Atkins....surgery....hcg....?

[Ladybugsy]

Hello! My name is Rory, I'm a mom of 3, and I weigh as of today 357 pounds. Where else in the WORLD can I introduce myself like that?

I'm not new to LCF, I lost 70 pounds on Atkins a few years back....but if you've ever heard of the one golden shot...that was it for me. I gained all my weight back plus more. I stalled, gave up, and crashed and burned. I've been researching lap band because I'm starting to get really, really scared. I'll be 42 in January. I'm tired of being tired. And I'm SICK of being fat.

I have a friend who has had the lap band and lost about 60 percent of the weight she needed to lose. She has now plateaued and is on hcg. She said if she had to do it over again, she would have done the hcg instead.

So here I am.

I've done some research, ordered my hhcg drops, and am waiting to load on Thanksgiving. I still have so many questions, and thoughts...

There's not much research that I can find of people losing more than 100 pounds. I don't even know how much I should even attempt to lose. I was a size 10 at 170 pounds. I'm 5'11" so I carry weight pretty well. Well, I don't think anyone can carry 350 pounds well...lol. But you know what I mean. So I thought I would work in 30 pound increments. I don't think that's too unreasonable. It seems that most people lose 30ish pounds during their first few weeks. Does this seem unreasonable? I am wondering if doing the 900 calorie a day would be beneficial to me since I am so heavy right now. I don't have a problem doing the 500 calorie, but I do tend to have a little low blood sugar. I never had a problem on Atkins after the first few days though, so maybe this would be similar. I'd love opinions on that.

So as soon as Thanksgiving gets here, I will begin loading. If you have any suggestions as to what I could do between now and then, I would be grateful. I plan on being here often asking for and giving support. I'm not telling my family about this. I tried to tell my husband about it. As soon as I said, "then you stop the drops and slowly go back to eating other foods..." he sighed and got "that look" on his face, and then I was done. No more talking about the "diet" with hubby. Period. Between him and my father I feel like the biggest let down of their lives. But...I digress....

So please say hi....please chime in anything you feel might help me. I'm scared. And I'm anxious. And I'm so, so hopeful.

Nice to meet you...I'm Rory, I weigh 357 pounds...

[LilacBruze]

Originally Posted by Ladybugsy

Hello! My name is Rory, I'm a mom of 3, and I weigh as of today 357 pounds. Where else in the WORLD can I introduce myself like that?

I have lost over 100 lbs this year. I started with Atkins and then when I plateau'd, I found HCG. I have lost 70 lbs on HCG alone since May 7th.

IT CAN BE DONE!

Some people choose to do multiple rounds of 23 days. I chose to knock it all out in 2 rounds because I did not want to be dieting long-term. It comes down to what you feel you can stick with. There is no problem with immunity if you do the homeopathic HCG. Whatever you choose, you are in good hands here. There are quite a few people who have lost SIGNIFICANT weight and have kept it off.

[Amity79]

Hi Rory...

I was almost 380 pounds at one point..so I understand fully what you are going through. I gave HCG a shot, didn't have luck with it, but I was going through so many hormonal issues at the time (just cured from Cushing's disease with the removal of adrenal glands, low Growth hormone from the failed pituitary surgery, and thyrroid issues) so I am here and considering another go of it to try and get this last 60 pounds off that is not moving.

I don't speak to hubby about it either...it is either over his head, or he just doesn't care and that isn't helpful either.

If you want a buddy let me know. You may choose to do protocol, but I can't do too low cals due to low bs causing adrenal crisis..so I do a low carb rogue version.

[Zbunny]

Hi Rory

I'm really glad you're here, and I will bet that this plan is exactly what you need to improve your health and to prove (to yourself and others) that you CAN do this. I can only talk about my personal experiences with losing over 35 pounds (and keeping it off!), but I know that there are many on here who have had larger losses with great success, so I just wanted to welcome you while we wait for them to chime in -- and they will cuz we're helpful around here like that

What's so amazing for me about this plan is that it really, truly, absolutely works and it does reset your hypothalamus -- I have been stable as a rock despite some horrific events and upheaval in my life. That has never been the case for me before. I have always regained quickly, but now I know how to keep it off and I love it.

I actually have to run and teach a class right now, but I wanted to make sure you know that you are definitely in the right place and you CAN do this!

ETA: See? I knew others would chime in...in fact they did so as I was typing this!

[shelbyla]

Hi Rory! And welcome!

I think almost everyone on here, regardless of where they started, can relate to the feeling of hopelessness and fear that you are experiencing. So you are in good company. There is even someone on here now who has had the GB surgery and is currently doing hcg (can't remember who at this point but maybe they will chime in). In any case what can it hurt to at least try hcg before surgery?

30 pounds is relatively high target for every round but it IS doable, especially if you have a significant amount of weight to lose. As you get closer to your goal, you may see losses slow down but even folks who go rogue (off-Simeons protocol) and/or have very slow metabolisms see averages of 10-15 pounds per round. And how many other plans can you follow where you can say that you lose 15 pounds in a month? You might want to think about your losses a little differently. Maybe as a percentage of current body weight--say 8-10%--per round. That would put your first round at 30'ish pounds, with subsequent rounds less due to the fact that you are weighing less and less. Just an idea for a slightly different approach. You might also think about simply committing to a 23 day round. Sometimes folks get really hung up on a certain number on the scale or a certain number of days. Take it day by day, week by week, and before you know it, 23 days will have passed and you can think about whether it makes sense for you to extend your round.

I also have had low blood sugar but had no issues at all with the 500 calories. I would recommend giving it a try before increasing. It has worked for me like nothing else has. There are quite a few people on here who have lost close to 100 pounds, C'Marie specifically. Check out this thread...

Any before/after pictures of those 200/250+ lbs

As for what to do between now and TG, I did something a little unusual before my first round. At least unusual for most folks on the board. I did a less radical version of Trudeau's cleanse or what he calls "Phase 1". This is similar to a yeast cleanse that I did a number of years ago. I cut out alcohol, sugar, fruit, all starches, vinegars, mushrooms, nuts and dairy. It basically put me in a pretty "clean" state to start the VLCD's. I did NOT eat low cal. In fact, it was quite high calorie with lots of great fats, proteins, and veggies. It WAS quite low carb, due to the nature of the foods that I was eating, but it was very satisfying, in an Atkins-esque sort of way. This was what *I* started with but it is by no means common here but it IS something to do between now and then, as you put it.

Your family and their attitude... All you need really is their support and their agreement to NOT sabotage you. Eating out is really not very doable. Cooking 5 meals for 5 different family members--certainly not easy when you are eating this way. Get their agreement for the duration of your first round that they won't pester you to eat stuff that you are not supposed to eat. That's all they really need to do. When they see you succeed in losing that first thirty, then that first 50, then that first 75, THEN you can talk to them about what you are doing. And maybe they'll believe in you and in the plan. If not, well, that's their loss--and yours!

Again welcome to LCF! And best of luck to you!

[Ladybugsy]

Thanks so much for the warm welcomes!!!

LilacBruze: That is so AWESOME! I wish I had lost the weight I did on Atkins and then done hcg...I'd be at goal now. I'm curious...how many stalls have you had on hhcg? I get very discouraged when I don't see the scale moving for weeks at a time....it's enough to make me contemplate chocolate cake...lol. I"m still learning about the rounds and phases and everything, so I'm sure your post will make more sense to me once I understand how the cycles work.

Amity79: I often wonder if I have hormone issues as well. I've been told I have PCOS, but I think that's pretty mild compared to what you have been through. Bless your heart! Please keep in touch and we can help each other through the tough times. Who needs Hubbies anyway...( well sometimes we do I guess...lol) (((Hugs)))

Zbunny: I'm curious about the resetting the hypothalamus thing. Can you point me to more info on this. I admit I have not fully read the P and I yet. Will I get to it eventually? Thanks so much for the warm welcome!

shelbyla: Interesting about the pre load plan. I have a question. When I am low carbing, and I eat sugar, I feel like I am going to die...lol. My heart starts racing and I feel just awful. How does a load feel after that kind of cleanse? And I like your idea of percentage instead of pounds. I think I'll just do the 23 days and then see how far I've come. It will be a better guage of future attempts I think. I know they will slow down over time, but at least I will know where to start.

I'm getting excited!

[shelbyla]

Originally Posted by Ladybugsy

shelbyla: Interesting about the pre load plan. I have a question. When I am low carbing, and I eat sugar, I feel like I am going to die...lol. My heart starts racing and I feel just awful. How does a load feel after that kind of cleanse? And I like your idea of percentage instead of pounds. I think I'll just do the 23 days and then see how far I've come. It will be a better guage of future attempts I think. I know they will slow down over time, but at least I will know where to start.

I'm getting excited!

I didn't have the issue with my load days because I did a low-carb load. Frankly, I think this is an ideal way to load when we start rounds. A lot of people eat just a few treats or things they might miss (mac & cheese, pizza, etc.) but keep it pretty low carb. Some others just eat junk the first day, then the second eat high-fat/low-carb. Some people go all out with the junk. If sugar and starch make you feel icky, there is no reason to even include them, unless you really really want to.

On the resetting, it definitely happened for me. Prior to this, I was eating very low carb (meat and eggs primarily). I gained weight eating broccoli and erased an entire 3 months worth of losses (a whole whopping 4 pounds!). Now I eat yogurt, two or three pieces of fruit per day and sometimes even rice or french fries, without a lot of damage. I NEVER thought I would be able to indulge occasionally without gaining 10 pounds. It's almost like being a normal person again!

I'm getting excited for you!

[Violet_Dream]

Rory! This is a great board and I hcg. I've done many plans, never stuck with them and this is the easiest plan I've stuck with. I'm down sixty pounds since 6/10/11! It's still amazing to me. I've done two successful and extended rounds, am stabilizing well on P3 and will do one more short round. My next loading day will be Christmas Day.

Best of luck to you - you've come to the right place and you will be successful.

[ccrrsmom]

Hey Rory! Welcome! You can so do this!

I started R1P2 on October 5th. I expect tomorrow, 40 days of Rx HCG, to be down 30 lbs! Even better than being down 30 lbs- I'm down 4 full sizes. I too had given up. I had been eating 700 cals a day for 3 years. At one point during this time I went to dr after dr, telling them that I was living on caffeine and nicotine(which I was down to 240 cals/day), just to be told that my blood work was great- and to eat. I re-introduced green vegetables and gained about 1 full size in a month. I started thyroid meds, and really felt a lot better- I could actually function past 12 o'clock in the afternoon. I researched nutritional typing (Dr Mercola) and started eating according to plan, but NEVER more than 700 cals-usually 500 or less. I felt REALLY GOOD. I might have lost 15-20 lbs that last YEAR. I might also add that I have a VERY active job and workout daily! I stumbled across Dr. Simeon's manuscript... As I read it, I kept saying- HE"S TALKING ABOUT ME! HE WOULD BELIEVE I'M NOT SOME CLOSET EATER(I'm sure that's what all the docs thought when I told them I wasn't eating. One of them wanted to talk to me about portion size. I ended up telling him that he couldn't live on what I lived on, and I walked out!). Anyway, I was going to stop R1P2 tomorrow(because that's what Simeon's book says- and I'm a protocol girl), BUT.... with what I've learned on these boards, I am going to keep going. My loses aren't slowing, and by Christmas, I can be skinny! This program is so simple once you get the hang of it! Heck, I really haven't even had to use self control- the HCG has done it for me! The whole P3/P4 thing is scary to me, since I've gained sooo easily before- but I really feel like there was some divine intervention here- I was not even looking up weight loss. Next thing I knew, I was reading pounds and inches, looking at videos on u tube(which I NEVER have done before), and ended up on these boards with some of THE MOST WONDERFUL PEOPLE you could hope to meet! Everyone here is so supportive and they'll give you the TRUTH to help you succeed! I can honestly say, I would have been a wreck with worry about what I was putting into my body and what I was putting my body through, if it weren't for these Beautiful people. You have definitely com to the right place!

I'm sorry about you Dh lack of interest and support- I KNOW that hurts- no support here in house. And it can be hard not tasting things as you cook for others- mostly out of habit- appetite is completely gone! But no matter what, give it a go! And check out Dr Mercola- he has lots of info on lap band surgery... really not the way to go. Of course, he isn't in support of HCG, but when I'm finished and my metabolism has reset, I fully intend to contact him on my progress and ask him to take a closer look at the program. I'm sure it'll fall through the cracks, but you never know- it might just help one more of us hopeless moms.

Good luck- and HAPPY losing!!

[Winders]

Welcome Rory!
You have come to the right place for encouragement in whatever you decide.

I would suggest you read Dr. Simeons Pounds to Inches. If you google it, you will find the PDF document and it is free!
There you will find the protocol and on this board younwill find alot of information.

My experience has been wonderful! I did a 23 day round and lost 18#.
I will do another round in January.

One thing I kept telling myself is that slow and steady wins the race. If we keep doing the right thing, we will get results. Be determined, you can do this!

When you need encouragement, just let us know we will be here to cheer you on!
Wishing you great success!!!

Winders

[katiesmemaw]

Morning Rory!! I am soooooo glad you found hcg. I may be the person Shelbyla mentioned when she said there was someone on here that had had the Gastric Bypass Surgery. That was back in '91 in Gainesville, FL. My top weight was 348 so believe me I know EXACTLY how you are feeling both physically and emotionally. I, like your friend, wish that I had known of hcg back then. I would definitely have gone this way instead of the surgery; however, I don't look back and I don't have regrets. I honestly have thought for years that if I hadn't taken that action I probably wouldn't have lived to be this age!!
Anyway, my lowest weight after the surgery, many episodes of throwing up and eating a couple of spoonfuls at a time was around 187. I'm currently at 167 as of this morning. You can see in my stats that I am currently in Round 2, Phase 3 and stabilizing. I started with hcg for the first time on July 3 at 228 pounds.
This is something you can and will do for yourself Rory. Set aside husband, family, friends....that's another whole thing. Right now get selfish and let's do this for YOU!!! You can do this. I would love to help you in any way that I personally can. Just let me know!!!!
Betty

[Ladybugsy]

I wish I had the time to answer each of you...I'm so interested in everything you guys have been through, and have overcome. I'm late for work, but wanted to thank you for sharing your stories. I feel like the more I hear and the more I learn the more determined I am that I will be successful too. I'm starting to have that feeling that I don't want to do the P3 and P4 stages....it's the old dieter in me and probably the dh giving me issues the other day as well. Please tell me how important that is! When I did Atkins, I wouldn't even make my son a PB and J sandwich because I was afraid it would soak through my skin...lol. When I do something I do it ALL THE WAY...as long as it works. So my question is....should I follow protocol EXACTLY, or are there proven better methods since Dr. Simeon's research?


(((hugs))) thanks for the welcome everyone!

[katiesmemaw]

Rory, you will see those that are strict protocol and those that are rogue. If you trust what Dr. Simeons did 25 years of research to accomplish to help conquer obesity then you may want to follow protocol. It will ultimately be your decision. There are those of us "bulldogs" here that try to follow the protocol because we know all the other methods haven't worked in our lives. Or I should say that's speaking for me and my experience.
That was one of the hardest things for me in R1 and now in R2! I didn't want to stop P2 and move into P3 when I still had weight to lose AND I was still losing BUT read Pounds and Inches and you will see that Dr. Simeons gives a very convincing argument for following Protocol to make this the last diet you will ever have to do ONCE you reset your metabolism!!! It won't happen after one round, or two rounds but patience is a virtue and if you hang in there you can and will conquer your weight issues for the rest of your life!!!!!!!
Betty

[Winders]

I agree with Betty.
Slow and steady wins the race.
I did not want to go off P2 either because I have more weight to lose, but as I read P & I I realize that I have to follow protocol for the LONG TERM results I want. It makes no sense for me to loose a whole bunch of weight and just gain it back. I want to change my life not just my size.
I really believe each phase is intended to be a stepping stone and learning experience.

Keep reading and keep asking questions :-)

Winders

[BusyMominKY]

Hi Rory, I am 41 and a busy mom of one teenager from Kentucky. I have lost weight so many times and gained it back plus more. I started the drops 11 days ago with a starting weight of 299.6 and as of today I have lost 15 pounds. I am amazed. I have a great support system with my Mother in law (katiesmemaw). I felt a little funny and tired in the first couple of days but now I feel great. I can already move around better and it doesn't seem as hard to put my shoes on LOL. I am so glad you have decided to go this route instead of surgery. I work with a lady who had a lap band 1 month ago, had to have it removed 2 days later, has had many complications and is looking to be in the hospital at least another month. Good luck with your journey. This is not a quick fix but I am seeing that it works. I had my doubts when I first heard about it but so far, I am loving it.

[C'Marie]

Hi Rory, WELCOME!

I'm C'Marie that shelby spoke of LOL.

I have lost 100 pounds just with hcg alone. I did the rx version, from my naturopath, and did shots once a day - mainly because at the time I didn't even know homeopathic existed, and I suck at remembering to do anything more than once a day. So shots in the morning worked really well for me. I forgot them a couple of times, but it is somewhat forgiving because it will last in your system longer than a day.

I have an older thread that I started that I can dig up a link to. It was my perspective on doing multiple rounds. Lilac did good on just 2, but so far I have done 5. I will be starting my 6th soon. If you are someone who does like to "stick" to a program, then I think the original protocol would be good for you. And please, do the breaks as recommended, especially if you have a long way to go like I did. It is hard sometimes to stop the weight loss and scary to try to learn to maintain, but you really do need the breaks and you really do need the maintenance practice. If you slip up, we are here.

I had been morbidly obese (YUCK, hate saying that) for a majority of my adult life. I had tried eVERYTHING - and I mean, really. Had gotten to the place where no matter how strictly I did something, I just couldn't lose weight. My body just resisted. But hcg worked! 32 pounds first round, 23 2nd, 18 3rd, etc..... if you're in it for the long haul, just keep it all in perspective.

I posted my before/after pics in my profile area, I never could figure out how to post them into the posts. If you click on my name I think you can find them, view public profile, and then albums on the right hand side. Really scary stuff. I have had some hormone issues this last 2 months and started gaining a little weight, but since I went full into menapause, I think that is one of the things that Simeons mentioned as a possibility and the change in hormones at that point can "unset" you even after you were previously able to maintain. So I am at it again! There will be no failure to maintain! You can do it, too.

Off to find that link...... search for the advantage of being a multi-rounder..... somehow I can't get the link to work. I bumped it up though.

The advantage of being a multi-rounder

[Twirl]

Hi Rory!

Isn't everyone here just great?

When I started my first round I had done a lot of reading and the "why" and some "how"still escaped me. Shelbyla talked me down from a weird rogue state of mind. I didn't want to do the fruit, I didn't want to eat the wheat, I was afraid of carbs. I was gonna do 2 rounds back to back with only a P3 in between. Slowly, these folks, all of them, had me understand that it is The Process that creates the success. It's like...I had to put my "understanding" aside and simply listen to the people who had had positive results before me.

Heck, Rory, I'm not really sure what vlcd I'm on....23, I think, taking it day by day, and I'm at a 25.6lbs loss as of today.I had to lift less than that, yesterday, with groceries and it hurt. I'm so glad it's gone. and I was sure it wouldn't work for me.

The "short form" thread by Shelbyla is good. Start P2 with the knowledge that whatever you don't know will become clear and that you have this forum to ask questions. Read a lot.

Oh, also, I wanted to say that stalling on this plan is not like stalling on low carb. You fix it! And you know how to fix it right away. You don't go for months stalled.

Wishing you success.

[Ladybugsy]

FINALLY able to catch up I work from home, but it sure takes up a chunk of my day...lol.

So I guess I will have to step out in blind faith. I can do that, I'm very trusting but I'm also a "why" girl. And a "what happens next/if/when girl. So I'm sure we will all get to know each other very well...lol.

I sure wish there was a major thread for those who have lost or are trying to love over 100 pounds. Correct me if I'm wrong, but it really seems to work the same if you have 30 pounds or 150 to lose. I guess I just can't wrap my brain around the fact that it works this well for EVERYONE. But I'm learning.

I am hoping my HCG comes today. Anything I should know about storing it?


I DID get it today...it states 6 drops 6 times a day...is that right?

[shelbyla]

It really does seem to work very well for everyone. I would say the only exception to that is people who are very close to goal. As far as the 100 pounds goes, feel free to start a thread and title it 100+ Pounds to Lose or something like that. I am sure you'll have a lot of people jumping in.

Storing - You do not need to refrigerate most homeopathics. Just keep them away from electronics like computers, cell phones, etc. Do not touch the dropper to your mouth, lips or hands. These things can deactivate the HCG.

Dosing - Tap the bottom of the bottle gently 10-15 times each time before dosing. This activates the hcg. DO NOT SHAKE. My first bottle of hcg recommended dosing 6x6 but I had heard here and elsewhere that most people only dose 3 times per day, usually 8-10 drops each time. I used 12 drops 3x per day but I am one of the few that needed more hcg as opposed to less. I would start with 10 drops 3x per day. Make sure you wait 15-20 minutes before or after eating or drinking anything, including water.

If you experience anything other than normal hunger (NOT head hunger or the munchies) around mealtimes, skip your last dose of the day. If you wake up MORE hungry, either increase your dose to 3x12 or 6x6. If you wake up LESS hungry, decrease your dose to 3x8 or 4x6. Please remember you should NOT be hungry. If you are, let us know and we will help.

When are you starting? What are you going to load with?

[LilacBruze]

I never - EVER - want to go against what C'Marie advises because her wisdom has helped me get to where I am today. I just want to share my personal experience really quick and explain WHY I chose to do longer rounds on homeopathic (non-Rx) drops.

Firstly, as I mentioned, the immunity issue that exists with Rx HCG isn't a factor with homeopathic drops. I stayed on long rounds because a) I could handle the discipline and was super motivated and not at all hungry and b) because I was still having good losses despite the fact that YES I would stall a day or two here and there (pretty much like anyone, my stalls were no different).

The MOST IMPORTANT reason that I chose to do long rounds, however, is because it is my personal opinion that you can't cure food addictions in 23 or 42 days. I certainly couldn't. And you see it proof of that everywhere - on this board as well as others in the comments that many make about what they plan to eat off P2 or what they cheated with while on P2. I am NOT judging, mind you, I am just trying to explain that I needed something A LOT more serious than 3 weeks or 6 weeks.

To me, this was not a short-term solution. THIS WAS LIFE CHANGING. And changing my life, correcting over 20 years of bad eating behaviors, COULD NOT HAPPEN IN SUCH A SHORT AMOUNT OF TIME. I am just not that strong or amazing. I needed a lot of time to grasp the severity of where I had gotten, and where I was going.

Truthfully, my long round was responsible for curing MANY of my food addictions. I do not crave empty carbs, fast food, or processed foods. AT ALL. EVER. Halloween was no big deal to me, Thanksgiving will not be one either. I am treated like a bald-headed stepchild at company potlucks even though I know 2 hours later people will be complaining about how queasy they feel or how much gas they have and they will say, "I should have done like YOU and had a salad."

I know I sound like a snob and I hate that because that is NOT where I am coming from. I am GRATEFUL for finding something that could help me overcome decades of not being good to my body. And with gratefulness comes the desire to share my experience, even plug it a little, convince someone a little, because the majority of us here ARE here to change our lives.

My diabetes is gone thanks to HCG.

My MS has been in remission and symptoms have been almost non-existent thanks to HCG.

I am confident, I am happy, I am the person I always wanted to be thanks to HCG.

Oh yeah, and I went from a size 24 to a size 12 in less than 6 months, thanks to HCG!

In the end though, I never try to push my agenda on others. Only you can decide what path you want to take. Some can only handle short rounds. Your body may desperately need a break (I know mine became protein deficient after 3 months of 500 calories a day, but other than some brittle fingernails, there was no other issue for me). Some have hair loss. Some have families who aren't supportive. What works for one may not work for another, but the important thing is to take the step, which you've already done!

Okay, so that wasn't really quick, my apologies. As you can see, I really am quite passionate about how far I have come!

[shelbyla]

[C'Marie]

Lilac, so beautifully put
I don't have any right to be proud of you, but I am. You've done so well!

Not to add anything to what you said, because it was perfect, but a reminder and for those who didn't know, one other reason you did the super long round was for the diabetes - because you had read that other study where people were able to *cure* diabetes by going super low calorie for 3 months. That alone is amazing, and you combined that effort and discipline with hcg and went for it. Fantastic.

If someone is on homeopathic, I don't think there's necessarily a problem with going past the 40 days - I've known several who did 60 and you and a couple others now who have gone longer. It's just a matter of listening to your body and paying attention to it - something I had long ago neglected to do because I was so out of touch with myself, feeling bad about myself, in denial, yada yada yada. Now, after hcg I am in control. My only proviso about long rounds is watch watch watch the protein deficiency issue. And take at least a 6 week P3/P4 in between even if you do longer rounds. It is healing and healthy to re-stock up on protein and other nutrients by eating well in between.

@ Rory - your bottle you just got says it actually has hcg in it, right? It has numbers on it like 6x, 12x, etc etc....? I'm just asking because some companies out there are capitalizing on the hcg "fad" and putting amino acids and other stuff in the bottle and putting hcg diet on the label and there's not even any homeopathic hcg in them.... just check, ok?

[bkm]

Rory - my only suggestion (I'm a newbie to hCG) would be to do your first round with a doctor/practitioner. Mine is a DOM (doctor of oriental medicine) and a licensed acupuncturist - I'm using the homeopathic drops along with acupuncture and some muscle-saving drops. Because I had to pay the doctor some of my hard-earned money, I will definitely follow the protocol! She has helped me define reasonable goals, etc., for my weight ... and she spent a good hour on my first visit going over procedure, answering questions, taking my measurements, etc., etc.

A while back, I read about hCG, thought I'd give it a try, bought some of the pellets - then totally blew it. I tried to do it without understanding the extreme fat and calorie reduction. Didn't work.

Good luck!

[LilacBruze]

C'Marie... you have EVERY right! I consider myself your protege, lol!

Ahhh yes, the study. I don't like to officially plug it, especially with people new to the diet, because it was such a small study, but yes... reading that article kept me motivated to continue my round.

I hope it is okay to link it here, it was linked once before:

Low-calorie diet offers hope of cure for type 2 diabetes | Society | The Guardian

One thing I want to comment about doing your round under a doctor's care: MAKE SURE THE DOCTOR COMPLETELY UNDERSTANDS HCG AND THE PROTOCOL! Going to a diet center that will take your money is NOT the same thing! My doctor - while a wonderful general practitioner - knew NOTHING about HCG and weight loss!

[LilacBruze]

Totally unrelated, but on my mind...

Regarding food addictions. Most recently at work, two things have happened.

One - we had a fund-raising bake sale, which meant TONS of baked goods floating around a very large office (we have 300+ employees). Directly in front of my cubicle row sat a large, strange looking coffee cake. People would come throughout the morning, slice off a piece, put some in their mouths, and ALL would remark that it tasted weird and that they didn't like it. Turned out to be a poppyseed/fig concoction. So everyone would make a face and say, "Ew" but then CONTINUE to eat the piece they had just sliced off. We have a basket of fruit - apples, oranges, plums, bananas - about 10 feet from this coffee cake, mind you. Yet everyone continued to eat it and forsake the fresh fruit. So I started asking people, "Why are you eating it if you don't like it when there are yummy pieces of fruit in the next row?"

"Who wants fruit when there's coffee cake?" was the unanimous answer.

Two - I was casually mentioning to a co-worker that I don't see much because she works on the opposite end of the office how it has been over 8 months since I have had anything starchy, no pasta, no rice, no potatoes, no bread. She got this look of ABSOLUTE HORROR on her face and exclaimed, "I WOULD DIE WITHOUT THAT STUFF". No hon, you won't... you really, really won't.

The mindset of food addiction.

[TrishD]

Originally Posted by Ladybugsy

FINALLY able to catch up I work from home, but it sure takes up a chunk of my day...lol.

So I guess I will have to step out in blind faith. I can do that, I'm very trusting but I'm also a "why" girl. And a "what happens next/if/when girl. So I'm sure we will all get to know each other very well...lol.

I sure wish there was a major thread for those who have lost or are trying to love over 100 pounds. Correct me if I'm wrong, but it really seems to work the same if you have 30 pounds or 150 to lose. I guess I just can't wrap my brain around the fact that it works this well for EVERYONE. But I'm learning.

I am hoping my HCG comes today. Anything I should know about storing it?


I DID get it today...it states 6 drops 6 times a day...is that right?

Rory - I am looking to lose over a 100 pounds too and I know we are not the only ones. Should look into starting that thread - I know if it's there there will be those who will come for the encouragement and support!! Heck, I bet there would be those who have already lost over 100lbs that would subscribe as well! Here is to us and our NEW LIVES!!! Trish

[Amity79]

I am in the !00 pound club too! Let's start that thread!

This is day 3 and I am down 4 pounds. So, 289 today...would be happy at 200 but 190 would be fantastic. Count me in!

[TrishD]

Originally Posted by Amity79

I am in the !00 pound club too! Let's start that thread!

This is day 3 and I am down 4 pounds. So, 289 today...would be happy at 200 but 190 would be fantastic. Count me in!

OK!! Let's do it!!! Who wants to start it?? You, Rory, or me!! I LOVE THIS!!!

[Ladybugsy]

Trish, IT"S DONE! The Century Club has been born. YAY!

Oh my gosh, I'm overwhelmed with the love! lol. SO much good information, I am very very excited to start. I don't know if I can wait till Thanksgiving!

Ok...answering questions:

Shelbyla....I think I already shook it...lol. IS IT RUINED? Ugh! I'm going to load on the day before and of Thanksgiving. I'm not sure what I'm going to load on. Probably just whatever is around those days.

Lilac, you are SO not a snob. And truthfully you have EARNED the right to speak whatever you want to about your own body. I feel like I have a food addiction too, so I totally understand where you are coming from. The diabetes thing is interesting. I have a 19 year old daughter and a husband who are both type 1. I know this will not cure that, but I wonder what kind of affect it may have on them. I know I can't get my dh to do it, but my daughter has about 10 pounds she'd like to lose. Do we know of any type 1's who have been successful with this plan?

C'Marie: I got my hhcg from Meridian Health Labs. the label says, "(hcg) 6X 12X 30X 60X Human Chroionic Gonadotropin. Contains 16% USP Ethanol Alcohol" I hope that's ok?

Bonnie, I live in such a small town, I doubt any one here would even know. I have told my gyno I'm starting and she is going to read up on it.

Amity, thread started! WOO HOO Century Club!

(((Hugs))) to everyone! Thank you!

[shelbyla]

Rory - I think you are probably fine if you only shook it once or twice.