My HCG Journal. Looks like I need to start one!

[Cruzcrzy]

Hi Cheryl,

Happy 4th!! Congrats on the LOSS. I know you are disappointed, but, it's a good loss. Most of P2 were smaller losses like that for me. It ALL adds up. I DO understand the time crunch you are under though.

I am doing fine, am in my window, stats to the left.

Tomorrow I have TOPS. It was cancelled last week. I should have a little loss, but, I will inform them I will be staying the same until around mid August when I start another round of P2.

Chrissy, that's great your HCG arrived. You will do great with this program. Hang around here because it is a great support system. I would have never made it this far otherwise.

[CherylB]

TOPS is a weight loss support group, isn't it? Do they know you are doing hcg? That must be a sticky situation. I imagine it would be difficult to find a group of people who would be open to that idea, rather than ganging up on the one lone hcg'er and attacking them like a pack of dogs on a wounded animal. LOL

Yea for being in your window! I am going to find it very challenging in August, to stay in my window. I am going to have to balance my days of P4 splurging with P3 days of limited calories. I would hate to put more weight back on during August. That will just make it that much harder to reach 140 by the latter part of September, when I plan to.

Yes, I'm happy. (Don't I look it?) LOL! But there needs to be a weekly whoosh to keep things evened-out! I'm due for mine. It'll come! I know it will.

Have a great evening, ladies! See you all again tomorrow.

[obraxton]

Hey Cheryl!!! Praying for whooshes for us both!!!

[CherylB]

Hey, Dessa! I hope your prayer is answered! Actually, I just got to thinking about some deep stuff in regard to what year I was in when I last was at this weight. It was 1999 and I was going back UP the scale, after losing 40 lbs on Atkins the previous year. It was the worst year of my life. My hubby just got released from the hospital where he was there for almost 2 months. He was wheelchair bound and weak as a kitten. He was sleeping in a hospital bed in our living room. And he had an ulcer on his heel that I was doing all the wound care for an entire year, trying to keep him from losing his leg. We lost that battle in November. (Oh, yeah. He also had an infected dialysis graft site in his arm and I was doing packing and wound care to his arm as well. Dialysis 3x/week.)

So I was working full-time as an RN, and working full-time caring for my husband at home. Also had his teenage son living with us. But that's another story.

Anyway, I have heard that when the fat cells release their stored fat, they also release stored hormones and toxins. If that's the case, then I had better be grateful that this stuff is being released more slowly than the lbs I lost in R1! Maybe this is just the rate of loss I have to accept for now, so my body can process and get rid of all the poisons along with the fat.

Holy ****, I've been through a lot! It's no wonder I am so happy being alone these days! So much less can go wrong this way.

Oh, yeah! I didn't give a daily report. I'm down another 0.6, so in light of all I just talked about, I'm going to learn to live with the slower rate of loss and get down on my knees and thank God for watching over me! He's in control!

[Balance101]

Hiya Cheryl! Just popping in to see how you are. I'm so glad that year is behind you. I'll bet your husband is so proud of you now. We just need to stick to it and the weight will come off, right? I haven't felt this optimistic about weight loss in awhile.

[CherylB]

I hope he is.

Here's to optimism!

[obraxton]

Thank you for sharing your life story of that time with your husband. Sometimes we need to hear what someone else has gone through to see that God can take you through some tough times of your own...

[Missouri_Librarian]

hiya cheryl.....glad i found your journal....I have a question I was wondering if you could help me on, as you have tons of wisdom on this....I have wanted to ask elsewhere but am not sure what thread to ask in and I know they will say read the book which I have 10000000000 times, and am still not getting it 100% and I am on OWL plan anyways...maybe you can offer some insight when you have a minute please....

Today is day 1 of no drops for me....I decided after 21 days of drops to start this as I had some stressed days last week and I cheated for 3 days straight...I went up 3 of the 13 pds I lost....addict I know....last night on date night with hubby I also had bad stuff, and that was planned, so there is some back ground....

So today I have had no drops and was planning on for next 3 days to eating like i was on P2, but having more meat as stated elsewhere.....then I was going to increase my fat, increase my cals and eat low carb but still have my fruit and once in awhile my popcorn as I have been

My question is, i know we are not supposed to lose weight at this phase...so when can i start losing again??....wont my body be used to the higher cals/carbs that i do for 3 weeks on P3, that after that it will be hard to drop back down on cals/carbs and try to lose?...do i have to do drops again for that reason??...is it better to start doing very low carb now, like induction for 3 weeks, and THEN add back in the fruit and popcorn like I have been having??...I am just confused as to when I can start losing again if i dont want to do the drops and strict P2...sorry

[CherylB]

Are you going to do more rounds of hcg? Then the answer to "when can I lose more weight" is on your next P2. It's the only phase in which we can lose much weight. I would highly suggest you have no popcorn during P3. No sugar, no starch also indicates no grain.

On the two VLCD's off the drops, you eat the exact same way as you did when taking the drops. You don't increase calories/fat, etc until into P3, when the hcg is totally out of your system.

I'm not sure what you are intending to do. It sounds like you don't want to do hcg anymore after this. In that case, you can do whatever you like to lose the rest of your weight. These rules only pertain to Hcg! If you aren't doing hcg anymore, then do whatever you want to lose the rest of the weight. But if you don't do the P3, you will regain much of what you lost, you won't have reset your Hypothalamus and you will have essentially wasted your time.

Do the three weeks of STRICT P3, then do whatever you plan to do next for weight loss.

[CherylB]

Originally Posted by obraxton

Thank you for sharing your life story of that time with your husband. Sometimes we need to hear what someone else has gone through to see that God can take you through some tough times of your own...

I don't like to drudge up the past because it's like picking a scab off an old wound. But it was relevant in regard to losing this "layer" of fat and lbs that I'm dealing with now. I really believe that theory of hormones and toxins being in the fat cells. From now on, when I see very slow losses on the scale, I'm going to keep that in mind.

[Missouri_Librarian]

Originally Posted by CherylB

Are you going to do more rounds of hcg? Then the answer to "when can I lose more weight" is on your next P2. It's the only phase in which we can lose much weight. I would highly suggest you have no popcorn during P3. No sugar, no starch also indicates no grain.

On the two VLCD's off the drops, you eat the exact same way as you did when taking the drops. You don't increase calories/fat, etc until into P3, when the hcg is totally out of your system.

I'm not sure what you are intending to do. It sounds like you don't want to do hcg anymore after this. In that case, you can do whatever you like to lose the rest of your weight. These rules only pertain to Hcg! If you aren't doing hcg anymore, then do whatever you want to lose the rest of the weight. But if you don't do the P3, you will regain much of what you lost, you won't have reset your Hypothalamus and you will have essentially wasted your time.

Do the three weeks of STRICT P3, then do whatever you plan to do next for weight loss.

thank you much...I knew you would understand me...I appreciate you......you have so much wisdom...

I dont intend to do hcg, your right...i seem to lose just as well doing low carb and i seem to not binge due to being able to have fat etc....i started hcg hoping to get my body used to having some higher carbs, ex fruits as i had eaten 5-10 carbs daily for the last year

ok, to sum it up....next 2 days, eat the same way i have been for last 21...P3 ( which is 3 weeks)...no popcorn....3 weeks of increasing my fat, cals...then on P4 I will start as on induction but with my fruits...i think i have it......i so dont want to gain back or mess anything up...its confusing...thanks again...

[CherylB]

You're welcome. But if you aren't doing hcg after this, there really is no P4. Just do the 3 weeks of P3 and then transition to your new diet, carefully. I think it's a good idea to continue to weigh yourself daily and make immediate corrections on the day you go over 2 lbs above your last weight. You can't go wrong if you stay on top of it like that!

BTW, is Atkins your normal MO? I used to do Atkins but never ate fruit or cottage cheese, which I have grown to really love now. If I go back to that kind of plan, I will keep the fruit and cottage cheese.

[Cruzcrzy]

Originally Posted by CherylB

TOPS is a weight loss support group, isn't it? Do they know you are doing hcg? That must be a sticky situation. I imagine it would be difficult to find a group of people who would be open to that idea, rather than ganging up on the one lone hcg'er and attacking them like a pack of dogs on a wounded animal. LOL

Yea for being in your window! I am going to find it very challenging in August, to stay in my window. I am going to have to balance my days of P4 splurging with P3 days of limited calories. I would hate to put more weight back on during August. That will just make it that much harder to reach 140 by the latter part of September, when I plan to.

Yes, I'm happy. (Don't I look it?) LOL! But there needs to be a weekly whoosh to keep things evened-out! I'm due for mine. It'll come! I know it will.

Have a great evening, ladies! See you all again tomorrow.

Hi Cheryl,

they have no idea about hcg. They would not approve, lol. I was down a pound and a half because it's been two weeks since the last meeting. I let them know I would be maintaining until about mid August. I will continue to attend because the weekly weigh in is good accountability for me.

Today I am feeling good about P3. It's a daily thing you know, lol. Using fit day really helps me feel in control of the food instead of the food controlling me. As far as being able to eat high calorie and maintain, that is not my story. I've been eating what I want, but, overall averaging 1100-1200 calories. I am not doing it on purpose, as I feel very satisfied, it's just working out that way. I don't see me being able to be one of those people that can eat 1700-2000 calories and maintain, I just don't.

Another good loss for you today!!! I am doing fine, down a little, well within my range. Stats to the left, lol. I feel like I don't have much to share lately. It's the same thing, different day for me, lol.

Thank you for sharing your heart. I am honored to call you friend!

[CherylB]

Originally Posted by Cruzcrzy

Hi Cheryl,

they have no idea about hcg. They would not approve, lol. I was down a pound and a half because it's been two weeks since the last meeting. I let them know I would be maintaining until about mid August. I will continue to attend because the weekly weigh in is good accountability for me.

Today I am feeling good about P3. It's a daily thing you know, lol. Using fit day really helps me feel in control of the food instead of the food controlling me. As far as being able to eat high calorie and maintain, that is not my story. I've been eating what I want, but, overall averaging 1100-1200 calories. I am not doing it on purpose, as I feel very satisfied, it's just working out that way. I don't see me being able to be one of those people that can eat 1700-2000 calories and maintain, I just don't.

Another good loss for you today!!! I am doing fine, down a little, well within my range. Stats to the left, lol. I feel like I don't have much to share lately. It's the same thing, different day for me, lol.

Thank you for sharing your heart. I am honored to call you friend!

Awwww! Thanks, cutie. I had the same experience on P3. I just didn't feel like eating a lot and it took about a week to get up over 1000-1200 or so. I think the best I could manage was around 1600 a day. Do try to push the limit there, Marie. If you are resetting, see if you can reset a little bit higher. Why not give it the old college try?

[Cruzcrzy]

I am definitely eating. I eat two full meals per day, sometimes three when I have breakfast, but, I haven't been having breakfast lately. I will see what I can do because I am curious what my body will do. I honestly think I will gain. I am not convinced about this resetting, lol. My theory is that we were told to add things in phases so we don't go crazy and pig out, lol. I have added a bit of sugar and carbs already. I've had no ill effects, but, as I say, it's been very little. I account for it all. Today I did have some of a french baguette. I weighed it and accounted for it. I am feeling totally satisfied in P3. I will keep you posted .

[CherylB]

NOOOO! No sugar, no starch in P3! What are you thinking, woman? Don't set yourself up for disappointment! Sugars and starches come in P4 only.

You won't know if you have been able to reset if you undermine the basic rules of P3. I'm going to lose sleep over you tonight!

[Cruzcrzy]

Originally Posted by CherylB

NOOOO! No sugar, no starch in P3! What are you thinking, woman? Don't set yourself up for disappointment! Sugars and starches come in P4 only.

You won't know if you have been able to reset if you undermine the basic rules of P3. I'm going to lose sleep over you tonight!

Very true, but it's too late. I haven't had much, but, some.


Marie

[CherylB]

Well Don't Do It Again, little Missy!

[Cruzcrzy]

It's been very controlled. I haven't even come close to needing a correction day. In fact, I haven't even hit my LDW since starting P3. But, just for you, I will try.

[CherylB]

That's my girl!

I'm down another whole whopping 0.2 lbs today. I may do a fruit day (or research other correction days), just to get that whoosh I've been due for all this week. Let's see some ACTION!

I hope eveyone has a nice day today! I don't have any special plans so will be hanging at home, as usual.

[Cruzcrzy]

Hi Cheryl,

I've read where people have success with the apple day. They just eat 5 or 6 apples for the whole day. I've also read about chicken.

Hang in there! At least the scale is going in the right direction.

My stats are the same today.

[CherylB]

I've done two apple days in the past. I was thinking of doing one today but I want to research what my options are. I am pretty picky about what types of apples I like and I haven't found any Gala's in months. I bought some assorted apples yesterday and don't have a clue what kind they are. I wonder if we can eat oranges for a day? Probably not. Wouldn't have the same diuretic affect of apples.

Anyway, I'm off to see what my choices are. If I don't do it today, I will do it tomorrow.

I think the chicken CD is for P3, not P2. There is a steak day for P2, but no one seems to like it.

[Missouri_Librarian]

hi cheryl....i hope this finds you doing well...

well yesterday was my first day of no drops and I wasnt hungry at all...I only ate once and wasnt even wanting that but knew I had to eat something...I had a little roast beef and cabbage and cantaloupe...was down a bit this morning...I am using my weight this morning as my weight to watch for my 2 pd difference since I was so bad mon night and didnt want to use my yesterday weight....today is day 2 of no drops and for lunch i had some more of the roast and cabbage and cantaloupe...

to answer yoru question, for the past year atkins was not my woe, but i ate very low carb as in about 5-8 carbs basically meat and eggs only....that is how i dropped my weight....then i decided that i wasnt going to be able to do that for a lifetime and that is why i decided to try the hcg...i wanted to find something that i could get my body used to losing why having some higher carbs thru good carbs ( fruits, veggies, the popcorn) and still lose and/or maintain...i am hoping that is what i accomplished

tomorrow i will start to slowly add in fat and up my cals to about 1200, i know from the past i gain over that number,,when i was doing meat/eggs i kept cals less than 1000 then also....i will continue to have my fruit, but NO popcorn....if i gain, i will cut cals down...if i dont gain i will continue and slowly add in some different fruit/veggies to see how i do..

keep up the great work and if you have any more tips or see me doing anything wrong please pass along...thanks

[CherylB]

That sounds good except the cutting cals down if you gain. Do a correction day the day you go above your 2 lb LDW window and then eat like you were on a regular P3 day. If you are continually having to do a CD, then obviously something is wrong. But hcg resets your metabolism. Just because you couldn't eat over 1000 cals in the past doesn't mean that still applies now.

I would work on easing your calories up to about 1600-1800 by about a week from now. If you don't stretch the limits, you won't know where your new boundaries lie!

Healthy carbs are great. I will always eat fruit now, no matter what. I have grown to really love it! I will steer clear of bananas, watermelons, pineapple (yum) and stick to the low glycemic index fruits. But I will never go back to the Atkins way I had been eating. I never ate fruit on Atkins! I know I could have eaten berries but I never trusted that I could eat those and still lose.

[Missouri_Librarian]

great advice thanks..yes like you i am loving fruit and have had it about everyday...i have been having watermelon this whole time so will continue it...i have been loving the strawberry smothie...the days i dont do fruit at lunch, i have 2 fruits at dinner and put an orange and 6 strawberries in my smoothie...YUM

ohhhhhhhhhhh i hear you about missing it sister...last year all summer when it was in season and i was doing the very low carb i about died so unfair..and home grown corn...oh how i missed it..i am not going to lie, i am so going to have it this summer and see how i do....we should be able to have healthy carbs like that and not gain like crazy but after being on such low carbs if i was to dare have anything like that i would gain, so i didnt dare or i would pay...i didnt even risk the corn...like you i will follow and stick to the low ones..i wish i likes more berries, but i only like strawberries...

good tip on the calories...i will for sure increase them...that will be great if i can do that and not worry...who doesnt like that option...lol...thanks for that..your one of the very few on here who helps and doesnt act like your stupid if you dont know the answer or shun you when you go off plan..I appreciate that and appreciate that you realize we are human and we do fall at times...thanks

[CherylB]

Well, I have to disagree with you on that point. I've found lots of helpful, accepting people on LCF. That's why I've come as far as I have and why I stick around! Sure, there are people who can get uppity at times, but you just have to steer around them and find the good ones.

I lose my patience with people when they fall off the wagon time and time again. I find it a waste of time and energy to keep trying to help people who really keep undermining themselves. It all comes down to treasuring your one and only body. We take better care of our cars than our bodies sometimes! I have been the worlds worst at abusing my body. But now I know that it is the most important thing I will ever own in this life.

As far as the corn idea goes, I think if we eat something that is a starchy veggie, we should learn to enjoy it without fat, like butter. I never tried Suzanne Summers diet but I read about food combining. It makes some sense! If you really think about it, nobody would get fat eating plain corn or plain peas or plain baked potatoes. It's when we add the fat to them that it spikes our blood sugar and then the body packs on the lbs.

So, maybe try zero calorie butter spray on the starchy things you eat in the future (I'll try to remember this tip for myself, when I get to P4) or try something very odd like fat-free yogurt on your itty bitty potato (that you'll only have once a month.)

Moderation! Eating to be healthy! That's what it's all about, and that's what will keep the fat off and make us able-bodied for as long as the good Lord allows.

[Missouri_Librarian]

great points, ty

[Cruzcrzy]

Originally Posted by CherylB

Moderation! Eating to be healthy! That's what it's all about, and that's what will keep the fat off and make us able-bodied for as long as the good Lord allows.

[CherylB]

Originally Posted by MrsPat

Way to go!!!!!

MrsPat, I saw that horrible dust storm that hit Phoenix yesterday! I haven't seen you or any of the other Phoenix folks around and I'm concerned. Are you okay?

[MrsPat]

Originally Posted by CherylB

MrsPat, I saw that horrible dust storm that hit Phoenix yesterday! I haven't seen you or any of the other Phoenix folks around and I'm concerned. Are you okay?

Cheryl, Thank you for asking--most of the Valley is fine with minimal damage. Thank goodness, this time, we were just on the edge of that wall of dust; it was more like a typical dust storm in my neighborhood. It was very unusual even for us, so much so, that the news crews were interrupting programing. . .kinda like when that watery stuff they call "rain" falls from the sky.

Because of the threat of power outages I was offline last night. I was anxious to recap my experiences in R2P2. It has certainly been an adventure. My foot has been driving me crazy with pain (I know that you, Cheryl, commented that my foot isn't the boss but honestly, my foot would firmly disagreed with you! ) because I was taking some pretty heavy duty meds I decided to eat Atkins-style and I still lost weight. I did this for two weeks then switched over to Scarsdale-style for two weeks and lost weight. It looks like I did a refeed this weekend without me even knowing what one was. I am now following a VLCD diet but adding a little bit of fat and I am losing. Now, I haven't been losing the whole time and it hasn't been significant quantities of weightloss but overall I am heading in the right direction and each small loss adds up; so I am pleased. Every two weeks with each dietary change I hit a stall. . .each time was a set point from years ago. The good news is that I weigh less, now, than I have weighed in 8 years.

I apologize for the rambling. :blush:

Well, it has cooled down enough for me to join MrPat in cleaning up the debris in our yard. I may last all of 20 minutes!

Keep up the good work everyone. Losers congratulations! For those with set-backs hugs!