Phase 2 day 30 tomorrow, not sure what to do next

[Maja]

When we started the HCG drops with DH we figured we'd go for 30 days, then move onto Phase 3 then phase 4 and then start back again at Phase 2 mid January. But now I'm not sure if we should do that and I need some advice.

DH lost about 24 lbs in the last 29 days, I lost about 18lbs . We're super excited about our weight loss. The scale is moving for me on average 1/2 lb a day (sometimes less... but it's usually at least a few oz). NOTHING we tried in the past worked this good so I'm torn about what to do next.

Do I stay on Phase 2 for another week or two (since the scale is still going down) and then move onto Phase 3 right before Christmas. I found some LC recipes for sweets I want to try so I avoid the sugar cookies my kiddos will be making. I know for sure I want to be in Phase 3 at Christmas. But what should I do with the next two weeks??? Do you think it's safer to move to Phase 3 at my 30 day mark (tomorrow plus the 2 days on 500 cals and no drops) or should I wait another week or 2 and then start Phase 3 right before Christmas????

Also,
What's the longest we're allowed to be on Phase 2?? DH doesn't really want to move onto Phase 3 anytime soon because he's losing so well. I need to be in Phase 3 at Christmas for my own sanity.

Can Phase 4 be cut short? Or does it have to be the full 21 days?
We both have a LOT of weight still to lose so we'll need at least 3 or more rounds on Phase 2 in the upcoming year.

Thanks for any advice!!!!!

[oneoftwo]

I have heard mixed info on the max time for hhcg (pellets or drops) some say the max is 40 days or 32 lbs BUT some say their is no max on the hhcg (day wise). So not fully sure. I know some have done long rounds as long as they are still feeling good, losing and ok with eating P2 foods

[katiesmemaw]

I'll preface this with the fact that it is purely my opinion...............With that being said I'm just finishing up Round 2. I'm starting my second week of Phase 4. Have you read Dr. Simeons "Pounds and Inches"? He gives his reasoning "based on his years of research" for his protocol. Very helpful information.
I have found that even though I was taking hcg drops (supposedly the "real" thing and not hhcg [drops tested positive on a pregnancy test] and not injections my body needed me to NOT stay on this rigid 500 calories for longer than the period of time Dr. Simeons specified. He says 40 days or 34 pounds whichever comes first. I did the hcg drops for 42 days and then 2 additional days of 500 after stopping the drops.
I then did 3 weeks of P3 and 3 weeks of P4. I then immediately started Round 2.
I have followed the exact same schedule. I have been very successful. I never starved though I did have some hungry spells. I have had hair loss...I did suffer with constipation that made it very uncomfortable at times. I had a couple of incidents of dizziness in Round 1 but not any in R2!!
My hubby is now doing the protocol. He started a month ago with R1. He has lost 30 pounds. We are following the protocol for him too.
IMHO I think our bodies need the time to "heal" from the VLCD. You must eat exactly as Dr. Simeons specifies to keep from suffering from a Protein Deficiency. Again, this is just my humble opinion. You will need to lengthen the amount of time between your rounds as you continue successive rounds. Good luck to both of you. Looks like you are doing great.
Betty