Beyond Hcg/Hhcg

[minimonkey]

This thread is for those of us who have used hcg/hhcg and are not currently using it/following an hcg protocol....

I hit goal with a rogue hhcg plan, but am now following a combination of IF and an eating plan similar to "eat fat, get thin" for maintenance and fitness gains.

I am doing regular and rigorous resistance and interval training.

Come on ladies... start posting... I know who you are...

[julieboolie]

LOL Mini This works for me as I'm done with the hcg weight loss phase and moving onto the maintain and tone up phase

I did rogue hhcg for about 6 months (off and on) about 3 rounds. Went from 187 to 150 as my LDW. I did get down to 146 in my last P2, but it didn't stick.

So, after a lifetime of dieting I am finally happy with my weight and size. I would be happy to lose 5 more lbs, and likely will while I get back into the exercise routine. But, the weight loss is not my goal. I have loads of saggy skin, but that's to be expected.

My meal plan is LC, with the occasional indulgence. I'm finishing up my 2nd week of P3, and plan to do a full third week. I did eat at Sweet Tomatoes tonight, which always makes me gain. I tried to be careful, but there must be some hidden sugars in their dressings and soup as I always gain. But it's yummy!! I'll re-lose whatever gain it is. It was worth it.

So, general LC for maintenance and cardio and weight lifting for health and strength!! Excited to get on with the rest of my life and stop obsessing about the scale!!

[Izzysdream]

Hi Mini,
I'm about 2.5 weeks into P4, up about 3 pounds. Toying with doing IF on the weekends like I did when I was doing regular low carb. Trying not to be frustrated because I can't seem to eat the things I was able to tolerate on low carb before hcg...
My roscea is much worse after hcg also..

[kaylem]

So, I'll jump in here, too, as I am in week three of P3 and *believe* that I am finished with my rounds! Besides, if Mini and Julie are doing it, then I will follow! Ha!

I completed two rounds--One uber-protocol where I lost 23 pounds, and then my second, shorter round that ended up being "somewhat" rogue--remember, I was one of the "re-feed" guinea pigs! *sigh.* Second round, I lost (including load/vacation weight), 19 pounds. Not including load weight, I lost 10. Now I am working to maintain, stabilize, and get my head in the "life long" game.

Exercise is on the horizon for me--I just need to get off my rear and get to it. I know how much better I feel doing it, and I know that I will never lock in this weight OR be fully healthy unless I do it. So, no more excuses.

I expect that I will be eating LC for the foreseeable future as that seems to be how my body likes it. I also plan on continuing with my new habits of avoiding processed foods and chemicals.

Mini, thanks for starting this thread! I think it is just what I need!

[mermaid]

Hi everybody! This looks like a great group so far. Thanks Minimonkey for starting this.

I had to stop HCG because of my TOM days were starting to outnumber the non-TOM days and just taking small breaks were not helping. I was doing rogue 900 to 1200 calories and doing well other than the hormone stuff. I love the HHCG for appetite suppression and fat mobilization, but the TOM side effect is too hard to deal with. I'll give it another try next fall.

Until then, I do want to keep losing and at least get under 200 pounds. If I succeed in doing that it will be the first time in 22 years! So, I'm not doing P3, just old fashioned weight loss without HHCG for the summer and see how that goes. I'll probably bounce between 1,000 and 1,500 calories, very low carb, minimal LC goodies, depending on what the demands of the day are. So far so good in the last couple of days. I have maintained on about 1,500 calories a day and I'm feeling much better, no cramps or bloating. It's a good start.

Have a great Sunday everyone!

[DisneyPrincess]

Marking my spot here. I've lost 55 pounds in the last year and finished off my last 20 with hHCG. I've now been in maintenance for about a month. Weight is anywhere between 99.5 and 103.5. I haven't gone over that. I'm doing mostly LC but have had my occasional indulgences. I'm finding it is really easy to live this way and I'm happy with how things ate going. I'm running a lot because it's what I love and working on keeping my muscle mass while I do so.

I'm wishing everyone great success

[minimonkey]

Wow-- great little group we have going here... yay!!!

I am up 4 lbs today, and trying to figure out what is going on. I am in the middle of a heavy exercise cycle, so that is definitely part of it, if not most of it.

Also just had two heavy eating days, so today will be a partial fast day. Lots of water today, too -- that is definitely in order.

Like you, Mermaid... my TOM is way wack at the moment. I have been bleeding for 3 weeks straight! I think it is showing signs of stopping... I hope so!!! Upped my progesterone dosage with hopes that will help.

I am focusing on gaining muscle at the moment, so definitely expecting to see something of an aggregate gain on the scale if I continue training at this level of intensity... thinking it is a good idea to keep weighing every couple of days, at least, so I can get a sense of the ups and downs, too... so I know what to expect and I won't freak when I do go jumping up 4 lbs at a stretch.....

I may do one last round of p2 at some point, but certainly not yet.... right now, my focus is on fitness gains -- and that means letting go of that damned scale number.

Got a pretty heavy day ahead of me, activity and stress wise.... and still hoping for a good workout at the end of it, energy permitting.

Wishing you all a good day!

[minimonkey]

Wow, Izzy --- sorry to hear about the rosacea flare.... that is NO fun! Hope you find you can start tolerating the old foods again soon, and that the rosacea gets better.

[minimonkey]

Looking forward to seeing how we all do with our individualized plans, here... I think we can learn a lot from each other.

Disney... so happy for you, and proud of your results!!!!!!!!!! Julie, you are one of my absolute heroes too.... so glad you are here.

Hugs, everyone!!!

[Ravenj9]

This thread gives me hope. I kept seeing people having to go back to P2 after they met their goal so I was worried that the maintenance part of the plan was just wishful thinking. I will keep reading this thread for inspiration and hopefully proof that maintenance is possible.

[Izzysdream]

Originally Posted by Ravenj9

This thread gives me hope. I kept seeing people having to go back to P2 after they met their goal so I was worried that the maintenance part of the plan was just wishful thinking. I will keep reading this thread for inspiration and hopefully proof that maintenance is possible.

Amen!

[minimonkey]

Do you guys read the p3 threads? A LOT of people maintain successfully on the p3/p4 protocol. I am mixing it up because I am doing some pretty intense fitness training .... but the regular p3/p4 maintenance seems to work well for most people.

I didn't get in a real workout today due to schedule constraints, but did a lot of lifting and running around (moving some large sculptures to a different campus) -- and will try to get in a killer one tomorrow. I worked out the past three days, two of them pretty hard workouts, so I can't really complain --- the rest will probably do me good, actually.

Today was a one-meal day, but it was a hearty one.

Tomorrow is going to be hectic -- considering one of the p3 correction days to see if I can shed some of this water weight from TOM.

[DisneyPrincess]

I've stabilized amazingingly well. I haven't done strict p3 because I do have the occasional carbs and sugar but I'm within the same 3-4 pounds daily depending on what I eat. I haven't done a correction day either. If I'm 2 pounds over my window it's usually because I've eaten carbs, and the next day I just do lc and I'm back towards the low end of my range

With that said. I'm now living in an oceanfront beach condo for the next MONTH! Yes month! My Dh gets back from Afghanistan on Thursday after being gone for 10 months so we treated ourselves for the next 4 days I'm doing pretty strict LC. I want to be shed of all water by Thursday night.

[mermaid]

Originally Posted by DisneyPrincess

I've stabilized amazingingly well. I haven't done strict p3 because I do have the occasional carbs and sugar but I'm within the same 3-4 pounds daily depending on what I eat. I haven't done a correction day either. If I'm 2 pounds over my window it's usually because I've eaten carbs, and the next day I just do lc and I'm back towards the low end of my range

With that said. I'm now living in an oceanfront beach condo for the next MONTH! Yes month! My Dh gets back from Afghanistan on Thursday after being gone for 10 months so we treated ourselves for the next 4 days I'm doing pretty strict LC. I want to be shed of all water by Thursday night.

That is all so amazing!

[Ravenj9]

Originally Posted by minimonkey

Do you guys read the p3 threads? A LOT of people maintain successfully on the p3/p4 protocol. I am mixing it up because I am doing some pretty intense fitness training .... but the regular p3/p4 maintenance seems to work well for most people.

I didn't get in a real workout today due to schedule constraints, but did a lot of lifting and running around (moving some large sculptures to a different campus) -- and will try to get in a killer one tomorrow. I worked out the past three days, two of them pretty hard workouts, so I can't really complain --- the rest will probably do me good, actually.

Today was a one-meal day, but it was a hearty one.

Tomorrow is going to be hectic -- considering one of the p3 correction days to see if I can shed some of this water weight from TOM.

Hi Mini, yes I do read the P3/P4 threads but most people there are waiting to go back to P2 for their next round. I want to read about people who have hit goal and do not need to do another round. I want to know how these people are maintaining on a daily or weekly basis and the challenges they face. The problem is, most people leave the forum after meeting goal so we never get to hear these stories which is why I'm glad to see this thread.

[julieboolie]

Originally Posted by minimonkey

Looking forward to seeing how we all do with our individualized plans, here... I think we can learn a lot from each other.

Disney... so happy for you, and proud of your results!!!!!!!!!! Julie, you are one of my absolute heroes too.... so glad you are here.

Hugs, everyone!!!

Thanks love!! You're my hero too!! I'd love to have a BF% somewhere near yours!!

Originally Posted by DisneyPrincess

I've stabilized amazingingly well. I haven't done strict p3 because I do have the occasional carbs and sugar but I'm within the same 3-4 pounds daily depending on what I eat. I haven't done a correction day either. If I'm 2 pounds over my window it's usually because I've eaten carbs, and the next day I just do lc and I'm back towards the low end of my range

With that said. I'm now living in an oceanfront beach condo for the next MONTH! Yes month! My Dh gets back from Afghanistan on Thursday after being gone for 10 months so we treated ourselves for the next 4 days I'm doing pretty strict LC. I want to be shed of all water by Thursday night.

I am so happy for you!!! What a wonderful way to get "reaquainted" !! Enjoy yourself!! And a great time to be coming home w/ the Osama success!! Thank your dh from me. I really appreciate all the sacrifices our servicemen (and thier loved ones) make for our safety.

Raven-I totally agree. Those who are "done" hcg usually leave the board and there are few long term maintenance success stories. There is Afuentes on the board who inspired me initially to look into it. she's a bikini competitor now so that's a heck of a success story!! I'm hoping we'll also be similarly successful longer term!

On that note, I ate WAY over on my cals and even sugar yesterday :blush: It was intentionaly comfort eating (after visiting my dad's grave -4th anniversary yesterday). I did choose lower sugar indulgences (frozen yogurt and dark choc almonds), but hit about 2500cals!! I am up 0.4 today!! That's it!! I can't believe it!! Somethings working!! ACV? supplements? Exercise? Whatever it is, I'm thrilled!! Just a positive note of encouragement. This final round seems to be yielding a great P3. Don't want to jinx it though . Still have a few more "official" days.

[Ravenj9]

Originally Posted by julieboolie

Thanks love!! You're my hero too!! I'd love to have a BF% somewhere near yours!!



I am so happy for you!!! What a wonderful way to get "reaquainted" !! Enjoy yourself!! And a great time to be coming home w/ the Osama success!! Thank your dh from me. I really appreciate all the sacrifices our servicemen (and thier loved ones) make for our safety.

Raven-I totally agree. Those who are "done" hcg usually leave the board and there are few long term maintenance success stories. There is Afuentes on the board who inspired me initially to look into it. she's a bikini competitor now so that's a heck of a success story!! I'm hoping we'll also be similarly successful longer term!

On that note, I ate WAY over on my cals and even sugar yesterday :blush: It was intentionaly comfort eating (after visiting my dad's grave -4th anniversary yesterday). I did choose lower sugar indulgences (frozen yogurt and dark choc almonds), but hit about 2500cals!! I am up 0.4 today!! That's it!! I can't believe it!! Somethings working!! ACV? supplements? Exercise? Whatever it is, I'm thrilled!! Just a positive note of encouragement. This final round seems to be yielding a great P3. Don't want to jinx it though . Still have a few more "official" days.

I think I saw a picture of Afuentes on an old thread. I was very impressed and was hoping she would come around again. I was a figure competitor about 7 years ago but I started having problems losing weight for my competitions so I stopped competing (now I know it was probably hormonal issues). I would love to do it again (bikini not figure) at a more local level just for fun.

[DisneyPrincess]

I know I'm not long term but this month maintaining has been easier than I thought.

[Izzysdream]

Originally Posted by julieboolie

On that note, I ate WAY over on my cals and even sugar yesterday :blush: It was intentionaly comfort eating (after visiting my dad's grave -4th anniversary yesterday). I did choose lower sugar indulgences (frozen yogurt and dark choc almonds), but hit about 2500cals!! I am up 0.4 today!! That's it!! I can't believe it!! Somethings working!! ACV? supplements? Exercise? Whatever it is, I'm thrilled!! Just a positive note of encouragement. This final round seems to be yielding a great P3. Don't want to jinx it though . Still have a few more "official" days.

WooHoo Julie! It is working!
Sorry about your dad's anniversary. It's tough, my moms been gone 30 years, but it always hits me around Thanksgiving when she died.
I went wild at dinner last night, lol
Lots of cabernet, vietnamese appetizers. First time indulging in wheat.
Up to 144 this morn, but it knocked some sense into me. Did a protein day today and will do one tomorrow. Will weigh again on Wednesday.
I have to admit it felt good to throw my hcg mentality to the wind and just let loose for a night...I so needed it! I've been so afraid to eat anything...
See if I feel that way on Wednesdays weigh in.

[julieboolie]

Izzy-thanks!! The sadness does seem to lessen w/ time, but never goes away. I agree about the "letting loose" mentality. I'm eating much more lately and holding steady. So nice not to think about it so much.

Raven-good for you!! I'm sure you'll be back to competitive level in no time!! Wish I had a good history of fitness or even "normalness". I am my smallest weight since I was 10 years old!! But also when my friends see me now!!

I'm the same again today!! I worked out yesterday, did some heavy weights and was pretty happy w/ what I could do . Not sore today, and no gain (despite eating a LOT!!). Very happy!!

I really think that I could maintain this weight relatively easily!! I can hardly believe it (insert "pinching self" emoticon here). I'm looking forward to some more carbs this weekend, but have already upped them this week. I've enjoye dark chocolate covered almonds, froyo and apples all week with no damage. Woo-hoo!!

Meet w. the trainer tomorrow morning to see what she'll suggest. Already adding in 30 min of cardio 3x a week so far. I do some weights each time, 3-4 areas a visit. I'd like to up that. We'll see what she suggests. Very happy w. it overall. Feel good, looking more tight, and have enough energy!! YEAH!!

[minimonkey]

Yay for your workouts, Julie!!!!!!!!!!! Whoohoooooo!!!!!!!!!!!

Well, I am not going to be much of an inspiration to anyone with this moving beyond hhcg thing.... I am back on p2 as of yesterday. I actually did it following an intuitive whim, that perhaps starting the drops again would make my endless period stop.... and it appears I was right. I stopped taking them during TOM, and it literally just didn't stop after that.... I had been bleeding heavily for about 3 weeks --- aaaack.

Anyhow, the period stopped pretty much dead in its tracks, though I do still feel pretty hormonal overall. I would love to see this all resolve soon.

I don't know if hhcg is to blame, or if it is just perimenopause and coincidence... but I also shot up 4 lbs almost overnight, and it wasn't coming off... so I decided to give this a go. Other than hormones, I really have no idea what caused the gain..... it was literally in two days... but it is staying put, so I am going to p2 it off.

I managed a killer workout today, p2 or not -- and I haven't gotten that end of TOM whoosh yet, so I suspect I'll be back to my goal weight pretty soon once the hormones calm down, assuming they actually do.....

Not sure what to do about this rather unplanned p2 --- I seem to be having a heck of a time in p3... I do fine for about 2 weeks, then I shoot up several pounds really quickly... this seems to be a pattern for me. No idea if I should stay on it for the whole 23 days? I do rogue, so I suppose it couldn't hurt -- but I definitely don't want to mess up my cycles any more than they already are....

As for the gain, I am quite determined to get to goal, and stay there, darn it --- unless my gains are clearly, indisputably muscle... which this isn't. Some of it undoubtedly is muscle, but some of it is water and other flubby glub.

Hoping for a whoosh in the next couple of days -- likely won't be tonight, because I am about to get a very minimal night's sleep --- but who knows.

[DisneyPrincess]

Mini- I cant imagine what that could be but id be a bit concerned. I mean if you are bleeding whenever you go off hHCG shouldn't you try to get yourself normalized off of it? I mean you won't be taking it forever KWIM? It's got to be doing something to your hormones. It would explain the jump in weight too.

Awesome workout Julie! Being a PT I love to see people doing good workouts!

I'm doing well. It's been easy so far at the beach house since it's just me and my son. I went shopping and eat what I need and want. I also have been running, there is a great bike path that surrounds the island. It's going to be a while since I can get back to my weight training so I'll probably start some metabolic work twice a week after DH is back to work. I weighed this morning at 100.2 (99.8 is my low, 101-102 is about my average) so I'm really pleased. When Dh gets back I know there will be meals out and more food so I'm hoping the timing is right and my body is ready for it

[Tylar_Connar]

Great job to you all. That is encouraging. I need to get back on this!! I felt so much better!

[mermaid]

I have been feeling really good physically the past few days. That is good news and bad--the bad being that if I am feeling good that means I am not burning fat. Burning fat makes me feel awful. I got into some coffee cake two days ago (dang it was good, loaded with butter, coconut oil, brown sugar, and pecans!) and my body handled it a lot better than usual, but of course I probably gained from it. Dunno for sure because I'm skeered of the scale now. I'll weigh again tomorrow after being good for two days.

Tons of external stress right now. We are having a land dispute with some very nasty but influential people who have threatened DH twice with physical harm (yes, police were called, no, nothing was done about it due to politics), my stepmom was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer (I will be the one to drive her around for all the treatments, etc.), also my mom is back and forth into the hospital with heart problems/surgeries/procedures, and then there is the ever-present money shortage. I have been through enough hard times to be able to deal with all of that (the Serenity Prayer is what I live by), but it very much means no weight loss in my immediate future.

I so badly want a simple quiet life, but every time I try to just live a simple quiet life, and heal myself, the world comes after me with a vengeance it seems like. Wonder what's up with that?

[averyjenn]

Marking my spot! I'm in P4 and done for awhile with hcg. I need to tone up, give my body a rest. I'm down 30 lbs and stabilized great after R1 but not after R2. I do a CD once/week it seems. I know this is a whole new size/weight I haven't seen in 20 years so it's difficult to maintain BUT I'm determined to catch it as soon as it goes over and take care of it.

I leave on Friday for Florida and Saturday we leave on a cruise for a week. You'd think I'd be happy but I'm obsessing over what's in all my beloved cruise food! Dh who did R1 with me is also going to be very conscious and we plan on going to the gym and/or walking every day to help combat anything bad. My plan is to eat light for breakfast/lunch - eggs, meats and fruit for breakfast and salad for lunch. I also plan no desserts except the cheese or fruit plates. I'll stick to LC foods for dinner but you just don't know what's in them. My goal is to be up no more than 3 lbs at most if not none. Wish me luck!!

[Izzysdream]

Hi Jenn, Welcome to the thread!

I'm back down to 142 this morn. Still 2 pounds over where I want to be, but okay right now. Back to eating my regular P3 today and it makes me happy. I need to experiment, the next time I go out to eat and plan to drink...I'm going to do IF that day. Eating all day then splurging like that? What did I expect? lol
From what I read, lots of people stabilize 3-4 pounds over LIW/LDW, so I'm in that ballpark.
I was remembering the last time I was "naturally" thin, before my eating disorder kicked in. I was 15 and weighed 150 pounds (was 5'8" way back then). I had more muscle then, but when I look at pictures I looked skinny!
I'm 53 and 142 now.
I shouldn't be complaining, huh?

[DisneyPrincess]

Yup, I think expecting 3-5 pounds over low weight is realistic. No one can really go from eating 500 calories to eating 1500+ without even some water in your cells.

[julieboolie]

Izzy-you're doing great!! Stable is stable, so they say .

Jenn-good to see you!! Enjoy your trip!! Your plan sounds good! I think you'll do great!! Looking forward to some new pics when you get back!

Mini-you know what works for you. I suspect there's muscle building and repair going on coupled w/ hormones = gain. But see where you go and how you feel. You know when you have to stop and will stay w/ us to keep an eye on you . Good luck!

I made my (famous) chicken chili (has beans and corn in it ) last night for dinner and enjoyed a big bowl of it w/ shredded cheese and sour cream. Yummy!! So good!! I decided to test the P4 waters since I've been nice and stable all week.

So, I am up 0.2 lbs today!! I'm calling that success!! I did work out pretty hard yesterday and am sore from it, so I won't freak out about a 0.2 lb bump. I feel good. Healthy and fit!! I don't want to push it too much, but I'm already encouraged by the way I've reacted (or not reacted) to the chocolate, almonds and frozen yogurt (not the SF kind either!!), and now beans and corn.

Dd(7) isn't feeling well today, so I may not be working. That's fine w. me, but work won't be too happy!!

[Izzysdream]

Hi ladies!
Julie, hope your daughter feels better soon!
Mini, you are buff and a muscle building machine! No matter how much I work out I just get a bit of definition.

Down to 140.8 this morn. Going back to eating my tried and true P3 worked. Almost 2400 calories yesterday. I'm happy eating this way. I'll tread slowly and more carefully into P4 territory from now on. Eating this way totally eliminates cravings for me. It still astounds this carb addict, I'm looking for the cravings and they are gone! LOL
I've had chocolate carb smart ice cream in the fridge all week, and it's still not calling my name...huh???
Ha, who woulda thunk?

[DisneyPrincess]

Good morning.

Just got back from a 4.5 mile run at the beach. I'm loving it here!

I actually saw a new low on the scale this morning (.5 from my previous low) which I'm really happy about because with dh getting home tonight I know there are going to be meals out and I'll be cooking some of his favorites. This gives me even more wiggle room.

Might not be around for a little with dh coming home. We have 10 months of catching up to do