six weeks?

[Lildrew]

Did you all wait six weeks to start phase two? I have 40 lbs to lose by mid October, so that six weeks is a bit scary to me.

[VEEnVEGAS]

Do you mean Round 2? If so, I plan on doing only 3 weeks on Phase 3 before beginning Round 2.

[RedsSkinnyJeans]

Just added it up - mine will be NINE weeks - but it's because my body got sick from something non-HCG related. I think it depends on how health/top form your body is. (Not very eloquent) For instance, if you are in your 20's, healthy liver, take all your vitamins, feel like you bounced back after first round, then I don't think it's a big deal.

It IS hard to wait. There is a sort of a "high" to all that quick weight loss. But I remember reading a great post describing how hard phase 2 is on your body, and how it needs some time to recover. Also, phase 3 is the MOST important phase of them all. Your hypothalamus needs to RELEARN a new set point, (and that we LOVE calories!).

That was a long reply, and I feel like I need more coffee, but you get the idea. :-)

[Lildrew]

Okay, I admit it...I'm confused (doesn't take much! lol).

How does this timing work? I have the pellets coming today. I take 3 pellets, 3 times a day until they are gone. What is this called? Round One, Phase One?

If I have 40 lbs to lose and get there after two rounds of HCG, why would I do a Phase 3? Is there some place I can look for all the information. I read Pounds and Inches and I still don't understand all the prases on the forum. :blush:

I feel like I am missing something with all the different names and such.

Thank you for any input!!!

[BigBravesGirl]

I did the minimum phase 2, did three weeks of P3 and am doing almost 3 weeks of P4. I'll load again on July 3, 4 for R2P2. I think the six weeks is worth it. It helps your body readjust.

I know a lot of people are anxious to lose the weight, me included. But if we want this to be the permanent solution, we need to do what's best for our bodies, not our pride/image.

[BigBravesGirl]

Drew, I see you've read P&I, but, as dry as it is, you really need to read to understand.

It's basically done in this order:

Phase 2:
2 load days with hcg
at least 21 vlc days with hcg
2 vlc days without hcg

Phase 3:
3 weeks no sugar / no starch

Phase 4:
3 weeks incorporating normal foods back into your diet

only after that do you go back to another phase 2

[Sleepy]

Originally Posted by BigBravesGirl

Drew, I see you've read P&I, but, as dry as it is, you really need to read to understand.

It's basically done in this order:

Phase 2:
2 load days with hcg
at least 21 vlc days with hcg
2 vlc days without hcg

Phase 3:
3 weeks no sugar / no starch

Phase 4:
3 weeks incorporating normal foods back into your diet

only after that do you go back to another phase 2

this is one way
but after phase 3 for 3 weeks
its perfectly fine to go right back to phase 2
then back to phase 3 for 6 weeks ,etc
depends on how much you want to lose
you always add 2 more weeks to your phase 3's after going back to phase 2
then do phase 4 at the end
this is what my doctor suggests and i am doing
totally possible! ive lost 20 lbs in almost 3 weeks!
just keep at it!

[Balance101]

Lisa, that is an awesome easy-to-understand overview! I'm going to save it, LoL! Thank you.

It's so confusing when you first start. And I feel that I have found better info on this forum than in P&I. I can't wait for my hcg to come!

[Balance101]

Thanks to you too Sleepy!

I have found great info (and recipes!) on the intermountain website as well.

[BigBravesGirl]

B101, it's easy to break it down into simplistic steps / phases once you figure it out. (Of course, I don't have it figured out completely, I still have questions.) But we still have to understand why those steps / phases are important. I asked a gazillion questions before I started, plus had to get multiple doctor approvals, then talk with my husband about the risks / rewards of the plan before I decided to take the plunge. I know you'll do great! And if you have questions, THIS is definitely the place to ask. These folks are awesome!

[Dreamchaser]

Originally Posted by RedL.I.

I remember reading a great post describing how hard phase 2 is on your body, and how it needs some time to recover.

Hi Red - I know this is a shot in the dark but you wouldn't happen to be subscribed to that thread or remember where that post is, would you? Just curious because I would love to read it.

[Lildrew]

Thank you all so much! My plan, and fill free to comment, is as follows:

Start Phase 2 today with loading (2 days)
40 days (ending on 8/10)
Phase 3 (2 weeks rest - I have time restraints and it all depends on how much I lose on Phase 2)
Phase 2 again for 23 days (if I need to lose anymore weight) (8/17 - 9/17)
Phase 4 (three weeks to stabilize)

The "problem" is that I leave for France on October 8th and will be there for 16 days. I thought it would be a better idea to really get my weight stablized before going there.

Any thoughts?

[BigBravesGirl]

Drew, some people extend P2 longer than the 40 days.

If it were me, though, I think instead of cycling back into P2 after a short P3, I'd shorten the first P2 to do a full 3 weeks of P3. JMO, of course.

Everyone does things differently, though. So, I guess it's ultimately up to you. Good luck!

[jabbok]

Originally Posted by Lildrew

Thank you all so much! My plan, and fill free to comment, is as follows:

Start Phase 2 today with loading (2 days)
40 days (ending on 8/10)
Phase 3 (2 weeks rest - I have time restraints and it all depends on how much I lose on Phase 2)
Phase 2 again for 23 days (if I need to lose anymore weight) (8/17 - 9/17)
Phase 4 (three weeks to stabilize)

The "problem" is that I leave for France on October 8th and will be there for 16 days. I thought it would be a better idea to really get my weight stablized before going there.

Any thoughts?

It is usually recommended to do a full cycle your 1st round, so P2 min 21 vlcd up to 40 vlcd, then P3 for 3 weeks and P4 for 3 weeks this is so your body has a chance to catch up to the rapid weight loss and for you to stabilize.

[RedsSkinnyJeans]

Originally Posted by BigBravesGirl

Drew, I see you've read P&I, but, as dry as it is, you really need to read to understand.

It's basically done in this order:

Phase 2:
2 load days with hcg
at least 21 vlc days with hcg
2 vlc days without hcg

Phase 3:
3 weeks no sugar / no starch

Phase 4:
3 weeks incorporating normal foods back into your diet

only after that do you go back to another phase 2

My input would be to change your Phase 3 time to 3 weeks, instead of 2.
Phase 3 is the most important phase of the program!!!

[BigBravesGirl]

Originally Posted by RedL.I.

My input would be to change your Phase 3 time to 3 weeks, instead of 2.
Phase 3 is the most important phase of the program!!!

I tend to agree!

[RedsSkinnyJeans]

Originally Posted by Dreamchaser

Hi Red - I know this is a shot in the dark but you wouldn't happen to be subscribed to that thread or remember where that post is, would you? Just curious because I would love to read it.

I tried to find it but couldn't. Seems like it was about a month ago, and I feel like the author was C'Marie. From what I remember, the gist was that we store toxins in our fat cells. As our body switches to burning the stored fat for fuel, there is lots of by-product that goes with that. The liver then must work hard to process all the toxins the fat cells are dumping as they are burned for fuel. (Another reason why tons of water is so important!)

I did a 40 day cycle, lost 20 pounds, and by the end, I was losing my stamina, feeling a bit weak some days, and I knew it was time to go to P3.

[dazygyrl]

just an fyi...i am on vlcd36 and still have half a bottle of pellets (intermountain). don't know where they are getting that they last 40 days, but i bet i could go another 30 days before i run out of pellets.

[NeekoM]

Originally Posted by RedL.I.

My input would be to change your Phase 3 time to 3 weeks, instead of 2.
Phase 3 is the most important phase of the program!!!

I have to agree too. It is NOT a good idea to jump from P2 to P4 either. You need to add the fats first and then, once your weight is stable, you can add in some starches and sugars.

[VEEnVEGAS]

Originally Posted by RedL.I.

I tried to find it but couldn't. Seems like it was about a month ago, and I feel like the author was C'Marie. From what I remember, the gist was that we store toxins in our fat cells. As our body switches to burning the stored fat for fuel, there is lots of by-product that goes with that. The liver then must work hard to process all the toxins the fat cells are dumping as they are burned for fuel. (Another reason why tons of water is so important!).

Hi Red...I totally agree with what is said here and take several tablespoons of ACV daily to help rid my body of these toxins.

[porkfatrules]

I think it's fine to decide whether you want to do a short (21 day) P2 or a longer one (40 days or even more), but I totally agree with those who say to give it a full 3 weeks P3 and a full 3 weeks of P4, especially on your first round! Your body is doing important things under the covers, and you don't want to shortchange it and have trouble stabilizing later.

There is a kind of cycling that goes from P2 to P3 and back to P2 again -- it's not strictly protocol, but people definitely do it. I'd just say, do one round by the book, and then decide if you want to tweak things in later rounds.

JMHO!

Also, on the vocabulary: P&I doesn't talk about rounds or phases, he just described the stages. Kevin Trudeau's book came up with some names, and most people use them. Basically, ignore Phase 1 (it's a detox that many people don't do). Phases 2, 3, and 4 (P2, P3, and P4) are what others in this thread described, so I won't repeat. And, a Round is one cycle of P2/P3/P4 -- if you have more weight to lose than you lost in your first P2, then you back to P2 again (after stabilizing in P3 and P4). That would be your second Round. You'll see this abbreviated sometimes -- like if someone writes, "I'm in R2P3" that's Round 2, Phase 3 -- or even "R1P2VLCD20," that's Round 1, Phase 2, Very Low Calorie Day 20.

Hope this helps!

[porkfatrules]

Originally Posted by RedL.I.

I tried to find it but couldn't. Seems like it was about a month ago, and I feel like the author was C'Marie. From what I remember, the gist was that we store toxins in our fat cells. As our body switches to burning the stored fat for fuel, there is lots of by-product that goes with that. The liver then must work hard to process all the toxins the fat cells are dumping as they are burned for fuel.

This is true!!!! And, the reverse also happens -- when we eat foods that are high in toxins (pesticides, additives, preservatives, artificial colors and flavors) our body tends to store fat to hold on to these toxins, in order to protect our systems from it. So, a diet lower in this stuff also allows your body to more easily release fat, since it's not having to deal with the influx of toxins to store.

[Lildrew]

Originally Posted by porkfatrules

I think it's fine to decide whether you want to do a short (21 day) P2 or a longer one (40 days or even more), but I totally agree with those who say to give it a full 3 weeks P3 and a full 3 weeks of P4, especially on your first round! Your body is doing important things under the covers, and you don't want to shortchange it and have trouble stabilizing later.

There is a kind of cycling that goes from P2 to P3 and back to P2 again -- it's not strictly protocol, but people definitely do it. I'd just say, do one round by the book, and then decide if you want to tweak things in later rounds.

JMHO!

Also, on the vocabulary: P&I doesn't talk about rounds or phases, he just described the stages. Kevin Trudeau's book came up with some names, and most people use them. Basically, ignore Phase 1 (it's a detox that many people don't do). Phases 2, 3, and 4 (P2, P3, and P4) are what others in this thread described, so I won't repeat. And, a Round is one cycle of P2/P3/P4 -- if you have more weight to lose than you lost in your first P2, then you back to P2 again (after stabilizing in P3 and P4). That would be your second Round. You'll see this abbreviated sometimes -- like if someone writes, "I'm in R2P3" that's Round 2, Phase 3 -- or even "R1P2VLCD20," that's Round 1, Phase 2, Very Low Calorie Day 20.

Hope this helps!

That totally helps!! Thank you so much!

Right now I plan to do the whole 40 days, take a 3 week break, and then back to Phase 2 for 19 days, and then take a 3 week break again before my trip. I want to make sure I am stabilized before I leave. Hopefully even with a shorter second Phase 2 I will have the 40lbs. off.

Thanks again!!

[Dreamchaser]

Originally Posted by RedL.I.

I tried to find it but couldn't. Seems like it was about a month ago, and I feel like the author was C'Marie. From what I remember, the gist was that we store toxins in our fat cells. As our body switches to burning the stored fat for fuel, there is lots of by-product that goes with that. The liver then must work hard to process all the toxins the fat cells are dumping as they are burned for fuel. (Another reason why tons of water is so important!)

I did a 40 day cycle, lost 20 pounds, and by the end, I was losing my stamina, feeling a bit weak some days, and I knew it was time to go to P3.

Thanks Red, great info!

[Doing It Right]

Just another thought... Plan for 21 days, do it right... no cheats. If your still feeling it keep going to 40 days or more, you might surprise yourself. I started at 165 and lost 40 in 44 days. I have never been below around 145 as an adult, and I battle thyroid issues. You can do this!!! Please listen when everyone talks about P3 & P4 being so important. Give yourself an honest chance to do this right, you won't regret it.

Stick around, the wonderful people on here are always supportive and helpful. Good luck!

[jabbok]

Originally Posted by Lildrew

That totally helps!! Thank you so much!

Right now I plan to do the whole 40 days, take a 3 week break, and then back to Phase 2 for 19 days, and then take a 3 week break again before my trip. I want to make sure I am stabilized before I leave. Hopefully even with a shorter second Phase 2 I will have the 40lbs. off.

Thanks again!!

If you want to be successful at this you really should do the 1st round the right way as each P2 round has to be a min of 21 days of vlcd with the drops otherwise you could gain it all back.

If you want to be stable by the time you go on your holidays do your 1st round by Simeon's protocol this way you have a better chance of keeping the weight off. It is better to lose 20 pounds and keep it off then try to lose the 40 pounds but end up gaining most of it back because you rushed through the protocols.

This is just my opinion but I also speak from experience for my R3.

[BigBravesGirl]

Originally Posted by jabbok

If you want to be successful at this you really should do the 1st round the right way as each P2 round has to be a min of 21 days of vlcd with the drops otherwise you could gain it all back.

If you want to be stable by the time you go on your holidays do your 1st round by Simeon's protocol this way you have a better chance of keeping the weight off. It is better to lose 20 pounds and keep it off then try to lose the 40 pounds but end up gaining most of it back because you rushed through the protocols.

This is just my opinion but I also speak from experience for my R3.

I agree wholeheartedly with Cindy!

[Lildrew]

Originally Posted by jabbok

If you want to be successful at this you really should do the 1st round the right way as each P2 round has to be a min of 21 days of vlcd with the drops otherwise you could gain it all back.

If you want to be stable by the time you go on your holidays do your 1st round by Simeon's protocol this way you have a better chance of keeping the weight off. It is better to lose 20 pounds and keep it off then try to lose the 40 pounds but end up gaining most of it back because you rushed through the protocols.

This is just my opinion but I also speak from experience for my R3.

Okay, now I am confused...isn't that what I said I was doing? Am I missing something?

I am on my second day of loading today and will go a full 40 day round (Phase 2), then start Phase 3, and then do another Phase 2 for 19 days, and then start Phase 3 again (3 weeks)

Isn't that right? Sorry, all the abbreviations are throwing me off. Just want to make sure I am doing this right! I would hate to start and realize OH CRAP, I did that wrong.

Thanks!!

[jabbok]

Originally Posted by Lildrew

Okay, now I am confused...isn't that what I said I was doing? Am I missing something?

I am on my second day of loading today and will go a full 40 day round (Phase 2), then start Phase 3, and then do another Phase 2 for 19 days, and then start Phase 3 again (3 weeks)

Isn't that right? Sorry, all the abbreviations are throwing me off. Just want to make sure I am doing this right! I would hate to start and realize OH CRAP, I did that wrong.

Thanks!!

You are only doing 19 days for your second round you need to do the full 21 days of vlcd.

It is totally up to you what you do we are only trying to help.

Round 1 P2

2 days loading with drops
21 days of 500 calories (vlc)
2 days of 500 calories no drops

Round 1 P3

21 days of anything but no sugar or starch

Round 1 P4

21 days of adding in sugars and starches just keep track of what makes you gain.

Round 2 P2

2 days loading with drops
21 days 500 calories (vlc)
2 days 500 calories no drops

Round 2 P3

Same as round 1 but some people will start to cycle these rounds to fit in with their schedule. I hope this explains things better for you.

[BigBravesGirl]

Originally Posted by Lildrew

Okay, now I am confused...isn't that what I said I was doing? Am I missing something?

I am on my second day of loading today and will go a full 40 day round (Phase 2), then start Phase 3, and then do another Phase 2 for 19 days, and then start Phase 3 again (3 weeks)

Isn't that right? Sorry, all the abbreviations are throwing me off. Just want to make sure I am doing this right! I would hate to start and realize OH CRAP, I did that wrong.

Thanks!!

You're missing P4 in round 1.