Hcg Rogues and Alternatives 2/6/12

[Spesh2012]

Hello everyone!

I'm new to the forum, but not new to hhcg. I've done 3 rounds in the past, did great, but then had some major life stress that caused me to fall back into my old habits where I gained back ALL that I had lost! Ugh! Just shy of 50 pounds!!!!!

I'm thinking about starting drops again, but I've been seeing a trainer 3x a week for about 2-3 weeks now and I don't want to stop just because of the hhcg. I didn't exercise at all during my previous rounds.

Do any of you exercise in P2 and if so, how does it affect your results? Do you increase your protein on those exercise days?

I posted this on the hcg exercise thread, but it's not a very busy thread!

I know a lot of going rogue is trial and error and YMMV, but I would love your thoughts!

Thanks!

[catjrow3]

Originally Posted by mdolph

Cathy- what's in your detox bath? I do these often too. I use epson salt, baking soda, glycerin (sometimes) and ginger.

So I nice littel drop on the scale. Made it to 140.2 today.

Melanie, I use epson and baking soda... I think it might be helping with the swelling in my foot a tiny bit as well! Great job on the 140.2... Nice!!!

Originally Posted by Sasseaux

Yay - loss of exactly 2 pounds today. That was the last of my loading weight. VFT here I come!

Sue, great job!! Its all fun territory from here! KUTGW

[hikergurl]

R3D6 and have already hit a goose egg. Zero loss this morning. I know I said I wasn't going to freak out, and I'm not, but I'm still disappointed. I've never had a goose egg in my first week. I immediately started analyzing everything and had to force myself to stop and remember that I promised myself I'm going to let my body do what it's going to do this round. Just stick to protocol and go with it. However, I'm on a NEW (800-calorie) protocol so that scares me a little bit and I wonder if it's going to work for me. Oh well, I'll just give it a few days and see what happens. I haven't exercised in the last 2 days because of getting to bed really late, so that may have something to do with it. Also, my calories have actually been less than 620 so I wonder if I need to go up or down.

I'm freezing too, but I'm like that ALL the time no matter if I'm on hcg or not. I live in AZ so it's pretty pathetic.

I bought Jay Robb protein powder for my morning serving of protein. It's pretty good, but kind of has a weird aftertaste to it. I blend with strawberries but the taste is still there. Any ideas on how to mask that?

[julieboolie]

Originally Posted by Sasseaux

Wow Julie, you are so close to goal of 156! That's great. You have really lost a lot!!

Gratz and keep it up!!

Thanks! Most of my weight loss was through Atkins, and about 8 years ago. I've kept most of it off, but have found success w/ hcg for this last little bit I'd like to lose. I should update my stats I guess. I gained about 6lbs loading and was up a lb or 2 before starting. I am at about 163 this morning (which is a loss of 2.8lbs!! ). I would like to maintain at or below 155 I think. We'll see where I end this round. I always need a little wiggle room and try not to stress over the scale too much. My jeans hold me accountable. I just want my 6's to feel good again!!

Originally Posted by Gremom

Well, this morning and I hopped on the scale. Didn't want to since TOM is slowly starting, BUT....I was down 1.5lbs!! I was so freakin' happy! Did a little jig in the bathroom! The hard work (diet and exercise) is paying off!

I am on cloud 9 right now!

Nice!! So happy the scale is finally rewarding your work!! You're doing so well. I think you're in the zone!!

Congrats Sass! Great loss!

Spesh-I did some light exercise during one of my previous rounds. I didn't have much energy from it and it did make me hungry. Shelbyla and Cat have exercised well through their rounds, I think Mini too. It can be done. Some up their protein those days. I would suggest you try to keep going with it (since your body is already in the routine). Adjust if necessary. You may be just fine!! Good luck!!

I'm down 2.6 overnight (first day losses are usually good!!). I'm feeling better. After I got through the afternoon yesterday the hunger was very minimal. My tummy's growling now but nothing I can't handle. I added cranberry pomegranate green tea this morning. I think a little caffiene will help.

I made yummy marinated round steak and grilled them on my cooktop. Made enough for several days. Also made some P2 chili to keep in the fridge. I bought cabbage but haven't done anything with that. Also bought some asparagus (I've never made that before, but think it'll be a good addition).

Feel free to share meal ideas that are working well for you. I could use some inspiration!!

[Spesh2012]

You guys are so inspiriational! I've been hemming and hawing about doing another round, but getting back into the excitement is really helping!

I like hearing about the inclusion of exercise. I won't be telling anyone I'm doing this so I guess I"ll just hope my energy levels stay the same and I can still workout. Hopefully more exercisers will chime in.

Thanks for the welcome and the response!

[hikergurl]

Originally Posted by julieboolie

I made yummy marinated round steak and grilled them on my cooktop. Made enough for several days. Also made some P2 chili to keep in the fridge. I bought cabbage but haven't done anything with that. Also bought some asparagus (I've never made that before, but think it'll be a good addition).

Can you give me the recipe for your marinated round steak? Sounds delish.

I absolutely love asparagus. When on hcg, I steam it in the micro (hint: put a capful of butter-flavored extract in the water), and then grill it on my George Foreman grill. When I'm not on hcg, I drizzle olive oil over it, sprinkle with salt & pepper, and then grill it. It's freakin' amazing!

I also wanted to add that I was really hungry yesterday. I'm using the same dosage I've used for my last 2 rounds, so I don't know if I should adjust or just wait it out for the next few days. I thought I loaded pretty well but maybe not. Advice anyone?

[belfrybat]

Wow! Lots of posts this past 24 hrs. I'm flat, scale wise today (wish I could say that about my belly!

I'm enjoying reading the posts -- congrats to those who are losing, commiseration for those not. Just hang in there -- the pounds have to come off at some point. Right?

[Gremom]

Nice drop Julie! That's always so encouraging in the beginning! I love asparagus too. Your pee is gonna stink though! I need to get cabbage. It is so cheap and so filling. I love it with sauteed with ground beef and onions. So easy and tasty!

Welcome Spesh!

[RileyWorm]

Spesh - Welcome!
Stacey - WHOO HOO!!! Yay!

I am UP---because, I am assuming, I thought it would be a great idea to workout, like hardcore weights, lunges, squats, etc, etc...I am so darn sore I can barely walk, stand, or sit...So I am assuming it is all water retention, as per the usual. So not gonna stress and gonna take it super easy until the soreness wears off. Still sticking to my low-carb higher fat 700-800 cals. I've had eggwhites with spinach for breakfast, lunch is tuna/mayo and peanut butter, and dinner will probably be another attempt at chicken and maybe cauli/broccoli. Plus an orange for a snack.

[julieboolie]

Originally Posted by hikergurl

Can you give me the recipe for your marinated round steak? Sounds delish.

I absolutely love asparagus. When on hcg, I steam it in the micro (hint: put a capful of butter-flavored extract in the water), and then grill it on my George Foreman grill. When I'm not on hcg, I drizzle olive oil over it, sprinkle with salt & pepper, and then grill it. It's freakin' amazing!

I also wanted to add that I was really hungry yesterday. I'm using the same dosage I've used for my last 2 rounds, so I don't know if I should adjust or just wait it out for the next few days. I thought I loaded pretty well but maybe not. Advice anyone?

I'm sorry!! I forgot to post back to you!! We love to hike the Superstitions, and Peralta Trail locally. Haven't done much on the west side of town. We've gotten into trail riding lately and love Usury Park for that. Try to go a couple times a month.

For the steak, I got a great deal on little round steaks at Food City. 1.5 of then is a serving. I made a marinade of garlic, soy sauce/amino, vinegar (depending on how rogue you want to go-balsamic would be nice, but ACV would be safer), and worchestershire. I added onion pwdr too. Marinate a while (hours, overnight) then I just heated up my grill pan and grilled then w. no oil. They're tasty and I made enough so I can reheat later.

Thanks for the ideas on asparagus. I wasn't sure what seasoning to use, so I'll likely just do salt and pepper my first time.

Riley-good for you working out!! I'm sure water retention is to blame. I'm trying to back off on exercise through P2. The daily weighing is hard enough!!

Off to have my steak and cabbage for lunch!! .

[Spesh2012]

Originally Posted by RileyWorm

Spesh - Welcome!
Stacey - WHOO HOO!!! Yay!

I am UP---because, I am assuming, I thought it would be a great idea to workout, like hardcore weights, lunges, squats, etc, etc...I am so darn sore I can barely walk, stand, or sit...So I am assuming it is all water retention, as per the usual. So not gonna stress and gonna take it super easy until the soreness wears off. Still sticking to my low-carb higher fat 700-800 cals. I've had eggwhites with spinach for breakfast, lunch is tuna/mayo and peanut butter, and dinner will probably be another attempt at chicken and maybe cauli/broccoli. Plus an orange for a snack.

Riley, how are you finding exercise going in terms of your losses? Are you still losing? I'm thinking of starting another round, but have been seeing a trainer 3x a week for the past 2-3 weeks and don't want to give it up!

[CherylB]

Looks like I need to break these multiquote posts up into two, to keep from being overwhelming (to us all)!

Originally Posted by Sasseaux

Cheryl, grats on the losses, Babe. You're doing great.

Zoe, way to go!

Cathy, foot is looking better. Dang that musta hurt!

All else - keep it up rah rah!

I'm about to go to bed so will report today's success! Despite being extremely hungry this a.m. I made it through. Hunger subsided as the day progressed. I think I was dehydrated and tried to drink a lot of tea all day - celestial seasonings kind.

I still measured my Dreamfields dry and then cooked it. (What a doofus). But I remembered before I ate it all that I was supposed to measure it cooked. So yay! I saved half for tomorrow.

Results: 584 calories!!!!!! 31 carbs (boo!!) who knew a can of green beans had 18 carbs? I always thought green beans were good on Atkins. that may explain a lot of failure. Sigh. Fat 7 grams (1 over the limit I had set), sugar 9 grams (again with green beans!! They had 4 grams of sugar!), Oh its probably a net carb thing because the green beans also had 14 grams fiber. Anyhoo. I don't beleive in net carbs, Call me a skeptic, but net carbs on Atkins means losing like 1/2 pound a month for me.

Anyway, I bet I lost today. Maybe a whole pound or more. We shall see in the a.m.

Measurements - I took them today. I don't have any "before" to compare them. I have misplaced by old measurment sheet from R1. I feel frustrated trying to take measurements because so much depends on where you put the tape and how tight you hold it, etc. So I will go more by clothes fit.

Ordered my board shorts and a tankini with matching shorts for the beach trip. I of course already own a variety of black tankinis and black one-pieces. I did my best to order per my measurements, but who knows by mail order?? At least they are mostly stretchy fabric.

Now I gotta find a serious waxing place. Serious. Waxing. You feel me?

Sue, I love the way you have blossomed here with us. You didn't use to do personals and now look at you! You're a funny, lovely person.

Thanks for the encouragement and the "rah rah's"! Hope you find the best place for that "serious waxing job". That's awesome that you can eat Dreamfields on P2. What do you put on it? Who knew that green beans could pack such a punch? I think they are worse in the can somehow. Fresh is always better for you and probably lower in everything. I buy those steamer bags and just steam my own veggies. Takes only minutes and POOF! Healthy rabbit food.

I agree about the inconsistencies in measuring our bodies. I only do it at milestones. I bought one of those automatic tapemeasures that are similar to a carpenter's (push button retraction) and the end slides into a groove and you wrap it around the area you want to measure and push the button. I think it gives a more consistent tightness, so better readings.

Hope you are happy with your online purchases!

Originally Posted by julieboolie

Thanks guys. Feeling better now. Had dinner, and a few strawberries. Tea and water. I did have a coke zero too . I know it's not on protocol, but I think if Simeon was writing it currently he'd approve Splenda and Nutrasweet. Needed something to help me over the hump today.

Mini-you're right, and i hope the hunger is a good sign. I am glad you're losing. Hope this is a great round for you!!

Cheryl-I'm cold too. and I live in AZ!! Hope you keep losing this well!!

DP-good luck w/ the fast. I've fasted in the past and it was a very good experience. Very freeing from food.

I really don't like cooking for the fam while on P2. Dh is going away for the weekend which is good. My dd's are much easier to please. I can eat my food and make them something easy. Should be a safe weekend . They're the hardest.

I agree about "if Simeon wrote it today". I have a problem with his information being so ancient. I wish someone would update it, like they do with Atkins' stuff. Hope the cooking for your DD goes well and doesn't tempt you. You ladies with family have much greater challenges than people like me do. Cisco's kibble doesn't tempt me one bit! Hope you warm up soon!

Originally Posted by mdolph

Cathy- what's in your detox bath? I do these often too. I use epson salt, baking soda, glycerin (sometimes) and ginger.

Ahhhh popcorn! I can do the 100 calorie bags and not burn them IF I stand there and watch it like a hawk. I prefer the coconut oil and fre kernals on the stove though. Anything to add some coconut oil to my diet!

Cheryl- our chickens could have cared less about their visitor! We handle our chickens quite a bit so they don't spook easy.

So I nice littel drop on the scale. Made it to 140.2 today. Perhaps I'll get back under 140 for tomorrow! I havn't been there for awhile. I had a huge shock yesterday when I went to the bathroom and found that TOM had arrived. I really thought something was wrong with me, lol! Then I did the math and while yes it's early its not unusually early. I forget the hhcg takes away all my pms symptoms! Another little extra bonus. At least it explains the exhaustion I had the last 2 days. Perhaps today I will have some energy to run!

Have a great day ladies! I've got a full plate!

I'm surprised that pigeon didn't at least decide to hang around and roost in your barn, after all you went through together. Ingrate! Glad you had a drop on the scale today! I'm sure you'll be in the 30's again soon. That's awesome that hhcg takes away your PMS! Bet there are some envious gals out there, reading that.

Originally Posted by paulabob

I grew up here in north texas and it was always stocked in my mother's spice cabinet. DH & my son prefer "Slap Ya Mama", another cajun seasoning. It's also msg free.

Air is healthier (whether air pop machine or a microwable popper) because the microwave popcorn bags are coated with perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and the butter flavor has diacetyl.

Back to my nov 5th weight (126)...waist back down to 30 inches. Now let's make some real progress!!!

Slap ya Mama?

Off to finish the rest of yer posts.

[minimonkey]

Originally Posted by paulabob

Air is healthier (whether air pop machine or a microwable popper) because the microwave popcorn bags are coated with perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and the butter flavor has diacetyl.



!

Whatever that means, it sure doesn't sound good!

[minimonkey]

I am in something of a rush this afternoon so my apologies for the lack of personals -- but I did have to share:

Down another .6 this morning -- so that is 3 lbs down in 2 VLC days -- whoohoo! If this keeps up, the loading and p3 weight will be gone in a jiffy.

Had my protocol brunch, and I am off to the sculpture lab for an afternoon of work.

Hunger is minimal

[RileyWorm]

Originally Posted by Spesh2012

Riley, how are you finding exercise going in terms of your losses? Are you still losing? I'm thinking of starting another round, but have been seeing a trainer 3x a week for the past 2-3 weeks and don't want to give it up!

I have been doing light exercise like walks and callanetics, but i also eat more cals( and protein). Losses have been fine, until this recent intense workout...scale jumped. Im so sore...not sure if i have any advice but my recommendation is if you didnt do it before, dont try it on p2, especially not without upping protein/ calories. I m going to stick w lighter exercise until p2 is over

Im with you Julie i just need to focus on my eating habits for now. Once the weight comes off i will focus on more toning.

[Spesh2012]

Originally Posted by RileyWorm

I have been doing light exercise like walks and callanetics, but i also eat more cals( and protein). Losses have been fine, until this recent intense workout...scale jumped. Im so sore...not sure if i have any advice but my recommendation is if you didnt do it before, dont try it on p2, especially not without upping protein/ calories. I m going to stick w lighter exercise until p2 is over

Im with you Julie i just need to focus on my eating habits for now. Once the weight comes off i will focus on more toning.

Thanks!

I've been doing it for the past 2-3 weeks and I'm past the point where I'm so sore that I can't walk or sit down so maybe I'll be alright. I'm thinking of just adding extra protein on the days I work out.

[CherylB]

Originally Posted by Sasseaux

Melanie, Gratz on the loss and with TOM that is super great. I did order some Spanx bottoms, too. I'm usually a lot better after I get to the beach or waterpark and realize that non-catalogue people come in all shapes and sizes. But Spanx and miracle bras certainly can't hurt!!!

Yay - loss of exactly 2 pounds today. That was the last of my loading weight. VFT here I come!

EVERYBODY DANCE NOW dah dah, dah dah dah dah...Everybody everybody dance now....

Also, if my measurements are to be believed, since 1/11/12, I have lost 4 inches off my boobs, gained 3 inches in my waist and lost 2 inches off my hips. Maybe that's just the sagging of middle age. LOL. I think I did something wrong. LOL

Very nice whooshy! Dancing with you! You grew 3 inches in the waist? I hate when that happens. Don't believe it.

Originally Posted by Gremom

Well, this morning and I hopped on the scale. Didn't want to since TOM is slowly starting, BUT....I was down 1.5lbs!! I was so freakin' happy! Did a little jig in the bathroom! The hard work (diet and exercise) is paying off!

I am on cloud 9 right now!

Yippee! Stacey, we're all happy with you!

Originally Posted by DisneyPrincess

Well I decided to hold off a day for the fast. I need more stuff so I'm going to go to the store this evening. I'm going to do 4 days, 1 meal out, then resume for as long as I can.

You'll know when the time is right.

Originally Posted by Spesh2012

Hello everyone!

I'm new to the forum, but not new to hhcg. I've done 3 rounds in the past, did great, but then had some major life stress that caused me to fall back into my old habits where I gained back ALL that I had lost! Ugh! Just shy of 50 pounds!!!!!

I'm thinking about starting drops again, but I've been seeing a trainer 3x a week for about 2-3 weeks now and I don't want to stop just because of the hhcg. I didn't exercise at all during my previous rounds.

Do any of you exercise in P2 and if so, how does it affect your results? Do you increase your protein on those exercise days?

I posted this on the hcg exercise thread, but it's not a very busy thread!

I know a lot of going rogue is trial and error and YMMV, but I would love your thoughts!

Thanks!

Spesh! Intersting name. Is that what you want us to call you or do you want to share your first name? If not, forgive me if sometimes I call you "Splesh" cause that's how I read it at first.

Sorry about your major life stresses. I hate those and am no stranger to them myself. We just have to roll with the punches and dodge those bullets as they come! Somehow we survive and live to fight another day.

I've done my share of regaining, too. It bites but it is just another lesson learned. I'm almost back to VFT myself and nothing is going to prevent me from getting there, this month!

I think if your body is used to working out pre P2, then you can continue doing it. If you find your losses are slow, then maybe decrease the intensity and the regularity of it. But I definitely wouldn't stop it altogether. I'm doing more physical expercise this round than any previous rounds and my losses are the best ever! I think it is helping me.

Originally Posted by hikergurl

R3D6 and have already hit a goose egg. Zero loss this morning. I know I said I wasn't going to freak out, and I'm not, but I'm still disappointed. I've never had a goose egg in my first week. I immediately started analyzing everything and had to force myself to stop and remember that I promised myself I'm going to let my body do what it's going to do this round. Just stick to protocol and go with it. However, I'm on a NEW (800-calorie) protocol so that scares me a little bit and I wonder if it's going to work for me. Oh well, I'll just give it a few days and see what happens. I haven't exercised in the last 2 days because of getting to bed really late, so that may have something to do with it. Also, my calories have actually been less than 620 so I wonder if I need to go up or down.

I'm freezing too, but I'm like that ALL the time no matter if I'm on hcg or not. I live in AZ so it's pretty pathetic.

I bought Jay Robb protein powder for my morning serving of protein. It's pretty good, but kind of has a weird aftertaste to it. I blend with strawberries but the taste is still there. Any ideas on how to mask that?

We all have those! Make an omlette with that puppy. Maybe 800 cals should be your high end and you should shoot for less on a typical day. Might shake things up a hair. (Just read your cals have been nearer to 600.) It's really too early to be tweaking just for a one day goose egg. Let it ride! Gather more data and believe in the process.

Originally Posted by julieboolie

Thanks! Most of my weight loss was through Atkins, and about 8 years ago. I've kept most of it off, but have found success w/ hcg for this last little bit I'd like to lose. I should update my stats I guess. I gained about 6lbs loading and was up a lb or 2 before starting. I am at about 163 this morning (which is a loss of 2.8lbs!! ). I would like to maintain at or below 155 I think. We'll see where I end this round. I always need a little wiggle room and try not to stress over the scale too much. My jeans hold me accountable. I just want my 6's to feel good again!!

I'm down 2.6 overnight (first day losses are usually good!!). I'm feeling better. After I got through the afternoon yesterday the hunger was very minimal. My tummy's growling now but nothing I can't handle. I added cranberry pomegranate green tea this morning. I think a little caffiene will help.

Feel free to share meal ideas that are working well for you. I could use some inspiration!!

Woohooo! Nice drop, Julie! You have come a long way, baby.

Originally Posted by belfrybat

Wow! Lots of posts this past 24 hrs. I'm flat, scale wise today (wish I could say that about my belly!

I'm enjoying reading the posts -- congrats to those who are losing, commiseration for those not. Just hang in there -- the pounds have to come off at some point. Right?

Originally Posted by RileyWorm

Spesh - Welcome!
Stacey - WHOO HOO!!! Yay!

I am UP---because, I am assuming, I thought it would be a great idea to workout, like hardcore weights, lunges, squats, etc, etc...I am so darn sore I can barely walk, stand, or sit...So I am assuming it is all water retention, as per the usual. So not gonna stress and gonna take it super easy until the soreness wears off. Still sticking to my low-carb higher fat 700-800 cals. I've had eggwhites with spinach for breakfast, lunch is tuna/mayo and peanut butter, and dinner will probably be another attempt at chicken and maybe cauli/broccoli. Plus an orange for a snack.

That's definitely water from such an intense workout. I'm glad you are resting and recovering today. And I love to hear of you Atkins round results! Very intriguing.

Originally Posted by minimonkey

I am in something of a rush this afternoon so my apologies for the lack of personals -- but I did have to share:

Down another .6 this morning -- so that is 3 lbs down in 2 VLC days -- whoohoo! If this keeps up, the loading and p3 weight will be gone in a jiffy.

Had my protocol brunch, and I am off to the sculpture lab for an afternoon of work.

Hunger is minimal

Nice, Mini! Have fun at sculpture lab. Have yet to see pics of your sculptures or your clothes, unless it was something you were wearing in your Avi pics.

[RileyWorm]

Originally Posted by Spesh2012

Thanks!

I've been doing it for the past 2-3 weeks and I'm past the point where I'm so sore that I can't walk or sit down so maybe I'll be alright. I'm thinking of just adding extra protein on the days I work out.

Good deal! It can't hurt to try it, anyway!

[shirleychef]

Originally Posted by hikergurl

Hi! I'm just starting R3 and I'm seriously considering doing the 800 calorie protocol I've been reading so much about. Is this the correct forum for me to be posting in since I'm doing an alternative to the original protocol?

Are there many here doing the 800 cal protocol? If so how much do you lose on average?? I'm on round 3 and getting REALLY tired of strict VLCD which has been my practice for round 2 & 3. I'm also struggling with more hunger the closer I get to goal yet there is still obvious abnormal fat... so I know the hcg still has plenty of fat to mobilize.

May I also ask what you increase to get to the 800 calories?? AND do you have any difficulties stabilizing. I'll be at goal or within spitting distance when I end and want to stabilize like a rock, like my first round. BUT I'm tired of being hungry and really tired of the VLCD... especially after my research on the JUDDD forums. Hcg does burn the fat FAST, so I'm not complaining. Last Feb 14 I weighed 235... this one... I'll be less than 148. So I cannot complain about my journey... just exploring some options.

I hope it is ok to ask here.. if I am in the wrong place please re-direct me and I apologize.

[Spesh2012]

Thanks for the welcome, Cheryl! You can use Spesh or Jen.

The thing about my exercise is I bought a trainer package with a co-worker so I can't really lessen our sessions because if I do, then she has to as well and she and I already agreed to going 3x a week. I guess I'm just worried about having the energy to finish and get a good workout. Perhaps I can just lower intensity and fake a tummy ache or body ache for a couple of weeks.

It's nice to know I'm not along when it comes to regaining. It's been a mess. I was so happy when I was down the weight and I was SO close to goal. It's hard to imagine that I'm having to start all over again!

I'm nervous about the drops, I have to be honest. I never had the 'not hungry' feeling in any of my previous rounds. Actually, that's not true. After Day 11 in my first round, all of a sudden, it was like magic happened and I wasn't hungry! Unfortunately, it wasn't like that in my 2nd or 3rd round. Being ravenous is no fun!

Anyway, sorry for rambling. Thanks again for your insight! Not sure when I'll start, but I'm thinking in the next week or so! I also don't think I'm going to load. I eat a paleo/primal lifestyle right now so it's pretty high in good fats so I will likely just continue on that route. The last thing I need is to gain another 5 pounds.

[minimonkey]

Cheryl -- I'll be uploading some photos of the garments and sculptures to the website this weekend -- and we need to do a new photo shoot as well with some of the garments -- so you can see them very soon!

[CherylB]

Okay, so here's how my day is going. I'm up 0.4 but expected that. I ate around 900 cals yesterday so it was more than I could hope for to get away with that. Today I'm doing 500 strict.

My hands turned to ice around 3:30 pm as per usual, so I decided to take my Cytomel at that time rather than waiting until the time I usually take it, which is 5pm. It's 30 minutes later and they are still ice-cold. I took it sublingually so it should have worked by now. I have no idea why I get so cold in the hands, feet and nose late in the afternoon if it isn't Cytomel-related.

Secondly, I got a letter regarding the foreclosure. It has thrown me an interesting twist! At first glance, it's bad news. It says that the date that the house is becoming the property of HUD is 2/29/12. That's just a little over 3 weeks away. But then it says that I can apply to continue residing here! It gives certain conditions in which you can be considered to continue to live in your home on a temporary, month-to-month basis. They set the rent at "a fair market value" so if that is true, it's going to be higher than I can afford and I'll need to high-tail it out of here anyway.

But I am permanently disabled and that is one of the conditions that would give me the opportunity to apply to stay. I filled out the form and all I need is a note from the Dr. Just got a call back from the Dr's office and she said he doesn't get involved in legal issues so he doesn't want to write the letter. I told her it was nothing that he would ever be called into court over. If HUD denies my request, I wouldn't even try to fight it. So I told her to have the Dr himself call me. I said, "It's hard when there is a middle-man." She said she'd give him the message so we'll see if he calls me back.

He's a great Dr and he is the one who assured me that I would never have to worry about losing my social security disability if it were up to him. I am reasonably sure if he calls me, I can get him to write the letter. I have 20 days to get this request and his letter into the right hands (from the date of letter, which is 2/3.) I can't afford to wait a single minute.

So, if the monthly rent would be much over $750 or 800, I'm likely not going to stay. I won't be able to put aside money for moving if it is that high, and so I'm just putting off the inevitable and there is no guarantee of length of stay. Plus I have to allow them access to the property with any 2-day notice or if a realtor wants to show it.

He just called. He fought me hard but finally he gave in. He is writing the letter, I am picking it up tomorrow and I will send off the paperwork first thing Monday. (I don't want it to arrive on a weekend and get lost in a pile of other papers.) I'm in tears. He said he gets hundreds of requests daily (might be a slight exaggeration) for this very thing and he said that if they pull my chart it won't hold up in court. I told him it won't be anything like that. They will just approve or disapprove the request and then I'll simply comply with their decision.

I am relieved and grateful but will start packing, none the less.

[RileyWorm]

Cheryl, so sorry for your troubles. I hope everything works out for you. Big hugs!!

[RileyWorm]

Originally Posted by minimonkey

Cheryl -- I'll be uploading some photos of the garments and sculptures to the website this weekend -- and we need to do a new photo shoot as well with some of the garments -- so you can see them very soon!

Mini, can you please share the website? I would love to see what you do!

[RileyWorm]

Shirley, googling the 800 calorie diet or Omaha Weight Loss may help you. Both allow for more cals- the 800 calorie allows for more protein and fruit, OWL allows for different veggies, microwave popcorn, and other extras (from my understanding, I have never followed either of these plans to a T...) I have increased my cals (in the form of protein like eggs) on the first half of this round and I lost similarly to my strict protocol rounds. No comment on stabilization, since I am on my 2nd half of my 3rd round...that is TBD..lol!

eta: By the way CONGRATS on the amazing loss!

[minimonkey]

I decided my time was better spent at home today, in the sewing studio, so I may do some of the uploading later -- my time is so very limited right now, it's rather sad -- but I am trying to make the best of it however I can.

[minimonkey]

Riley -- the site is pretty out of date, but I will re-post the link this weekend when I have the updates finished. I'll be working on it for the next couple of days.

[minimonkey]

Welcome, Spesh! Sorry to hear about the life stresses, and the regain -- you're in good company, though -- it has happened to a lot of us for one reason or another (me, and my crazy experiments, lol!)

Good luck with your renewed efforts!

[minimonkey]

Cheryl -- my prayers are with you for this being a good solution! Good for you for sticking up for yourself -- that's the way to do it!

[DisneyPrincess]

Good evening. I'm so overwhelmed Im coming here for a break! Lol

Forgive me for my lack of personals once again. I just simply can't keep up

Just wanted to update- I decided on dosing with hHCG today to prepare for my juiced fast. I'm going to go for 30 days with one small free meal for valentines day. I know this one meal will affect the cleanse but I need to have it- it will be my last day with Dh before he leaves for 5 weeks. I'm hoping the hHCG with the cleanse does me a world of good. It isn't going to be easy but I'm more than ready for the challenge!