc.!! All good!! Even if you do get some hunger, there are ways to get through it and it WILL subside.

[Deb294evr]

Originally Posted by lostfox

Oh, my pleasure of course, and I wanted to give the disclaimer that I know fasting isn't the way for everyone, and lots of people rogue and protocol do great with eating breakfast and eating more, smaller meals. We all work differently and all have different needs with our blood sugar, etc.

I like to read people's notes on the diet and their variations, what's worked, what didn't, etc. I learn a lot from it. I'm reading Debs journal and loved her post #75 - Deb - can you republish it?!

I also liked #80, when you quoted from Kendra Pearsall, MD.

Sure thing! Post #75 below: I will put Post #80 in a new reply:

Hi Colleen! You are stabilizing very well! That is what I did also, and when I got to that point, I knew I was going to be ok to experiment. I am so glad you said you added stuff to P2 and that others have as well. I just felt that my body was not functioning well on so few calories.

Times have changed in the past 50 or so years since he wrote the protocol and I believe new things have been discovered. I know you said you added protein and dropped some things earlier, and it worked for you! YEAH!!!

This morning I dropped that .8 I gained yesterday, plus another pound. I am very happy with that! I ended up with 1281 calories yesterday. More than I had planned, but being home on the weekends I tend to eat more. I FELT wonderful though! I function so much better on more calories.

What this proves to me is that there should not be fear associated with this plan. If you don't feel well on 500 cals, you should not fear adding something in that will make you feel better. You won't gain weight. That part of the Protocol is what I have always questioned. I don't believe the oils in products make you gain, I don't believe that adding extra calories to make you feel better will make you gain either.

I don't believe when you stop the drops that last 2 or 3 days that you have to eat the 500 cals a day or you will gain. I proved that to myself by eating more like 2000 cals both of those non dose days. I lost weight. In fact I only lost 1 pound that last week on 500 ish calories and during those 2 days I lost 2 more. Stabilized at that point with no drops. Never lost another pound during those 2 weeks without drops. Went up and down those same 2 pounds.

Of course you can't expect to eat 2-3000 calories and lose weight in any sort of record time either! I think we can find a level of calories that we can feel good on and still lose fairly quickly. I know I can lose very quickly on 500 cals plus drops. As much as a pound a day for me at this weight.

I also know I can lose at 1200-2000 cals plus drops. More in the range of 3-4 pounds a week, but that may be ok for me if it makes me feel better. Still better than I was doing Low Carb only. I very much love Low Carb foods, so that is mainly what I eat. I also love fruit, so I added that. I could not lose with fruit on Atkins. I CAN lose with fruit on the drops.

All this rambling but I am concluding for ME, that I can lose on HHCG and eating more food. I don't gain, I won't gain it all back as I was made to believe. I am going down the scale weekly. I drink my coffee with cream every day. I have had it that way since day 1 of my first round. It did not stall me, nor did it make me gain.

I can drink diet coke if I want it and it does not affect me. So many say it is so bad for you... whatever.. I like it and If I want it I will have it. It has no negative affect on me. I drink plenty of water, so I don't worry about it. Never have. Bottom line is there is no fear in this plan for me. I will work it as I feel it is best for me and I will call it whatever I want to call it... HHCG has helped me lose weight where I could not lose it before. For THAT I AM VERY GRATEFUL!

I would not have tried it without the protocol, and I lived in fear those first 3-6 weeks. No more fear... I can lose eating more, I can stabilize and not starve on 500 cals/day. Nice!

[Deb294evr]

Post # 80 from my journal

I found this while doing a search for HHCG. Just thought it was interesting: Written by Kendra Pearsall, MD.

'This critic also states that homeopathic HCG does not provide enough HCG to actually work and the only weight loss that occurs is due to the 500 calorie diet which will actually cause harm to the hypothalamus for being on a very low calorie diet.

This is not true. The studies that compare those who go on a 500 calorie diet with and without the HCG hormone show that those who take the HCG experience little to no hunger, have a resculpting effect on the body, show more inches lost, show a large decrease in emotional eating and binge eating. This proves that the HCG hormone has a significant effect on the body. Furthermore, those who use homeopathic HCG also experience these same advantages.

Sometimes I visit HCG Forums and see people posting messages that Homeopathic HCG does not work. I ask them if they have used it or tried it on patients and the answer is always "No." I have not found a single critic who has had any experience with the Homeopathic version and I would love for any critics to show me their data if they have any that supports their views.

I fear that this protocol, as miraculous as it is, can be a bit cult-like and the people who use it can be quite dogmatic about following it exactly as Simeon's wrote in his HCG Bible. To me, this is dangerous, if we do not want to stay in the dark ages we always needs to be open to experimentation and continual improvement. In my medial opinion, there is much room for improvement on Simeon's protocol. In my book on Homeopathic HCG, I have added suggestions to his protocol to reflect what we know about biochemistry, physiology, physics and nutrition and most importantly, natural medicine in the 21st century and I hope to see his work continually improving as science advances.

Does Homeopathic Hormone treatment work? Yes it works and it works well. I observed a physician in Scottsdale, Arizona for three months and his specialty was using homeopathic hormone treatment for all sorts of hormone conditions. He had a waiting list of 6 months due to the efficacy of his therapies with no side-effects.

We are continually collecting data from those who have done both the full strength HCG and the homeopathic version and they are reporting to me that they are getting the same results from both versions. All the health care practitioners that I have spoken with who are using homeopathic HCG are also getting the same positive results."

[Deb294evr]

Originally Posted by duckydelights

What is the Omaha Med Spa Diet and where do you find info about menus??

I am new to all this so thanks in advance!

Jackie

Over the past 2 years I have made many changes and enhancements to our diet program. I now call my diet – The OWL Diet -to distinguish it from the Original Hcg Diet that is used elsewhere. OWL stands for Omaha Weight Loss.

Why did I make these changes? Two overall reasons - Safety (keeping you healthy) and Efficacy (getting to your weight loss goal). I was not comfortable with the 500 calories per day on the Original Hcg Diet. The risk was too much acidosis from dieting – and side effects of headaches, dizziness, and low potassium levels. The OWL Diet allows 20-40% more calories per day – at 600-700 calories per day my patients feel better, have better hunger control, and are able to stay on the diet until they reach their weight loss goal. I also emphasize the need to spread those calories out over the day.

I call my calorie allowance of 600-700 calories per day the Low Calorie Diet (LCD for short). You will have enough energy to function at home and work, including mild levels of exercise. And you will still lose weight rapidly – an average of 15-20 pounds per month is shed on the OWL Diet. Although we do see some people lose 30 pounds in 30 days – this is not typical. It may occur in individuals who start at a higher weight (such as 300 pounds).

As you read about the changes I have made, you will see there are more food choices, and fewer rules.

Here are the Key Changes that make the OWL Diet better:

Food Choices and Frozen Foods – The original Hcg Diet was based on a very limited selection of food items that were commonly available in Italy in the 1950′s when Dr. Simeons was in practice. I have added additional food selections in all four categories of meats, vegetables,. fruits and beverages. We have also seen tremendous advancements in frozen foods, which can be safely incorporated into a modern protocol.

Sugar Substitutes – I permit the use of all sugar substitutes that are calorie free. Sugar substitutes are commonly used in soft drinks, iced teas and chewing gum. Use of these sugar-free products represents food behaviors that are often well established by participants before they ever start the OWL Diet. For the purposes of compliance with the OWL Diet, the use of sugar substitutes is permitted. I do point out that, in the long run, I feel we should limit our use of these products.

Caffeine – Caffeine is permitted on the OWL Diet and is often consumed in tea, coffee or soft drinks. My observation is that caffeine can increase, decrease or have no effect on appetite. It varies by the individual. Many participants on the OWL Diet were using caffeine beverages before I see them and do not want to give them up. As a means of helping them succeed on the OWL Diet, I permit the use of caffeine. Stopping caffeine and starting a LCD can trigger problems with headaches in the first week of the program.

Low Calorie Diet (LCD) – As mentioned, I allow a range of 600-700 calories per day. With the LCD modification, patients feel better, and have fewer effects from the acidosis of dieting and are therefore more likely to continue on the diet.

Hcg Immunity – Simeons believed that patients would develop immunity to Hcg. He advised the use of Hcg for only 6 days per week and required intervals of time to be off Hcg before restarting additional cycles. I do not believe that immunity exists for the vast majority of participants. With the OWL Diet, I advise participants to use Hcg daily for steady benefit and consistent results.

Continuous Monthly Cycles – Since we are not concerned about immunity and we now permit a higher intake of calories, I am able to offer monthly cycles of continuous Hcg use. We see an average monthly weight loss of 15 pounds for women and 20 pounds for men. Patients are safely permitted to continue monthly cycles “back to back” until they reach their weight loss goal. The momentum of successful weight loss is continued and patients learn to maintain lifelong behavioral changes towards healthier eating. This leads to permanent weight loss.

Vitamins and Supplements - The OWL Diet is, by its very nature, low in food sources of calcium and supplementation with calcium is needed for most participants. We also discuss the importance of B-Complex and Potassium. Some people also benefit from the addition of fiber, melatonin and B-12 shots.

Creams, Oils and Cosmetics – The use of body creams, oils, lotions and cosmetics do not, in my experience, interfere with weight loss on the OWL Diet. They are permitted and this change from the Simeons Protocol is greatly appreciated!

Menses – When women are menstruating, their hunger is frequently increased. I can find no logical explanation to withhold Hcg based on the menstrual cycle of women. Daily use of Hcg is encouraged, including during the menstrual period.

Fat is Fat - Dr. Simeons talked about “three kinds of fat”, and theorized that during dieting the body chooses certain fats to burn first. I do not follow that logic and my observation is that all fat stores are used as people are on the OWL program.

No Speculation about how Hcg works – Dr. Simeons had theories about how low dose Hcg works. Since they remain unproven theories, I do not speculate on the mode of action of Hcg. What is more important to me is our observation that Hcg does appear to help people lose weight on the OWL Diet.

No more Apple Days or Steak Days – I define a weight loss plateau as “no weight loss for a full two weeks despite complete adherence to the program”. Dr. Simeons attempted to break plateaus with either an “apple day” or a “steak day”. I have attempted to use these ideas with patients, and found them to be ineffective, misleading and counterintuitive. The best advice that I can offer is to “Stay committed and look at the total accumulated weight loss”. Plateaus cannot continue, due to the sheer arithmetic of following a LCD.

Salt Restriction – Dr. Simeons placed no restriction on the use of salt, but today we know better. The excessive use of salt carries definite health risks. In a healthy individual, I permit the use of salt. If you have hypertension, coronary artery disease or heart failure, salt use should be limited.

Constipation – Constipation is a common challenge that we face with a LCD despite the high fiber content of the vegetables and fruit that you will be consuming. Dr. Simeons did not intervene if patients only had a bowel movement every 3-4 days. My experience has been that constipation of 3-4 days duration leads to retained weight, bloating, fatigue and the risk of hemorrhoids. I prefer to advise the use of fiber to ensure a bowel pattern of once daily to every other day.

Massage – Massage is permitted, as there is no logical reason to withhold use of this very helpful service.

No More Phases – Dr. Simeons referred to “phases” during the original Hcg Diet. I have found this terminology to be confusing. The OWL Diet has 3 parts: fat loading, low-calorie diet and maintenance.

[Deb294evr]

You can also google the Hcg diet at the Omaha Spa. Lots more information is available than I have room to post here.. Good luck!!

[qwntako]

Putting in a place holder - I've been spying the last few weeks on you ladies! You are all amazing and a great inspiration. I need to get on the ball. Keep up the great work.

[Deb294evr]

Welcome!!!

join in anytime!!!

[duckydelights]

Thank you Deb for the great info! I have reservations about myself in doing the strict protocol so this gives me an option I am excited about....

Jackie

[obraxton]

Originally Posted by Selahgal

Thanks for sharing all the information. I know everyone has valuable experiences that help others to be successful. I don't even think of doing the hHCG plan MY way as 'cheating' any more. I just think of it as tweaking, revising, updating, personalizing it, etc. I like the idea of thinking of the changes as positive and motivating, even though my plan is no longer the standard original plan given.

I don't think it's cheating as long as you follow your own plan

[principessa54]

Deb, I just want to say thank you and that you are a rock star and a wealth of information. That was very nice of you to re-post your earlier posts from your journal.

[Deb294evr]

Originally Posted by duckydelights

Thank you Deb for the great info! I have reservations about myself in doing the strict protocol so this gives me an option I am excited about....

Jackie

You are very Welcome Jackie! Happy Losing to you!!

Originally Posted by obraxton

I don't think it's cheating as long as you follow your own plan

Right on Dessa!!

Originally Posted by principessa54

Deb, I just want to say thank you and that you are a rock star and a wealth of information. That was very nice of you to re-post your earlier posts from your journal.

Thank YOU Angela... I appreciate your contributions also... everyone here learns something new when everyone posts!! I wish nothing but SUCCESS for everyone.. and nobody should feel like a failure if they can't stick to one particular plan...

[Deb294evr]

Day 2 down... another pound gone. I am now in VIRGIN TERRITORY! ... holy carp it has been forever... so today is another low carb day. Also pretty low cal since I am not hungry at all............ everyone have a wonderful day!!

[ColleenMA66]

Good Morning Ladies,

Down 1.6 this morning...I'm still above my LDW by a few pounds but at least it's going in the right direction. I do love how the hcg works...not sure how or why and to be honest not sure I care..lol just happy that something works for me.

My calories came in around 1300 yesterday which was little bit higher than planned but I am tracking it and making sure I don't go nuts...trying to keep it pretty low carb but gotta be honest...I need some chocolate everyday so I am having a few little pcs and then I'm good...I am practicing self discipline....something I've not been good at but keep telling myself it's time to grow up and not be a spoiled child...want what I want when I want it sort of thing....delayed gratification..it WILL be worth it.

Enjoy the day!

[Deb294evr]

Originally Posted by ColleenMA66

Good Morning Ladies,

Down 1.6 this morning...I'm still above my LDW by a few pounds but at least it's going in the right direction. I do love how the hcg works...not sure how or why and to be honest not sure I care..lol just happy that something works for me.

My calories came in around 1300 yesterday which was little bit higher than planned but I am tracking it and making sure I don't go nuts...trying to keep it pretty low carb but gotta be honest...I need some chocolate everyday so I am having a few little pcs and then I'm good...I am practicing self discipline....something I've not been good at but keep telling myself it's time to grow up and not be a spoiled child...want what I want when I want it sort of thing....delayed gratification..it WILL be worth it.

Enjoy the day!

That is WONDERFUL!!!!! you go Colleen!!!

[Thin4me]

OK...After losing .6 after my first VLCD I got on the scale this morning to find a loss of 2.8!!! IVE NEVER LOST THAT MUCH IN ONE DAY IN MY LIFE WITHOUT HAVING SOME SORT OF UNPLESANT BATHROOM ILLNESS!
I have lost my "load" weight and I feel great. Lots of energy (which surprised me since I didn't think I would with so few calories by the way I am eating) I am a believer!!!

[Deb294evr]

Originally Posted by Thin4me

OK...After losing .6 after my first VLCD I got on the scale this morning to find a loss of 2.8!!! IVE NEVER LOST THAT MUCH IN ONE DAY IN MY LIFE WITHOUT HAVING SOME SORT OF UNPLESANT BATHROOM ILLNESS!
I have lost my "load" weight and I feel great. Lots of energy (which surprised me since I didn't think I would with so few calories by the way I am eating) I am a believer!!!

That is FAN TAS TIC!!!!!!! you go girl!!!

[Thin4me]

Deb, Thanks! I have really been inspired by everyone here. I love that people are doing this their way! I feel more relaxed knowing that I can enjoy my LC foods and still have the added benefits with the drops. I can see myself making goal this time. Now I just wish I had discovered the Hhcg before now but summer's coming and WE ARE ALL SHRINKING!!

Hope everyone has great releases this week!

[Deb294evr]

Originally Posted by Thin4me

Deb, Thanks! I have really been inspired by everyone here. I love that people are doing this their way! I feel more relaxed knowing that I can enjoy my LC foods and still have the added benefits with the drops. I can see myself making goal this time. Now I just wish I had discovered the Hhcg before now but summer's coming and WE ARE ALL SHRINKING!!

Hope everyone has great releases this week!

You bet you can see yourself getting to goal this time! I think this is the opportunity we were all looking for and now all we have to do is STICK TO OUR PLANS and get there!!

[paulabob]

Originally Posted by amm

I received my hhcg in the mail today and am nervous about starting! I don't take much as far as medications go, and I never use any herbal or homeopathic anything, so I guess I'm nervous about any possible side effects.!

I don't think there are side effects to the homeopathic. You do have to watch out for diet side effects though...keep up potassium/magnesium, maybe biotin for hair, watch for crazy TOMs as the pounds fall away.

Originally Posted by duckydelights

I'm done with struggling and now trying HCG...Good luck with your battle, I know how you feel!
Jackie

You can do it Jackie!

Originally Posted by Deb294evr

What this proves to me is that there should not be fear associated with this plan. If you don't feel well on 500 cals, you should not fear adding something in that will make you feel better. You won't gain weight. That part of the Protocol is what I have always questioned. I don't believe the oils in products make you gain, I don't believe that adding extra calories to make you feel better will make you gain either.

I don't believe when you stop the drops that last 2 or 3 days that you have to eat the 500 cals a day or you will gain.

I wanted to say that using real lotions my last round had zero effect on my lost (in fact, I lost slightly better). And I have an inherited dry skin condition...so my skin is very absorbant because it's thin!

I also agree on the calories but would add a caveat. If you have been doing low calories for many days like in the original protocol, you do tend to gain weight as your calories go up at the end. Not everybody, but it's been my experience. I'm looking forward to seeing how it might be different doing my weekday low calorie/weekend normal this month. I do think calorie cycling tends to prevent that effect.

Originally Posted by Deb294evr

Day 2 down... another pound gone. I am now in VIRGIN TERRITORY! ... holy carp it has been forever... so today is another low carb day.

Originally Posted by ColleenMA66

Good Morning Ladies,

Down 1.6 this morning...I'm still above my LDW by a few pounds but at least it's going in the right direction. I do love how the hcg works...not sure how or why and to be honest not sure I care..lol just happy that something works for me.

My calories came in around 1300 yesterday

WOW, down 1.6 on 1300! WOOT!

Originally Posted by Thin4me

OK...After losing .6 after my first VLCD I got on the scale this morning to find a loss of 2.8!!! IVE NEVER LOST THAT MUCH IN ONE DAY IN MY LIFE WITHOUT HAVING SOME SORT OF UNPLESANT BATHROOM ILLNESS!
I have lost my "load" weight and I feel great. Lots of energy (which surprised me since I didn't think I would with so few calories by the way I am eating) I am a believer!!!

WOOHOO!


I am also PLEASED to announce down 1.8 today AND VIRGIN TERRITORY!

Let's hear it for the VIRGIN ROGUES! :blush:

I measured my waist...and it's down 3/4 of an inch since yesterday. Also, am 50 pounds down since March today!

[katrun]

I want to say hello! I was doing so much research on hcg I was so excited when I found your threads, the strictness of the Protocol was making me nervous and I didn't want to waste my money on yet another "Diet Product". So I decided after seeing your successes to do it my own way, I am keeping things low cal (about 800 a day) and low carb, no dairy and minimal fat. I started loading on Thanksgiving, pre load 238.7 post load Saturday Morning 240.1 today I was 233.2. It feels so good! I am so excited!! Looking forward to following you all in your continued success!! My hope is to be below 200 by Christmas! We are having a huge family dinner on Christmas Eve and I want to look great!!

[Deb294evr]

Originally Posted by paulabob

I am also PLEASED to announce down 1.8 today AND VIRGIN TERRITORY!

Let's hear it for the VIRGIN ROGUES! :blush:

I measured my waist...and it's down 3/4 of an inch since yesterday. Also, am 50 pounds down since March today!

WOW Paula!! way to go! That is a great loss! congrats!!

[Deb294evr]

Originally Posted by katrun

I want to say hello! I was doing so much research on hcg I was so excited when I found your threads, the strictness of the Protocol was making me nervous and I didn't want to waste my money on yet another "Diet Product". So I decided after seeing your successes to do it my own way, I am keeping things low cal (about 800 a day) and low carb, no dairy and minimal fat. I started loading on Thanksgiving, pre load 238.7 post load Saturday Morning 140.1 today I was 233.2. It feels so good! I am so excited!! Looking forward to following you all in your continued success!! My hope is to be below 200 by Christmas! We are having a huge family dinner on Christmas Eve and I want to look great!!

OMGOSH!! that is awesome!! So glad you found us!! Please keep posting!! Love success stories!