Losing & Regaining Last 10?

[garnet10]

I have made the incredibly disappointing discovery that I have been regaining and losing 10 pounds or so once I got to within 10 pounds of my goal weight. I don't know psychologically why I just could not continue the diet protocol and get to goal. I was SO CLOSE! And SO MANY TIMES!

After Round 3 I got to 126.2 My original goal was 125, so I was quite happy until I realized I still had pretty big thighs, and lowered my goal to 120. It was time to move to P3, but oddly enough, I could not stabilize at all during this P3/P4, despite prior successful P3's and P4's. I started Round 4 a whopping 16 pounds heavier.

After Round 4, I got close to my prior LDW--I was 128.6. I did a short round, because I was planning to be on P4 during our summer vacation. I was not careful during vacation, and so started Round 5 at 7 pounds heavier (including 2 lb load weight gain). This round went very, very slowly, but I did get to 126.0 before I had to stop the round because of overwhelming fatigue.

And then I mentally fell apart. I stabilized at around 130 during P4 and was doing great! But because I knew I was starting another round after Christmas, I started to binge eat, but even ate things I don't crave. Very weird, very sabotaging behavior. Mystifying, really. So not like me. So I started this round 8 pounds over (including 2 lb load weight).

This round by day #7 I stalled for TEN DAYS at the same weight 129.8 (a prior stable weight) and by day #17 tried a Fat Fast for 3 days which did get me down to 126.0, but after 3 more days at this weight with the VLCD, when I started my interruption I bounced right back p to 130.8. Same mental problem, ate more than I even really wanted and ate things "just to eat", got to 133.8, and now am finally back to 128.0.

Unfortunately, I have another interruption starting in about a week. I hope I don't screw this up.

I have to figure out why I keep sabotaging getting to goal.

I'm just wondering if anyone else has had difficulty once they got close to goal.

[katiesmemaw]

Good Morning garnet10. Sure don't have any answers garnet....just wanted you to know I understand!!! I've done essentially the same thing my entire life......until now!!
Girl, you have been one of my many inspirations on this forum. You have done this, you can do this and you will do this.
Just a couple of thoughts.........Don't know your height, age, weight etc and that's really just for you to consider BUT...............maybe, just maybe, you have attained your IDEAL weight already!!!! Maybe, just maybe, you are ALREADY an amazing success and your body is telling you "Okay, we are where we need to be scalewise"!!
You are remarkable!!! Here, behind the scenes cheering you on!!
Betty

[garnet10]

Originally Posted by katiesmemaw

Good Morning garnet10. Sure don't have any answers garnet....just wanted you to know I understand!!! I've done essentially the same thing my entire life......until now!!
Girl, you have been one of my many inspirations on this forum. You have done this, you can do this and you will do this.
Just a couple of thoughts.........Don't know your height, age, weight etc and that's really just for you to consider BUT...............maybe, just maybe, you have attained your IDEAL weight already!!!! Maybe, just maybe, you are ALREADY an amazing success and your body is telling you "Okay, we are where we need to be scalewise"!!
You are remarkable!!! Here, behind the scenes cheering you on!!
Betty

Oh, Betty, you are such a sweetheart! YOUR attitude is a great inspiration to me. I would have to post my pics so that people can believe I do need to lose a bit more weight, but I know I'm close. I'm 49, 5'4", pear-shaped. I'm still wearing size 10 pants! I would post my pics on a new thread, but I'm not all that pleased with the final result so far.

When I was 115 lbs in my early 20s, I have a picture that shows I had toothpick arms and I STILL had saddlebag thighs. So I know I can't go that low, unless some major reshaping happens, which is unlikely since that has not at all happened for me.

I think I have my head back in the game this time--I'm just taking it one day at a time. I'm still trying to figure out what went wrong during both Christmas time and this last interruption, but I have another interruption coming up next Friday, so I have another chance to "do it right".

It's funny that I get all panicky about hitting 135 pounds, when I had been 180 and could not move any weight off no matter what I did! I used to tell people it would take an act of God to make me lose weight! So now I call the hCG diet "an act of God"!

Betty, you are a doll, and your family and friends are so lucky to be part of your life.

[RileyWorm]

Garnet, I've been struggling with the last 10 for about 2.5 weeks. I hit my 15 pound goal 2.5 weeks ago, and since then not much has happened. I DO think I've been reshaping and I see other physical changes, but really it comes down to the number on the scale, for me.. I am 5'4'' also, what is your goal? Currently I'm shooting for 125 but will possibly settle for 130. I have a pretty athletic build. The hcg didn't do it in one round (actually 3rd) so I attempted a quick 2nd round and I think my steam has run out for now...
Good luck on your interruption, I think you will do great!!

[garnet10]

Originally Posted by RileyWorm

Garnet, I've been struggling with the last 10 for about 2.5 weeks. I hit my 15 pound goal 2.5 weeks ago, and since then not much has happened. I DO think I've been reshaping and I see other physical changes, but really it comes down to the number on the scale, for me.. I am 5'4'' also, what is your goal? Currently I'm shooting for 125 but will possibly settle for 130. I have a pretty athletic build. The hcg didn't do it in one round (actually 3rd) so I attempted a quick 2nd round and I think my steam has run out for now...
Good luck on your interruption, I think you will do great!!

Oh, those last 10 can move so slowly! I had to stop when I stalled for 10 days. It was mind-numbing--I don't know how you've had the strength to continue with no movement for 2.5 weeks! I did an interruption, and I feel like it has helped me tremendously. But if I hadn't screwed up my interruption I would be at goal already. But so far this week, today is D#5 of VLCD I have lost 7 pounds (including the 3 lb I added on in a lost-my-marbles-gorging "moment" that lasted 3 days). I was so relieved to get past my stall weight I can't begin to tell you.

Have you thought about doing a short interruption? I'm no expert--I've just done one interruption, but it seems to have kick-started my weight loss again. I wish I had thought about doing interruptions earlier--I may have gotten to goal already.

I am not athletic at all, unfortunately. I have to force myself to exercise. Perhaps if I had a more athletic build, I could stop here. I'm happy with my waist, but my hips and thighs still look like they're in a prior round! I'm 5'4" and very pear shaped. I'm size 8 on top (well, with my padded bra) and size 10 on the bottom. I used to pine for size 6 pants, but at this point if I can get into size 8 I'd be thrilled.

[RileyWorm]

Ugh I did a short interruption and mini load,went straight back to p2, I was worried if I enjoyed p3 for too long I wouldn't go back. I am just so sick of protocol, even the rogue protocol I was doing...I am contemplating doing a rogue p3/p4 (trying to lose) and if need be do next round after March 17.
Don't get me wrong, I am pretty pear shaped too! My upper (and inner, ugh!) thighs and rump are my worst spots right now.
I am so glad you broke your stall weight! I have faith it will come soon for me as well, at least I know I am not gaining...

[katiesmemaw]

garnet you are such a sweetie. You make me feel so great with your kind words. I've got the opposite build. I'm built like a linebacker. Finally after the 2 rounds of hcg... I just bought a pair of 4/6 jeans!! But, my shirts,blouses and sweaters are 12/14. I'm doing a short round 3 right now in hopes of reshaping the top. If not, guess I'll just try out for the football team, lol.
I'm anxiously watching as you get to the goal you want for yourself. Looking forward to seeing those celebration pictures!!
Betty

[julieboolie]

I've gotten to my "goal" of 150ish twice now. Both w. hcg this past year. I can't seem to make it stick. I do well for a little while, then can't seem to stick with the weight range.

I'm not horribly unhappy at around 160. I just would like to be in the low to mid 150's. Ideally, for my height I should be lower than that. But, at 150 I can wear my size 6 Levi's and have minimal muffin top. I have several pairs of jeans that would look WAY better on me at goal.

So, for either of us, hopefully it's not an unattainable or unmaintainable goal. I think, for me, by the time I finally get to goal, I'm exhausted. I'm tired of being hungry, and watching everything, and saying "no thank you, I can't have that". I decide I've been "good" long enough it's time to just eat something!! At least that's my thinking.

I'm wondering if, this time, since I've tried and failed before, I'll be more willing to stay the course and keep any gain to a bare minimum. Stay on top of it, and stay close to goal. I dream of being able to go below goal and then have enough wiggle room to live my life.

So, no advice, but commiseration, to be sure!!

You've done great. I'm sure you'll figure it out!!

[Kiki373]

Garnet, I swear I could've written that post myself. I have had the exact same issues. The first time I ever did this back in 2010 I got down to my goal weight of 120 and stablized for 2 weeks around 120 - 123, then TOM came into the picture and I totally lost all control and had some major cravings. Well, I decided since I messed up with stabilizing, I would go back to calorie counting - which lasted a few weeks then I was like "why bother" and ended up gaining the majority of weight I lost back and have gone through several rounds since 2010 (losing and gaining the same 15 lbs. I lost count how many rounds I have actually done, and whether I completed them and messed up with stabilizing OR rounds that I have started, quit, and mesed up completely.

This round I started out at 143, gained 3.3 lbs loading and within the first week I lost 9.10 lbs. I did pretty well, but then stalled at 130 for 5 days, chose to do a 2 day fat fast where my loses were the exact same (very minimal), resumed VLCD, got down to 129 and stalled again did an apple day but then cheated on superbowl sunday and gained -I shouldn't have caved but I couldn't help it. It has taken me several days to get back to where I was on Sunday morning and I knew that was going to happen and don't regret the cheat. I felt that I needed to do it. Now, TOM is also present so I think that may be a contributing factor as well. I have taken 1 -2 water pills Sun - Thurs and that has helped with the water weight from TOM and the cheat. I think if I hadn't done that I wouldn't be where I am now. I think I would've stalled again this past week after cheating on Sun. I am trying to finish out this round without cheating again so we'll see how it goes.

I know with me, once I get close to goal and lose the weight I think I can resume eating the way I am used to and it won't affect me; however, I have come to realize at my age I can't eat the carbs and sugar that I used to when I was younger. I have decided to go low carb after I get done stabilizing this round and see how well I do with it. I just need to pound it in my head - you are not 20 anymore and have to watch what you eat.

I wish you luck continuing with this round. Take one day at a time - it will make it much easier. I think all of us have messed up at one time or another, in my case several times. Just pick yourself up and make a fresh start the next day. This diet "lifestyle change" is hard but it is doable, one day at time. You have done an awesome job and have come a long way. You will get through this!! Oh and your comment about exercising....totally agree. I hate to exercise - no motivation in that area. The most exercise I get is walking my dog 2 times a day.

Sending hugs to you!!!! Sorry for writing a book.

[katiesmemaw]

Kelly, lots of us in the boat with you and garnet!!! The head hunger thing for me is a biggie. I get the munchies and I'm still trying to diagnose what it is in my psyche that makes me wanna "graze" in the kitchen even when my stomach says I'm full from just having a meal!! Still looking for the solution to this!!!!
I do know all the old "tricks" like divert to doing something else, take a walk, eat jello, drink water etc etc. Anybody have any new tricks???
Betty

[garnet10]

Originally Posted by RileyWorm

Ugh I did a short interruption and mini load,went straight back to p2, I was worried if I enjoyed p3 for too long I wouldn't go back. I am just so sick of protocol, even the rogue protocol I was doing...I am contemplating doing a rogue p3/p4 (trying to lose) and if need be do next round after March 17.
Don't get me wrong, I am pretty pear shaped too! My upper (and inner, ugh!) thighs and rump are my worst spots right now.
I am so glad you broke your stall weight! I have faith it will come soon for me as well, at least I know I am not gaining...

I notice after my first two big rounds of 40 days, all my rounds after that have been the shorter 21 day version--I also get sick of this protocol after a while. I am not eating chicken at all this round. The thought of eating chicken makes me sick! (I wasn't inventive with it, I would just season and broil it, or chop it up in a soup.) On the other hand, I can eat steak every day. I'll probably be sick of it by the time I end this round!

I'd love to hear how your rogue p3/p4 works out, if you decide to do it. I've had p3/p4s that were very stable, and other ones that were disasters, so anything can happen. Good luck with whatever you decide!

Originally Posted by julieboolie

I've gotten to my "goal" of 150ish twice now. Both w. hcg this past year. I can't seem to make it stick. I do well for a little while, then can't seem to stick with the weight range.

I'm not horribly unhappy at around 160. I just would like to be in the low to mid 150's. Ideally, for my height I should be lower than that. But, at 150 I can wear my size 6 Levi's and have minimal muffin top. I have several pairs of jeans that would look WAY better on me at goal.

So, for either of us, hopefully it's not an unattainable or unmaintainable goal. I think, for me, by the time I finally get to goal, I'm exhausted. I'm tired of being hungry, and watching everything, and saying "no thank you, I can't have that". I decide I've been "good" long enough it's time to just eat something!! At least that's my thinking.

I'm wondering if, this time, since I've tried and failed before, I'll be more willing to stay the course and keep any gain to a bare minimum. Stay on top of it, and stay close to goal. I dream of being able to go below goal and then have enough wiggle room to live my life.

So, no advice, but commiseration, to be sure!!

You've done great. I'm sure you'll figure it out!!

Yikes, you hit it right on the head. I get so tired of being so careful--I think I revolted and just overate (without pleasure, even!). I think I have to accept that my body just likes to gain, so I will have to be vigil for the rest of my life, and that I cannot "eat whatever they like" (oh, those words in P&I just burn through my head!)

I think if I can get that through my head, and not resent it too much, I can successfuly maintain. Thanks for posting that--it's so great to be able to go over things with others who are in the same boat. I don't know why I just couldn't see that before.

Originally Posted by Kiki373

Garnet, I swear I could've written that post myself. I have had the exact same issues. The first time I ever did this back in 2010 I got down to my goal weight of 120 and stablized for 2 weeks around 120 - 123, then TOM came into the picture and I totally lost all control and had some major cravings. Well, I decided since I messed up with stabilizing, I would go back to calorie counting - which lasted a few weeks then I was like "why bother" and ended up gaining the majority of weight I lost back and have gone through several rounds since 2010 (losing and gaining the same 15 lbs. I lost count how many rounds I have actually done, and whether I completed them and messed up with stabilizing OR rounds that I have started, quit, and mesed up completely.

This round I started out at 143, gained 3.3 lbs loading and within the first week I lost 9.10 lbs. I did pretty well, but then stalled at 130 for 5 days, chose to do a 2 day fat fast where my loses were the exact same (very minimal), resumed VLCD, got down to 129 and stalled again did an apple day but then cheated on superbowl sunday and gained -I shouldn't have caved but I couldn't help it. It has taken me several days to get back to where I was on Sunday morning and I knew that was going to happen and don't regret the cheat. I felt that I needed to do it. Now, TOM is also present so I think that may be a contributing factor as well. I have taken 1 -2 water pills Sun - Thurs and that has helped with the water weight from TOM and the cheat. I think if I hadn't done that I wouldn't be where I am now. I think I would've stalled again this past week after cheating on Sun. I am trying to finish out this round without cheating again so we'll see how it goes.

I know with me, once I get close to goal and lose the weight I think I can resume eating the way I am used to and it won't affect me; however, I have come to realize at my age I can't eat the carbs and sugar that I used to when I was younger. I have decided to go low carb after I get done stabilizing this round and see how well I do with it. I just need to pound it in my head - you are not 20 anymore and have to watch what you eat.

I wish you luck continuing with this round. Take one day at a time - it will make it much easier. I think all of us have messed up at one time or another, in my case several times. Just pick yourself up and make a fresh start the next day. This diet "lifestyle change" is hard but it is doable, one day at time. You have done an awesome job and have come a long way. You will get through this!! Oh and your comment about exercising....totally agree. I hate to exercise - no motivation in that area. The most exercise I get is walking my dog 2 times a day.

Sending hugs to you!!!! Sorry for writing a book.

Yes, that's it! I can't believe I didn't see this before. When I was binging it was full of resentment. I was just reminded of the saying, "resentment is like fixing a glass of poison for your enemy and drinking it yourself" or something like that. This must be how alcoholics feel--like they have to be on guard for the rest of their lives. I just have to accept that my body isn't like other people's.

I'm also scared I'll get to goal and look at my body and say, "Really, that's the best it's going to get?"

It's funny, but my husband has the opposite problem--he could stand to do some toning but he looks at himself in the mirror every day and says to me, "I look GOOD!" Men!

Originally Posted by katiesmemaw

Kelly, lots of us in the boat with you and garnet!!! The head hunger thing for me is a biggie. I get the munchies and I'm still trying to diagnose what it is in my psyche that makes me wanna "graze" in the kitchen even when my stomach says I'm full from just having a meal!! Still looking for the solution to this!!!!
I do know all the old "tricks" like divert to doing something else, take a walk, eat jello, drink water etc etc. Anybody have any new tricks???
Betty

Betty, no new tricks here, but I have the same problem! Particularly at night when I'm just hanging out or watching TV. The only thing I do is put my mind into my belly to see if it really is hungry. I am so amazed when I realize my belly is full! I am going to try opening up a capsule of glutamine on my tongue if things get really bad--others have said this helped them with cravings, or trying EFT (emotional freedom technique), if I can't get past it. I don't know why I didn't think of these things 2 weeks ago, but...there it is!

[SunnyFL]

I had a hard time this second round...I started at 161 after loading and am at 145.6 so a pound above LDW...

I kept my Heavy cream the ENTIRE 33 days of P2...I also did a FF for three days and it earned me the 144 spot! Otherwise I was stuck at 147 losing an ounce every two days. it was agonizing! I kept my calories around 600-700...the days I did stick to strict protocol I would lose 2 oz. so for me it wasn't worth it.

My goal is 135...I'll still be a size 8 or 10 like I am now, but I look thinner because I'm an hourglass shape...so for me to even THINK of being a size 5/6 I'd literally have to weigh like 110? LOL...

I try not to think of a size/number...I just know at 135 I feel great, I do now, but have icky belly rolls. I am not sure if I want to do another round, I suffer from depression on P2...when I actually tried the FF, by the end of day 1 I felt 110% better!

Garnet I am sure you look gorgeous, we as women tend to focus on the negative, like my belly, which I am sure was there when I weighed this 10 years ago, but I had HUGE boobies that must have covered it LOL....now I'm like ugh...I still look ew..
But then people at work, my family, and husband tell me I look fantastic so I think I need to learn to love myself more.

Think of how much we HAVE lost...I know I will never be a size 4, or 6...and have a flat tummy, but that's ok...

What I am looking into is losing these last 10 exercising my tushy off, I need some MAJOR toning going, which I know I will build muscle and gain, but that's fine. All I know is I am having a GRAND ole time eating!!!! I go out with my girls and they are eating salads while I am either inhaling a crazy amount of wings with blue cheese or eating a steak the size of my head
(hehehehe)

Hugs!!! We are ALL in this TOGETHER! Isn't that awesome?

[RileyWorm]

Garnet, the thought of eating chicken makes me gag too. I still haven't been able to eat scallops or cooked tomatoes or onions from Round 1 a year ago! lol!

Sunny, I think the fat fast was the game-changer for me...when I get frustrated with no loss, I tend to cheat (and binge)...now I just do a fat fast and I feel satisfied AND the scale goes down! win/win!!

It is hard to struggle with not eating carbs. The only thing I tell myself is, what foods got me to 175 pounds? Why do I want to go back to eating those things? It is hard and I struggle with it sometimes, but at this point, I not only FEEL better without sugar/flour, but I look better too! Don't get me wrong, I would occasionally treat myself to pasta or bread, but very rarely...and don't even get me started on Christmas cookies- they are the reason for my 10 lb gain over the holiday! (and popcorn tins...ah!) I have a 'binge' problem so I just have to avoid foods that will trigger it...

And I also get a kindof smug satisfaction, like Sunny says, all of my friends/family members are eating low-calorie, low-fat junk, not losing any weight, while I eat heavenly HWC, bacon, cheese, steak, and stay slim! Not to mention HEALTHIER, too!

[SueQ]

I've noticed the weight loss really slowing down and stalling within my last 20 lbs and I've been tempted to go to P3/P4 and then do another round rather than stay the course. I'm on sublingual tablets RX where immunity is not normally a problem, so I'm looking at at 80 day course likely to get there (day 43 today). I've done the math and even losing .5 per day average or lower will get me to goal in less time than doing a 6-8 week P3 and P4. I'm doing ok staying on the plan, and it if gets too hard I will honor my body and stop.

I have week long mini yo-yo's and several day stalls, but I constantly remind myself that the overall trend is going down and that I can wait out my mental and physical resistance to moving past certain set-points. The basic physics will prevail eventually, and I will lose weight. The endurance through and during periods when I am not getting the results I want signal my body and mind that I do want to be thinner, and I do believe I deserve it and will achieve it.

It boggles my mind how in the midst of a stall, I lose ALL perspective on how far I have come, and my detailed past history that shows that this too will pass, and I will continue to lose weight. In my experience when I give in to the belief that I can't lose that next little bit and give up, THAT is the behavior that keeps me from losing it. Waiting it out is the only thing that changes it.

I think that little pep talk was for my own good, so please excuse the self-consumed interruption, unless you can take away from it that this is normal, you are doing amazing things for your body and changing your life, and this too shall pass! It is ok if it takes a few tries.

[C'Marie]

Threadjack - SueQ, I have never heard of sublingual Rx tablets. From a pharmacy, prescribed by a doctor? In which area of the country? What dosage? What to ask for? sounds intriguing. I've been doing Rx shots and concerned about immunity beyond 40 days.

[ellenalesa]

I am 5'3 and my goal is 130. I am 188.5, so the "last 10 pounds" isn't going to apply to me for awhile, but I just wanted to cheer you ladies on. Be kind to yourselves, you are doing fantastic!

I'm certainly no expert, but is it possible that your bodies just need a break?

When I am eating properly (usually LC), Callanetics and weight training does wonders for my legs, hips and behind. And I am pear-shaped, as well.

My legs were looking really good, and I am looking forward to getting back there.

[SueQ]

Originally Posted by C'Marie

Threadjack - SueQ, I have never heard of sublingual Rx tablets. From a pharmacy, prescribed by a doctor? In which area of the country? What dosage? What to ask for? sounds intriguing. I've been doing Rx shots and concerned about immunity beyond 40 days.

Hi C'Marie, I'm in Arizona and my dr has a med spa next door to her practice. They are prescribed and compounded by a pharmacy. Not sure which one because I buy them at the med spa. The bottle says:

COMPOUNDED HCG 300 ID ODT MFG: GBTRx Inc and the expiration date is generally only 3-6 months from when I get them.

My dr only does drops or sublingual tablets, no injections. Says they work just as well with no storage issues. They used to have problems with absorption but say they have worked those out.

ellenalesa, i am considering that my body might need a break. I'm trying a fat fast for a few days.

[garnet10]

Originally Posted by SunnyFL

I had a hard time this second round...I started at 161 after loading and am at 145.6 so a pound above LDW...

I kept my Heavy cream the ENTIRE 33 days of P2...I also did a FF for three days and it earned me the 144 spot! Otherwise I was stuck at 147 losing an ounce every two days. it was agonizing! I kept my calories around 600-700...the days I did stick to strict protocol I would lose 2 oz. so for me it wasn't worth it.

My goal is 135...I'll still be a size 8 or 10 like I am now, but I look thinner because I'm an hourglass shape...so for me to even THINK of being a size 5/6 I'd literally have to weigh like 110? LOL...

I try not to think of a size/number...I just know at 135 I feel great, I do now, but have icky belly rolls. I am not sure if I want to do another round, I suffer from depression on P2...when I actually tried the FF, by the end of day 1 I felt 110% better!

Garnet I am sure you look gorgeous, we as women tend to focus on the negative, like my belly, which I am sure was there when I weighed this 10 years ago, but I had HUGE boobies that must have covered it LOL....now I'm like ugh...I still look ew..
But then people at work, my family, and husband tell me I look fantastic so I think I need to learn to love myself more.
Think of how much we HAVE lost...I know I will never be a size 4, or 6...and have a flat tummy, but that's ok...

What I am looking into is losing these last 10 exercising my tushy offI need some MAJOR toning going, which I know I will build muscle and gain, but that's fine. All I know is I am having a GRAND ole time eating!!!! I go out with my girls and they are eating salads while I am either inhaling a crazy amount of wings with blue cheese or eating a steak the size of my head
(hehehehe)

Hugs!!! We are ALL in this TOGETHER! Isn't that awesome?

SunnyFL, I can't wait to get to P3! I am doing an interruption starting Friday, and I was going to buy my full fat Fage Greek Yogurt today, but I realized it would just make the next 4 days torturous! I just love the choices in P3.

But you are right, it's a great sign when your family and your DH thinks you look great. I just want to get to the point where I am content. And I'm not there yet. I think I now have 5 more pounds to go, but I will definitely stop if my arms start looking too thin (I always loose off the top first). I have been around this weight before, and always felt my thighs could be thinner, but looking at my shape from my "almost after" pics, I now realize they will likely never be where I want them to be. So it's okay. I hope I'll know when I'm done!

Originally Posted by RileyWorm

Garnet, the thought of eating chicken makes me gag too. I still haven't been able to eat scallops or cooked tomatoes or onions from Round 1 a year ago! lol!

Sunny, I think the fat fast was the game-changer for me...when I get frustrated with no loss, I tend to cheat (and binge)...now I just do a fat fast and I feel satisfied AND the scale goes down! win/win!!

It is hard to struggle with not eating carbs. The only thing I tell myself is, what foods got me to 175 pounds? Why do I want to go back to eating those things? It is hard and I struggle with it sometimes, but at this point, I not only FEEL better without sugar/flour, but I look better too! Don't get me wrong, I would occasionally treat myself to pasta or bread, but very rarely...and don't even get me started on Christmas cookies- they are the reason for my 10 lb gain over the holiday! (and popcorn tins...ah!) I have a 'binge' problem so I just have to avoid foods that will trigger it...

And I also get a kind of smug satisfaction, like Sunny says, all of my friends/family members are eating low-calorie, low-fat junk, not losing any weight, while I eat heavenly HWC, bacon, cheese, steak, and stay slim! Not to mention HEALTHIER, too!

I just love the shocked look on waiters' faces when (after the VLCD) I ask for heavy cream with my coffee. It's so much more fun for me now, now that I look slender, to ask for the heavy cream. It is likely so out of character to them, to see a slender woman asking for fat!

Originally Posted by SueQ

I've noticed the weight loss really slowing down and stalling within my last 20 lbs and I've been tempted to go to P3/P4 and then do another round rather than stay the course. I'm on sublingual tablets RX where immunity is not normally a problem, so I'm looking at at 80 day course likely to get there (day 43 today). I've done the math and even losing .5 per day average or lower will get me to goal in less time than doing a 6-8 week P3 and P4. I'm doing ok staying on the plan, and it if gets too hard I will honor my body and stop.

I have week long mini yo-yo's and several day stalls, but I constantly remind myself that the overall trend is going down and that I can wait out my mental and physical resistance to moving past certain set-points. The basic physics will prevail eventually, and I will lose weight. The endurance through and during periods when I am not getting the results I want signal my body and mind that I do want to be thinner, and I do believe I deserve it and will achieve it.

It boggles my mind how in the midst of a stall, I lose ALL perspective on how far I have come, and my detailed past history that shows that this too will pass, and I will continue to lose weight. In my experience when I give in to the belief that I can't lose that next little bit and give up, THAT is the behavior that keeps me from losing it. Waiting it out is the only thing that changes it.

I think that little pep talk was for my own good, so please excuse the self-consumed interruption, unless you can take away from it that this is normal, you are doing amazing things for your body and changing your life, and this too shall pass! It is ok if it takes a few tries.

Oh, that's exactly how it goes!!!! I could not lose an ounce when I was 180 pounds despite low carb and kick-boxing, and then I stall at 130 (well, it was for TEN days!), and I start to freak out like I'm never going to lose any more weight. It really is too funny. I feel down when there is no loss after ONE day! I think I am just getting tired of doing this. I loved your pep talk! That's what I love about this forum--sharing of thoughts and ideas, knowing you are never alone on this journey.

Originally Posted by ellenalesa

I am 5'3 and my goal is 130. I am 188.5, so the "last 10 pounds" isn't going to apply to me for awhile, but I just wanted to cheer you ladies on. Be kind to yourselves, you are doing fantastic!

I'm certainly no expert, but is it possible that your bodies just need a break?

When I am eating properly (usually LC), Callanetics and weight training does wonders for my legs, hips and behind. And I am pear-shaped, as well.

My legs were looking really good, and I am looking forward to getting back there.

Thank you! We are pretty similar (I was 182 and I'm 5'4"). The transformation you will see is just the best.

Definitely when I stalled for 10 days, and I was completely exhausted, I had to stop despite not hitting the minimum 21 days of hCG--I just could not go on. I felt much, much better after eating fat on the fat fast, but the weight I lost on that came back very quickly. I have to do another interruption starting Friday for a week, and I am fully aware there will likely be a bump up of 2 lbs although I will try to just eat P3 during this interruption, and I'm okay with that.

Absolutely, I now listen to my body. If I feel like I can't continue, despite doing an interruption before Simeons recommends it, I will do the interruption. We all know our bodies best.

I definitely have to get back to exercising. I even bought new exercise DVDs to motivate me to get my butt moving. I really just can't do much while on the VLCD.

I just have a lot of cellulite fat on my thighs. I have large hips, so I'm no longer looking for a miracle. I think I'm going to make my goal 120 and leave it at that. I hit 125.4 this am (a new low for me--haven't been there in 15 years!), and I can't lose more off the top or I'll have to shop in the guys' section, and my waist is pretty slender (I think it was 27 or 27 1/2" this am, depending upon how I held my breath!, and this looks like as small as it will likely go), and I would estimate there's about 5 pounds more in my hips.

So if the last 5 come off my thighs, I'll be happy with that and call goal.

[SueQ]

I hit 125.4 this am (a new low for me...

Woo Hoo!!!!!!!!! That must feel incredible!

[julieboolie]

Originally Posted by SueQ

Hi C'Marie, I'm in Arizona and my dr has a med spa next door to her practice. They are prescribed and compounded by a pharmacy. Not sure which one because I buy them at the med spa. The bottle says:

COMPOUNDED HCG 300 ID ODT MFG: GBTRx Inc and the expiration date is generally only 3-6 months from when I get them.

My dr only does drops or sublingual tablets, no injections. Says they work just as well with no storage issues. They used to have problems with absorption but say they have worked those out.

ellenalesa, i am considering that my body might need a break. I'm trying a fat fast for a few days.

Hey Sue, I'm in AZ too. I live in Gilbert. I'm interested in the Rx tablets. Where are you? I'm not sure the hhcg pellets I'm using are working well. I am still pretty hungry. Maybe it's just me, but I am questioning these pellets. Are the Rx tablets really expensive? Sorry to pry, but I am sticking really strict to protocol and losing slowly. Finally lost my load weight, but am not sure if I will be into VFT this round at all. We'll see.

Sorry to continue the threadjack!!

I'm still working on re-losing this last 10lbs. Truth be told, I should go for another 10-20 from there, but I think I'm done after this. Good enough .

[minimonkey]

Julie -- I am noticing a real difference using the real-hcg drops over the hhcg, personally. I am not particularly hungry -- and when I am, it's transient and quite manageable.

I think my body stopped responding to the hhcg after a while --- I know you were off them for a long time, but perhaps that has happened to you, as well.

On the other hand, maybe it is a really strong placebo effect with me, or the fact that I loaded this round... who knows. In any case, I hope you find a product that gets results for you!

[garnet10]

Well, today I'm still 125.4, so very pleased. But I'll be starting my interruption again. I decided to make today the last dose of hCG, then will start eating P3 style on Wednesday, because Bernice usually comes running when I restart fats, and I don't want that happening the day I'll be in the car for a few hours!

I just re-read Belluscio's research, and he stated with taking hCG by mouth that he found the effect only lasted 48 hours, vs the 72 hours Dr. Simeons reported when given by injection.

So Wednesday I'll reintroduce fats and added calories very slowly. Now I say this each time, but then I'm never able to do it. I'm going to plan out my menu for Wednesday to give me less chances to screw it up.

I have 5 more pounds to go, and then I have to work on getting back in shape.

I really, really hope I don't screw up this interruption, because it looks like it is going to be longer than I initially planned, because I have a few obligations up until March 3. So it looks like I'll restart the VLCD on March 5 (and restart hCG on March 3.)

I usually gain 2 lbs when I do P3, so I'm prepared for that. If it goes any higher than that, I'm going to need help coping!