Considering switching from Atkins to HCG and need advice

[rice paddie]

I'm considering switching from Atkins Induction to HCG. I read pounds and inches and found it quite overwhelming. I have some questions so I hope you don't mind indulging a newbie by offering some advice.

I had cancer of the thyroid about 20 years ago and as a result almost all of my thyroid was removed and I've been on medication ever since. It was unclear (at least to me) from the pounds and inches document whether it was okay for people taking thyroid medication to follow the HCG protocol. I'm otherwise in good health and do not take any other prescription medication but I don't want to try the HCG if it's going to mess with my thyroid issues.

I also was unclear on when you're supposed to start P2. I thought it said that you were supposed to start at a certain point in your menstrual cycle but I'm not sure that I understand exactly when you're supposed to start.

In addition, it looks like some of you are using the pellets and some are using the drops - which do you find more effective?

Any advice you can offer would be most appreciated......thank you!

[verbqueen]

I don't know the answer to your thyroid questions, so I'm going to leave that to the experts. However, I do know that there are plenty of hcg-ers who are hypothyroid--I see it mentioned fairly frequently.

But I just have to say this to you--this diet has been nothing short of a MIRACLE for me. After losing forty pounds relatively easily on Atkins, I hit a wall and was completely stalled for over a YEAR AND A HALF! I tried everything on earth to bust through it, but only this worked. I'm so grateful I could almost cry when I think about it. I am now only 9 pounds from my goal weight. I will save those last nine pounds for the next round, but I have every confidence now that I can achieve my goal.

It's not easy and requires serious commitment, but here's the thing: it actually works!

Best luck to you in finding the right plan for you!

[TerriMM]

Second that!

If you haven't already, download the free PDF of Pounds and Inches, that's your blueprint. Everything else you need to know you can learn from our threads. There are some stickys at the top the are extremely useful. Don't hesitate to ask if you have any questions.

Great Luck!

[shelbyla]

I am hypothyroid and hypo-adrenal and on meds for both. (Complete thyroid/adrenal replacement therapy consisting of T3-only and hydrocortisone 4x daily.) I had no issues with my thyroid during either of my two rounds--e.g. getting more or less hypo (other than when I forgot my meds, which has nothing to do with hcg), having to increase or decrease meds, interactions with the hcg, etc. I also had no blood sugar issues during the rounds and have re-set both my metabolism and my weight nicely right smack in the middle of the healthy range.

I did two rounds, starting at 210, ending at 152 (I am 43 y/o and 5'9). I took both kinds of drops (with alcohol and without) in my first round and mixed pellets and drops in my second. I don't have a preference except that the pellets are a little easier at work or if you have to be around people when you are dosing.

I also hit the wall with low-carb and am so happy I tried hcg. I broke through a 6 year stall and look better now at 43 than I did at 33. The plan was relatively easy to do, due to lack of hunger, and the fact that I am used to making my own foods pretty much all of the time (eating out is the kiss of death on this plan). I just wish that I had tried it sooner!

[rice paddie]

Thanks for the responses, ladies!

Did any of you take a multi-vitamin or any other supplements while in P2? Plus, did you take the HCG through your TOM or do you stop the drops/pellets during TOM and then start again when TOM is gone?

[TerriMM]

Stopped my Multi. Found it had trans fats after reading the fine print. Always took Potassium & Magnesium. Added Biotin and B-100 on Shelby's recommendation.

Don't stop pellets or drops during TOM.

[verbqueen]

Originally Posted by rice paddie

Thanks for the responses, ladies!

Did any of you take a multi-vitamin or any other supplements while in P2? Plus, did you take the HCG through your TOM or do you stop the drops/pellets during TOM and then start again when TOM is gone?

I take D-3, B complex, chromium, milk thistle and magnesium/calcium, and just kept right on taking that stuff when I started hcg.

[shelbyla]

I am a bit of a supplement freak (see above reference! ) so I take tons of supplements but I did go through them all and take out all t he ones with oil or rice starch. I would take at least potassium, magnesium citrate, biotin (10,000mg for me), b100, b12--methylcobalamin type, and milk thistle (if I do it again, I'll add the last back). Try for capsules whenever possible.

On the dosing through TOM, I did and most people on hhcg do. It's only the rx that they recommend stopping.

[rice paddie]

I'm currently taking a multi-vitamin, potassium and magnesium supplements. I try to exercise 2x a day (biking at lunch, workout video after work) so I need the potassium to help with muscle cramps. I think I may have to give up the exercise if I switch over to HCG so I may be able to drop the potassium. As for the magnesium, I take that to help keep me regular (or as regular as you can be on LC WOE). Not sure if I would continue the magnesium if I switched.

I guess I'm still on the fence about the whole thing. I'm losing weight doing the Atkins Induction but it's slow as molasses and I go for long stretches where I seem to bounce around the same few pounds. I know the process is working but patience has never been one of my virtues.

On the other hand, I think if the HCG works - and it clearly does - and I can lose weight faster, shouldn't I just go for it? I just don't know. Sometimes I feel like I'm being too greedy and should just be more patient with my current plan.

Guess I'm just babbling now. Thanks for the advice/support, ladies - you guys are awesome!

[shelbyla]

As far as potassium and magnesium, if you try hcg, I would recommend continuing them. They help with electrolyte balance as well as tiredness, muscle aches, headaches, and dizziness. Just fyi, I continued exercise through both of my rounds but it was lighter than normal--30 minutes of medium intensity cardio, daily. You don't have to give it up if you don't want to. P&I just says don't start anything new.

As far as trying it goes, well, I just wish I had known about hcg sooner. I hit a wall with low-carb (exactly as you are describing) that lasted for 6 years. What do you have to lose? The great thing about hcg is that if it doesn't work, you can turn around and go right back to low-carb or whatever else works for you. And it's FAST! I lost 60 pounds in eight weeks of active dieting.

Whatever you decide to do is obviously up to you but we'd love to have you join us! Good luck in any case!