The "10 Pounds Left" Phenomenon

[shelbyla]

So here's the deal...

I've been reading threads for about 9 months now... through two rounds, looking at IRL friends as well as LCF's, and a LOT of us go through multiple rounds then get down to the last 10-15 pounds or so and think "Well, I can just get those off the traditional way." On one hand, this should be imminently possible--our metabolisms have been reset by the HCG procotol, calories in-calories out should have become more of a reality and less of a dream (barring true metabolic issues like diabetes). We should be able to increase exercise and see tightening and toning, particularly with weights. On the other hand, is it better to use HCG, with less exercise, to get to our "goal" weights, 10-15 pounds from here, and "reset" our metabolisms again, and not have to fight to keep the weight off as we did with traditional dieting? And at THAT point start up the weights and training?

I guess I am just feeling philosophical Sunday-before-a-holiday-Monday-itis... or maybe this question has been asked 100 times and I have just missed it!

I'd love to hear everyone's thoughts about it...

[shelbyla]

Ok, so it's probably cheesy to respond to my own thread but...

...and do any of us REALLY have 10 pounds left to lose or are we seriously comparing ourselves to some sort of crazy idealistic media picture of the "perfect figure." I live in Los Angeles (Land of the Size Zero, for those who don't know), so sometimes it's hard to tell...

[verbqueen]

I REALLY have ten pounds left to lose, and it will put me nowhere near a size zero! But I have been mulling over the same exact matter that you wrote about above.

And it has suddenly hit me--why would I imagine I could lose ten pounds by some other, "traditional" way? I tried everything and was still stalled for a year and a half? Why would I imagine it would be any different now? So OF COURSE I'm going to try another round of hcg to lose the last ten. When I think it through, it's a no-brainer!

[minimonkey]

I am wondering about this too, Shelby. Part of me keeps thinking I should buck up, and do another round -- I'd have to cut way back on my workouts, though - I can't sustain them on low calories even with the hhcg. Then, of course, I worry about losing muscle.

Do I really have another 10 lbs to lose? I guess it depends what one uses as a guide for that... but I think I'd be happier another 10 lbs or so lighter.

[C'Marie]

I think about that, even for me with around 20+ because I've already lost so much that really, I'm fine as I am right now. I do have good medical reasons to continue on somewhere lower. But am I striving for some completely unrealistic ideal, a weight that I could never attain prior except high school, and at that weight in high school I was still so unsatisfied that's when dieting began for me??? Will I even be happy there? And my husband has questions about why I want to continue to lose, and whether I will have more trouble maintaining at a smaller weight than I am currently - lower BMR etc.

But all that is more mental than what you're asking about, although I do wonder about my motivation and whether it has the same push as the first, desperate 100+ pounds. Of course, the only weightloss will be through hcg. I haven't been able to consistently lose any other way. No reason to think I could now. Calories in-calories out isn't even really working for maintenance - not in the traditional way, anyway. I definitely don't want to go into starvation mode.

[shelbyla]

I know you would Mini--so would I. I knew you would weigh in (so to speak!)--thanks! You are a classic example of someone who is going "off the grid" to lose that last 10--and gaining so much more in the process! Guess I am in a weird place tonight... And we are both on the west coast--a "weird place" in many good ways...

[shelbyla]

C'Marie - you know you are one of my inspirations, right? I look at you and am completely amazed at all you have accomplished. Thanks for your insights. And--honestly everything to every thread you contribute to. You are just...well...really awesome!

[C'Marie]

Shelby, that is so sweet. :blush:

I look at you and mini and wonder how in the heck you girls get up the gumption to exercise so religiously. Heck, even with doing hip therapy I struggle to get it in as I should and I KNOW I should. It just takes so.much.time

I love watching your posts to newbies, you're so informative and helpful but also no b.s. I for one really appreciate you and am glad we're on the same team.

[minimonkey]

If I could do a round and make it work, and not fear that I would be either losing muscle or damaging my metabolism, or both..... I'd do it -- but the last couple of tries, I have gotten very hungry and very weak, and that worried me a lot.

Even with a modified protocol, it still depleted me very fast with my workout schedule like it is....

[minimonkey]

C'Marie -- I know I've said this before, but you are one of my inspirations too -- and you bring so very much to this board!!!!

[miamiloca]

Well- i happen to think all 3 of you ladies are awesome! All 3 of your posts were a contributing factor to me trying the program--and im so glad i did! Me (60lbs lighter) and hubby (70lbs lighter) thank all 3 of you!

[shelbyla]

C'M - I know sometimes how hard it is to "get it" from the other side but I think both Mini and I have come from places where we were in autoimmune situations. Probably not expressing it super well but having extra issues on top of a 100+ pound weight loss is pretty impressive. Don't sell yourself short--you have done nothing less than scale Mt. Everest.

[shelbyla]

I feel like I am a circle--and we are all patting each other on the backs! And that's just pretty damn cool!

[katiesmemaw]

Each and every one of you need to pat yourselves on the back. Thank all of you for all of your insights, inspirational reflections and advice. I always enjoy reading every word you have to offer all of us on this same journey with you. I'm so proud that you all have accomplished all you have in your "youth". It can only give you a longer and healthier life!! I'm an old lady....67 on 9/7 and after a lifetime of struggling from a top weight of 348 to now (192.4 this morning) I can honestly say...God Bless Dr. Simeons for all of his research!! I wish I had found him 40 years ago. I start R2 9/25 and I am excited to have finally discovered a way to live that allows ME to control what I eat and not some fat little nag in my head!!! Good luck to all of you and PLEASE continue to post and inspire!!!

[privatediva]

I am very relaxed about that "10 pounds" now. I have a lifetime of weights behind me. I've delivered three kids, so I know what THAT looks like. I've been healthy and strong. I've been underweight from illness and anxiety...there are even a couple of pictures to remind me that weight is not as good as it probably sounds to a lot of people. I thought through my goal for this thing a whole lot...and decided that part of the discipline I need is to learn to be content at a healthful weight that I can maintain and be strong. And not to get obsessive about one more size, one more this, ten more that. I need to learn to live with the fact that I'm not perfect. Most of those perfect people got that way with the help of a surgeon...so screw that. I am going to maintain the goal I set, which is at the top range of "ideal" BMI for my height, gender, and age, and will put me in the 9th percentile, weight wise for women my age and height...and that will be good enough. I think I need the discipline of *not* pushing that further...I need to do as mini has done...and make certain the goal is larger than that...not just a numbers game on the scale. Am I stronger? Can I do more, feel better, last longer...be more enthusiastic about living, have a stronger, more active presence in the lives of my family and students...have more FUN!!!! those are the things I really want to focus on being healthy and strong to accomplish in my remaining time here.

that was long and winding sorry Shelby thanks...it was good for me to think through that out loud.

[C'Marie]

@katiememaw, I am 50 in a few months, and I echo your sentiments. Anyone who can do this earlier, PLEASE do so. Don't think you can wait,or that it'll be there later if you ever decide to get the discipline - REALLY. Do it NOW, as soon as you can get your game face on. I wish I had done it years and years ago - heck for me, even 5 years would've made a BIG difference. Progression of symptoms could have been halted quicker and less damage done. However, I'm glad I have it whipped now, so I am thankful! Very thankful!

[paulabob]

It's a good question. Having lost over 60 pounds in 2010, I have only lost 27 or 28 in 2011. Same amount of effort put in. Still have 20 left and wonder how long it will take.

[porkfatrules]

I echo the group hugs!

I think it's worth separating the two issues, just for the purposes of thinking clearly -- yes, we may have unrealistic views of goal weight, caused by so many things that this phenomenon has spawned countless articles, books, and documentaries.

But, for the sake of this, let's just assume that we actually DO need to lose that 10 pounds -- and Shelby's original question is the key one. How to do it?

I'm in the camp of "do it the way the rest of the weight loss has worked" instead of "beat your head against methods that haven't worked for years and years." So, when I get to the last 10, I'd like to use HCG to get me to or slightly under goal weight, and then stabilize.

The caveat here is what Dr. S wrote -- if you've used all your abnormal fat up, then HCG will no longer be effective, so then you'd have to go to traditional weight loss methods to take off the rest. Or, decide to live with where you are.

[Zbunny]

I need to add my back pats on here, because you ladies have been so very inspirational to me. Thank you for the thoughtful posts!

And I concur with PFR's post: I plan to use hcg to take off the last 10, and if that does not work for one reason or another, then I will look to other alternatives. The thing about hcg is that I am so stable after losing this weight, and I want that to continue without having to fight tooth and nail to maintain for the rest of my life. I hope that happens for the last of this weight as well, so that it can be a pleasure to maintain, mindfully of course; I don't think any of us will maintain if we decide we're "done" and don't stay focused. Great thread, Shelby!

[garnet10]

Originally Posted by shelbyla

So here's the deal...

I've been reading threads for about 9 months now... through two rounds, looking at IRL friends as well as LCF's, and a LOT of us go through multiple rounds then get down to the last 10-15 pounds or so and think "Well, I can just get those off the traditional way." On one hand, this should be imminently possible--our metabolisms have been reset by the HCG procotol, calories in-calories out should have become more of a reality and less of a dream (barring true metabolic issues like diabetes). We should be able to increase exercise and see tightening and toning, particularly with weights. On the other hand, is it better to use HCG, with less exercise, to get to our "goal" weights, 10-15 pounds from here, and "reset" our metabolisms again, and not have to fight to keep the weight off as we did with traditional dieting? And at THAT point start up the weights and training?

I guess I am just feeling philosophical Sunday-before-a-holiday-Monday-itis... or maybe this question has been asked 100 times and I have just missed it!

I'd love to hear everyone's thoughts about it...

OMG, I've been thinking the same thing lately. I officially have 10 pounds to lose, and I was actually thinking that perhaps eating low carb over the next few weeks, along with restarting my exercise program would do it! I don't know why, since that didn't work before, but it did cross my mind.

Also, I've had rounds where I struggled to stabilize in P3! I don't know what made me think I could finish the job without hCG.

Looking at your picture, I don't know possibly where your last 10 pounds could come from!

[minimonkey]

I wonder about that having "used up all the abnormal fat" thing, too -- Visually, I certainly seem to have some fat to spare on my legs and butt!

That said, though... the hcg doesn't do for me now what it once did -- I don't get the hunger suppression, I lose energy quickly, I don't see the fast scale losses, and honestly, it just feels like a starvation diet when I try it.

It is inspirational to see how far we have all come -- thanks, Shelby, for starting this thread!

[Millenia98]

Originally Posted by minimonkey

I am wondering about this too, Shelby. Part of me keeps thinking I should buck up, and do another round -- I'd have to cut way back on my workouts, though - I can't sustain them on low calories even with the hhcg. Then, of course, I worry about losing muscle.

Do I really have another 10 lbs to lose? I guess it depends what one uses as a guide for that... but I think I'd be happier another 10 lbs or so lighter.

This second round killed my muscle. I feel it during my back squats and dead lifts, not so much during arm workouts. I never realized until recently- 2-3 weeks ago. It's so sad. I can always work it back up but it will take LOTS of time, and it's not easy.

[Millenia98]

Shelby, for sure you'd use HCG for your last 10. ONLY when you're ready! I wouldn't do it any other way if I were you.

[jessicaspector]

this thread is AMAZING!!!! The last 8 days have been really slow for weight loss. IN my head before starting the HCG I was positive I would lose 30lbs in 40 days. Boy was I wrong. I have lost 20 so far. My goal is 125 to lose and I am at 131 and it took 8 days to lose 3 pounds and then I stalled for like 4 days...... apple day helped then I stalled again the day after the apple day.. UGH!!!! All i think about is the 6 pounds I still have and whether or not ièll get there. PLEASE GOD 6 pounds in 9 days can I do it??? I'm no longer naive. I am actually pretty sure it wont happen at the rate I am going and have decided that in January I will have to go on the HCG again. I have to wait a while because I drive from toronto canada to Buffallo to get it OH girls....... why is it that after such fantastic results we can't be happy for what we lost in so little time, we have to keep pushing the envelope!!!! I wonder also about dr. simeons saying the HCG wont release your necessary fat, i mean really??? what is necessary fat - how do you know because my inner thighs are still really chubby everything looks good but that bunch of fat in my inner thighs..........

[minimonkey]

Milennia -- sorry to hear you feel you have lost muscle Are you on p2 at the moment? If so, perhaps the strength will come back after you go to p3. If not..... then that is exactly what I worry about having happen.

[kimberlybimberly]

So, here's my deal...

You all may or may not remember me. I never did post a lot. I did three long rounds, lost my weight, and have maintained in my window (although I've never been below LDW) since February.

I had gained my weight due to illness and lost it, with the help of my doctor, as part of regaining my health. My doctor does not want me to lose more weight.

I was unable to exercise for about 5 years, also due to my illness, and now work out regularly. I have been able to change my body somewhat through exercise. I should add that, due to my body's limitations, my life's demands, and hours/day-days/week, I can't really work out more than I currently do.

I don't care how much I weigh - it's a number. However, I CANNOT get rid of some stuff. I have too much belly and hips and not enough waist. Handfuls of fat in these areas. I am 48 and I know that is "normal" for my age, but I hate, hate, hate it. I know I can't lose in those areas without hCG. I also can't lose any more of my almost nonexistant boobs.

I have been debating doing another short round. Still unsure. This thread surfaced at a time when I am thinking hard about this. Thought I'd add my experiences to it.

[Millenia98]

Originally Posted by minimonkey

Milennia -- sorry to hear you feel you have lost muscle Are you on p2 at the moment? If so, perhaps the strength will come back after you go to p3. If not..... then that is exactly what I worry about having happen.

Mini, Yep, it is exactly what you're worrying about b/c I'm well into P4.

I think what kills me the most is having such low calorie during P2 and NOT being able to have the strength to lift weights. I still did spinning during P2.

I’m doing one more round and that’s it. I won’t push my body to keep losing weight if I'm going to lose muscle along with it. Once I get to 150 next round, that’s enough

[Millenia98]

Originally Posted by kimberlybimberly

I don't care how much I weigh - it's a number. However, I CANNOT get rid of some stuff. I have too much belly and hips and not enough waist. Handfuls of fat in these areas. I am 48 and I know that is "normal" for my age, but I hate, hate, hate it. I know I can't lose in those areas without hCG. I also can't lose any more of my almost nonexistant boobs.

I have been debating doing another short round. Still unsure. This thread surfaced at a time when I am thinking hard about this. Thought I'd add my experiences to it.

Heya! You can’t spot reduce. You can only lose weight as a whole. Your body will lose it where it chooses, basically.

You can def. try to tone yourself in those areas by having a strict exercise regimen, but if you’re not going to stick to it long-term, your only choice is to lose more weight overall.

[catkin]

Originally Posted by porkfatrules

I echo the group hugs!

I think it's worth separating the two issues, just for the purposes of thinking clearly -- yes, we may have unrealistic views of goal weight, caused by so many things that this phenomenon has spawned countless articles, books, and documentaries.

But, for the sake of this, let's just assume that we actually DO need to lose that 10 pounds -- and Shelby's original question is the key one. How to do it?

I'm in the camp of "do it the way the rest of the weight loss has worked" instead of "beat your head against methods that haven't worked for years and years." So, when I get to the last 10, I'd like to use HCG to get me to or slightly under goal weight, and then stabilize.

The caveat here is what Dr. S wrote -- if you've used all your abnormal fat up, then HCG will no longer be effective, so then you'd have to go to traditional weight loss methods to take off the rest. Or, decide to live with where you are.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
What she said!

If if ain't broken, don't fix it. Hhcg works. There is no reason (for me) to launch into a completely different weight loss mode to lose the last of my weight (around 10--give or take a couple of pounds.)

I just need to get my head in it for R3. Perhaps around the 17th or so...

[TerriMM]

My problem has been that trying to get these last ten (actually fifteen) off, my body keeps going into starvation mode so traditional protocol stops working after a couple weeks. I've done two rounds and both about the same. The good news is the second round worked great to start with just like the first, it just seems for me the closer I get the smaller the chunks I can whittle away per round. Interestingly enough the percentage was the same 4.7%. The freedom I'm looking forward to more than anything else as I transition into P3 is the freedom to exercise. I'm getting that scrawny look going from the weight and muscle loss and I'm beginning to feel the strength loss.