Trail Blazers and Path Takers

[dazygyrl]

Ugh...lost my whole post. So the night was not stellar. But its the last one, right??

So yeah...patches...I read a gal on the rogue thread mention she was using patches so I googled hcg patches. Found a brand called bioApps hcg. Found an hcg forum with a 25+ page thread if just people using this exact patch. The vast majority have used all form of hcg and hhcg and they love the patch. A few with hunger issues but that doesn't seem to be the norm. I'm still have half the thread to read. It's a current thread too not one from years ago. So I took the plunge hoping something new and different will keep motivated. You change out the patch every third day.

I will do 700-800 cals with an emphasis on fat and protein. Eating whatever to stay in the calorie range.

I got a 30 day supply so by the time I get them, load and get at it, 30 days will take me within a few days I'd the cruise. Assuming of course we are indeed going aug 3-10... Haven't heard different so I am assuming we're still on for those dates. Proly not the most wise thing to go on a cruise right off of hcg, but I so want this extra 12-14 lbs off...

So that's my plan, Stan....thoughts?

Google those patches and let me know what you think.

[privatediva]

I am the exception in this thread, Debby, and maybe one of the exceptions on the whole board. My husband and I both lost very well on HCG and have had no trouble at all maintaining our losses. He lost 50 lbs in 50 days. I did a 71 day round at 500 cals and lost 46 lbs. After several months of maintenance, during which I dropped another 4 lbs, I decided to do a short HCG "vanity" round to get down to my high school weight. This second round, I only had about 8 lbs I could lose before my BMI got too low. (I'm 5'7" and did not want to go lower than 128) So, in that second round, I doubled my protein and ate closer to 800-1000 calories trying to come out at exactly my goal without going below it or shortening the round. It worked great. There is just no doubt whatsoever that the 'reset' happened for me and for my husband. I am a 53 year old, menopausal type 2 diabetic and have been maintaining with ease for months. My diabetes is, for all intents and purposes, 'cured'. I weigh what I did in high school (I can wear my Girl Scout uniform!) and can eat up to my BMR+ activity calorie level and stay right where I am. It's a danged miracle.

BUT.....

My HCG experience is different from many of the other people on this board due to a couple of, what I am coming to believe, are really important distinctions. The more I read of other people's experiences, the more convinced I have become that the fact that my husband and I did RX HCG and strictly followed our doctor's plan (not Simeon's, but similar principles and @500 cal) was key to our success and stability. I do not see very many people *at all* getting the same rock solid results from homeopathic hcg and/or 'roll your own' eating plans. I think that hhcg has some appetite suppressant qualities which makes people think it is "working" (and it is, as an appetite suppressant), but I'm not convinced it is nearly as efficacious for metabolism repair as the prescription stuff is. We did the diet through our internist's office...not a diet clinic. He has had all of his diabetic patients doing it and we've all had similar 'luck'...which makes it seem not so much like 'luck' at all. So many of us are completely off any medication for diabetes. Others are no longer needing meds for cholesterol or blood pressure issues. I think the primary reason people choose hhcg is the perception that they can't afford to do RX HCG, however, I see people rack up ten times as many $$ over a year's time monkeying around with multiple rounds of hhcg (with most having a devil of a time in maintenance) as David and I did doing our RX program (a lot of which was covered by our insurance) and I just don't see them getting the same sort of "can't buy a gain" results as we have had. All in all, we spent right around 300 dollars for *both* of us to do this. (150 a piece, not 300 each). Together we lost a total of 108 lbs. I think that was money well spent. We had the added advantage of getting our bloodwork done and having the support of our doctor and his staff (which was GREAT...they were helpful with every question and helped me plan for vacation eating while doing the diet last summer...it was just a totally great experience). I think we got a bargain. If I were considering doing HCG...I would want to consider this piece of info from the 'been there done that' crowd. I don't know that you need to do it with as little left as you have...but if you know anyone who is considering it, I think they ought to consider doing a dr. supported RX program as a sound financial investment in their health. They will get some appetite help from hhcg, but may end up having to do and redo over and over...and the frustration of that has led to a lot of kind of weird ideas about how/what/when to eat. I am glad I took the leap of faith, plunked down my $$ up front, got it done, and can now eat like a horse and have that lovely number keep greeting me on the scale each morning. So is my husband. It's like a new life for both of us.

Saying that on other parts of the board might get me stoned, so I'll say it here because I know it's a safe place to express an honest opinion. I support everyone here, no matter what their decisions are about what they are doing at the moment with regard to weight loss or maintenance...as ultimately, we're all grown ups, and we have to decide for ourselves (even if we make a bad decision lol). But I don't think I've read too many folks on this board with the kind of results David and I had...and I think that's because the ones with this kind of result usually move on. I only hang around here now because there are some folks here of whom I am extremely fond. But we don't even think about food/eating etc now. We just enjoy life. That is not to say we eat like we did before the diet...we don't. We eat much better, and I for one, eat at least twice as many calories as I could before HCG. I eat between 2000 and 2200 calories a day. Fairly low carb because of the diabetes. It's great. Never hungry, lots of energy, size 3 jeans, Girl Scout uniform...I stand on my scale every morning in amazement.

[DebbyL]

Interesting!
What is"load" do you try to eat lots on the "load" part? I think I saw that on another thread... doesn't sound good. Is that part of the diet plan? Sorry for all the questions.
It will be great going on a cruise! They're fun.

Originally Posted by dazygyrl

Ugh...lost my whole post. So the night was not stellar. But its the last one, right??

So yeah...patches...I read a gal on the rogue thread mention she was using patches so I googled hcg patches. Found a brand called bioApps hcg. Found an hcg forum with a 25+ page thread if just people using this exact patch. The vast majority have used all form of hcg and hhcg and they love the patch. A few with hunger issues but that doesn't seem to be the norm. I'm still have half the thread to read. It's a current thread too not one from years ago. So I took the plunge hoping something new and different will keep motivated. You change out the patch every third day.

I will do 700-800 cals with an emphasis on fat and protein. Eating whatever to stay in the calorie range.

I got a 30 day supply so by the time I get them, load and get at it, 30 days will take me within a few days I'd the cruise. Assuming of course we are indeed going aug 3-10... Haven't heard different so I am assuming we're still on for those dates. Proly not the most wise thing to go on a cruise right off of hcg, but I so want this extra 12-14 lbs off...

So that's my plan, Stan....thoughts?

Google those patches and let me know what you think.

[privatediva]

Carie, I'm sorry last night was rough. Is he feeling any better this morning?

[TerriMM]

Sounds great! I know your motivation will sink those last pesky pounds like nobody's business. One thing I got to say, I embraced this No S Plan whole heartedly right out the gate into P3 and it's been great. I know a cruise is reputed to be food central, but perhaps if you follow the No S basics you can enjoy the offerings without the typical ramifications of P3 indulgences.

I'm back down today, by the way, just below starting weight. No I'm not going back to daily weighing, but Aunt B stopped by and I haven't seen her in a while so I figured why not?

How's our little trouper this morning? Are you going to be able to go home today?

[dazygyrl]

Dr is still keeping him zonked...well, trying to anyway. He's about maxed out on options to keep him asleep. But ideally it'd be good if he could sleep till afternoon.

Hope to still go home later on.

Last time, last time...whew...

[privatediva]

will pray that you get to go home today. SO glad he doesn't have to do this anymore!

[TerriMM]

Hey Bud!
Just wanted to wish you a good evening or morning (depending on when you read this )

Made it through the weekend without finding a car I loved more than the one I have, that I could afford at least . So I decided to fix mine and wait a couple months until the 2013s come out.

Had a great day in the garden today. Planted pumpkins and squash and ran the rest of the drip system. I still have room and the need for some flowers. Oh darn.

Hope you had a great Sunday. Did you guys make it home Saturday? How's our little buckaroo? Did Kyle get to pitch Friday?

[jt_gmotu]

Originally Posted by privatediva

My HCG experience is different from many of the other people on this board due to a couple of, what I am coming to believe, are really important distinctions. The more I read of other people's experiences, the more convinced I have become that the fact that my husband and I did RX HCG and strictly followed our doctor's plan (not Simeon's, but similar principles and @500 cal) was key to our success and stability. I do not see very many people *at all* getting the same rock solid results from homeopathic hcg and/or 'roll your own' eating plans. I think that hhcg has some appetite suppressant qualities which makes people think it is "working" (and it is, as an appetite suppressant), but I'm not convinced it is nearly as efficacious for metabolism repair as the prescription stuff is. We did the diet through our internist's office...not a diet clinic. He has had all of his diabetic patients doing it and we've all had similar 'luck'...which makes it seem not so much like 'luck' at all. So many of us are completely off any medication for diabetes. Others are no longer needing meds for cholesterol or blood pressure issues. I think the primary reason people choose hhcg is the perception that they can't afford to do RX HCG, however, I see people rack up ten times as many $$ over a year's time monkeying around with multiple rounds of hhcg (with most having a devil of a time in maintenance) as David and I did doing our RX program (a lot of which was covered by our insurance) and I just don't see them getting the same sort of "can't buy a gain" results as we have had. All in all, we spent right around 300 dollars for *both* of us to do this. (150 a piece, not 300 each). Together we lost a total of 108 lbs. I think that was money well spent. We had the added advantage of getting our bloodwork done and having the support of our doctor and his staff (which was GREAT...they were helpful with every question and helped me plan for vacation eating while doing the diet last summer...it was just a totally great experience). I think we got a bargain. If I were considering doing HCG...I would want to consider this piece of info from the 'been there done that' crowd. I don't know that you need to do it with as little left as you have...but if you know anyone who is considering it, I think they ought to consider doing a dr. supported RX program as a sound financial investment in their health. They will get some appetite help from hhcg, but may end up having to do and redo over and over...and the frustration of that has led to a lot of kind of weird ideas about how/what/when to eat. I am glad I took the leap of faith, plunked down my $$ up front, got it done, and can now eat like a horse and have that lovely number keep greeting me on the scale each morning. So is my husband. It's like a new life for both of us.

Diva,
Thanks for putting into words what I've felt often when reading some posts on this board. You were fortunate you had a Doctor who would work with you and prescribe the hCG and suppor you in the hCG Protocol

I will be seeing my Physician in September for my annual check up. The last time I saw her, we discussed the possibility of Gastric Bypass and Lap Band surgeries...2 things I really was unsure I wanted to do. She was not averse to me doing this protocol, but she wasn't "permitted" to "support" me in it....as she works for an HMO and this is not one of their "go-to programs."

By the time I meet with her in September, I hope to be 70 lbs less than last year...(not at my goal but plenty closer!) I started out this protocol with all "GOOD" numbers (BP/Sugar/Cholesterol)...and a lousy weight/BMI. With some research, and the help of friends and acquaintances on this board and others, I was able to use Rx hCG and do my rounds fairly successfully...learning more about myself and my own issues with emotional eating (a.k.a...if I have an emotion--ANY emotion---I'll eat!)

The thing I've already been pleased about is my ability to hold my weight fairly well between rounds. I totally attribute that to using the Rx hCG.

I also have been thankful for folks like you on the Board who have kept us posted about your successes in weight loss AND maintenance. It gives us something to look forward to...well at least it does for me!

Jodie in AZ
R4P2D7 -- 62 lbs down!

[dazygyrl]

UGHHH!! dumb board lost my message...dang i hate that.

shortened version....

the right car will come along...better to wait than to settle.

had a good day yesterday...it was our 17th anniversary. low key day. we'll go out tomorrow night.

noah did get home saturday evening. was so great to drive out of that place for the last time!

kyle did get to pitch...although i missed it... hate missing him pitch. he pitched the last 2 innings. they won 16-4 ! b/c they are the number one seed in the league, they don't have to play in the tournament till thurs.

can't remember what else i had typed out...

hope you have a great day!

[dazygyrl]

whoop! i had to run to town to pick my son from driver's ed so i checked my mail at my shop and my patches were there! i got one on and will load today and tomorrow!! so ready to get at this. i feel strong to stick with it!

[TerriMM]

That's awesome!!! You go girl!! So how are you loading?

[privatediva]

go Carrie...you can do it. It's not that long. We can do anything for a little while. Noah taught us that!

[dazygyrl]

trying to load high fat.

tis very true, deb.

[dazygyrl]

seriously, deb...my head hurts from that loving frying pan up the side of my head....and i love it.

thank you for that nugget.

[TerriMM]

Yeah talk about a "swift kick in the pants"

[privatediva]

Hey...nobody is more humbled by your kid than I am. Every single day I catch myself griping or having an unkind thought or feeling entitled to feeling sorry for myself. Then I see the beautiful boy in the cute hats and try to get hold of my nature and do better. I am so thankful for his witness, as well as yours. You and his Dad have been amazingly faithful, trusting and grateful throughout this ordeal. It's been something to watch

[TerriMM]

Morning Bud!
How'd load day one go? So today you load and tomorrow you start? Can't wait to hear what you think of the patches.

I'm doing well with the No S lifestyle. I'm eating whatever and a whole lot more carbs then I have in years. We're meeting DH's brother and wife at an Indian Casino buffet Saturday and then hang out for a while and my niece's birthday is Tuesday, we're going to a AAA ball game with a big group for an evening, fireworks game. Then DH is going to be doing some traveling again. So I'm totally going to hang on to the basic plan for now but after the festivities I'm going to seriously work on “healthying” it up. Not necessarily cutting out the carbs, just the empty carbs. I tend to eat a lot better on my own. I'm also going to start focusing on my strength training; I've been slacking a bit lately.

Woot, woot for a very positive July for us both!! Of course you be a little ahead of the game. Pave the way girl, pave the way!

[dazygyrl]

load day one was good. altho i woke up starving this morning...not sure how that works, but whatever. lots of fats planned for today and dh and i are going to our fav steak place for our anniversary supper tonight. will enjoy some of their yummy bread. and maybe some cheesecake i have read some load for 3 days with the patches...not sure what i'll do.

will proly still only weigh on friday mornings.

soooo happy you are doing well with no-s!! i will go back to that for maintenance.

[TerriMM]

Hey Bud,
How's it going? Did you decide on two or three load days? How's the hunger going so far?

I'm doing okay. Working out eliminating the Cr*p food. I'm trying to remind myself that the big motivation for losing the weight in the first place was to bring my cholesterol back down, which I did. Even though I might be able to eat the cr*p and not gain, it's not the road to health and it doesn't make me feel good. Once I said I was going to work on it after my events, I realized there was no reason to wait. It's not how you eat all of the time; it's how you eat most of the time. I guess that’s a big part of the No S message as well. Today was good. Maybe if I focus more on nutrition the scale will also continue on the downward slope.

[dazygyrl]

good morning! just 2 days. i feel fine this morning. they say if you have persistant hunger to put on a second patch. feel good this morning tho. had a huge anniversary meal last night atr longhorn steakhouse. yuuuum! and dh surprpised me by inviting three of our closest couple friends. so instead of the two of us going out, there were 8 of us!! had a lot of fun.

of course on my first vlcd, we're having company....but just my sister and mom. grilling out, so i will just have chicken breast.

so what does cutting out the crap mean for you? what foods?

[privatediva]

Morning, ladies. We're leaving tomorrow for almost two weeks. Going to see Amy at Ft Walton Beach, FL. We're driving so it is 2 days down and 2 days back. We are driving 12 hours the first day (whew) so that we won't have as long (about 5 hours) the second day. We're taking her a bunch of her stuff: guitar, clothes, shoes, shotgun, nintendo , exercise equipment etc. so we have to drive.

Merry is enjoying herself in Ohio and is placed in their top level during the intensive training. So, we'll see.

Does anyone remember where in Colorado our Cristin lives? I am seriously concerned about this fire.

[TerriMM]

Woo Hoo!!! Down you Go! Are you weighing in today or waiting until Friday?

I'm still hangin’ with the Friday weigh ins, except for the Saturday cheat when Aunt B stopped by

By crap, I mean processed and empty carb food. Pot pies, pizza, burger buns, etc. I'm going to try and scoot those to S days too for the most part. Actually what I'm finding is I prefer my burgers bunless and all the other stuff has been giving me hearburn, which I never have eating low carb. At this point I'm not ready to commit to "low carb” but I am going to choose more wisely. It's just been so nice to say, "sure I'll have that" without the guilt and nasty repercussions for a change.

So what's the menu look like today?

[TerriMM]

Hey Deb, have a great trip!!

Don't know where Cristen is but will keep her in my prayers.

[dazygyrl]

i'm staying with friday morning weighing.

i hear you on that list. i like the sara lee 45 cal breaad....it's only 14 carbs for 2 slices. that's not bad in my book. especially if combined with more lower carb stuff.

today i think i will have my strawberry\coconut milk sorbet thingy, a smoked turkey sausage with a 45 cal mini pita....1.5 oz cream cheese if i need it....grilled chicken breast for supper...not sure what i'll have with this. keep cals between 700-750 but not more than 800 for sure.

[privatediva]

Have you seen the news reports about the new science that shows that low carb diets actually cause you to *burn* more calories than other more "balanced" diets? It explains a whole lot about my stability. I think it absolutely has to be true. I very very occasionally eat something carby. (like once a month or even less) I do NOT miss that stuff...too many great (and for me, in every way preferable) substitutes. I can eat plenty of sweet, bready kind of things that are fat and protein based. I can have fruity stuff and chocolate. When I do eat the "real" carby versions of breads and desserts...ew...I feel AWFUL in every way for at least three days afterward. It's almost like being poisoned. Of course, I am supersensitive probably because I'm diabetic, but honestly...if we lived long enough, eventually everyone would be a type 2 diabetic based on today's dietary guidelines with the "food pyramid". Even complex carbs can screw you up if you eat them in the proportions suggested by the USDA. That new "plate" graph is horrible. I don't know anyone over the age of 12 that could eat in those proportions, to satisfaction, without blowing up like a balloon. Sure...you could eat that way and stay hungry and do it, but clearly that's not a sustainable lifestyle.

I am willing to bet that the new research is *heavily* attacked and maligned. Especially by big agriculture conglomerates. The government guidelines do not have one thing to do with our health. They are directives to get us to eat what is cheaper. Grains are cheap. Meat is expensive. Corn and Soy are REALLY cheap...so under the guise of concern about our health, "they" give us directives, that if followed for any amount of time, will destroy our thyroid function and mess with our endocrine function...making us fat and unhealthy...and HUNGRY.

(rant over...I'm pleased with the release of the low carb=more calories burned study...it really casts the doubt we've been waiting for on the idiotic "calories in-calories out" mantra of naturally thin 'nutritionists')

[privatediva]

Also: kktv (website) is running a live stream coverage on the Waldo Canyon fire. It's really informative. Watch for a little bit when you can. The thing is huge and there is serious concern about the US Air Force Academy. They have evacuated some of the residential parts of the USAFA and today will be important with regard to trying to keep the fire line well away from the Academy itself.

[TerriMM]

Lots of good info Deb, thanks. I'll check it out. Made me have my eggs and cheese for breakfast.

[dazygyrl]

i hope you have a fabulous time with amy, deb!

i don't feel like i burn more cals on LC...i can still gain pretty easily...i wish i knew how to read my body...i don't really have a clue about that stuff. i react to nothing, other than to gain whether it be LC or not. the ONLY thing is the whole-body tenderness thing i have developed if i eat a lot of sugary carbs (which i don't do very often). i feel rather like an igit when it comes to 'knowing' my body with regards to food. it does seem that restriction is the only way i can maintain and\or lose....and i hate that.

[TerriMM]

I can gain or lose on anything too. When I'm doing low carb (strictly) I can eat like a horse and not gain, but one toe in the water and Hello three pounds. When I'm doing low fat I can eat anything within quantity limits and lose, but Hello toe, Hello pounds. Right now with No S I've been doing anything in any quantity, following the rules, and I seem to be okay but not losing. So I think I'm going to refine the quality without going low carb (at least just yet) but "lower, healthier" carb and see how it goes.