New rogue hhcg/hcg thread for week of April 30, 2012

[minimonkey]

My poor skin! I am having the mother of all acne outbreaks (and believe me, I get bad ones!) I don't know how much the Nerium is playing in to this -- my guess is that it is mostly the cleanse -- but I am backing off the Nerium until my skin heals a bit.

I do think it is helping with the wrinkles already, so I hate to take a break from it -- but seriously, this is out of control -- and I need to get to some kind of normal baseline again before doing anything else of a therapeutic nature... I am hiding from the world until this subsides.

[suzi7]

update: I hit 150 today! I haven't seen 150 for 18 months (since I flew past it along my way to regain-land). It feels good to "visit" but I am leaving for the opposite direction today, not gonna sit around here long. I've made up my mind. I'm determined. lol Tomorrow morning I bust another O!!!!

The job situation still looks good. Two interviews down; two more tomorrow. One on Monday. Hoping to nudge another company off the fence and into interviewland (the company I'd like to work for; I called their HR yesterday and left a vm asking them to check if they got my faxed resume because I hadn't heard from them yet (just sent it late last week) and I was interviewing and really wanted to meet with them before deciding on my future. something like that. I was feeling empowered. Heck I got at least two live possibilities going here... I can do that!)

As to my ? re continuing hHcg past 40 days or stopping and going to P3 on the 41st, I see no responses. As the only differences I can see are whether I would do a shorter 2nd round or a longer one to reach my goal, I have kinda decided to "wing it". I will continue as long as I am comfortable and losing weight. When I stagnant, stall, or bump up anything significant, I will take that as a sign my body says ENOUGH and give it a P3 break (lol) and stabilize there. The longest I THINK I am going to go is til say July 10th which is my birthday... (actually right before so I can have CHEESE for my birthday lol funny how good that sounds!!) Sounds right to me, at least today.

Have a great day! Got to go grocery shopping with my daughter and grandbaby today so I'll be out enjoying the sunshine here. Hope it is shining where you are! Wishing health and success to all of you!!

[Gracie514]

Originally Posted by dazygyrl

good to hear she is well. thank you!

Originally Posted by minimonkey

Thanks Gracie!!! Let her know that she is missed, and that we are relieved to know she is ok!

I told her that you were all worried about her because of the tornados. Hopefully she'll pop in and say Hi

[minimonkey]

Whoohoo Suzi on the scale victory! As for the longer round -- your plan sounds like a good one -- do it as long as you are comfortable. I have become wary of long rounds myself, but that is because I let myself get out of control with them, and ended up living on p2 for an extended amount of time, which I don't recommend!

[CherylB]

Originally Posted by Gracie514

Hi peeps! I just wanted to let you know that I messages Paula on MyFitnesPal and she is doing fine. She just needed a break from dieting. I remember you were asking about her.

I told her you were missing her!

Originally Posted by Gracie514

I told her that you were all worried about her because of the tornados. Hopefully she'll pop in and say Hi

Excuse me ladies as I come glancing through. I can NOT believe that Paula is fine and just needed a break from dieting. She knows how her absence must have alerted us to problems and she must have known how worried we were about her all this time. I just can't believe she'd drop off the LCF radar like that. Paula, you got some 'splainin to do!!!

That's all I have to say right now. Hugs to all! I'm still around but working my own crap out.

[minimonkey]

I think people sometimes underestimate how valued they are on the boards, and how their absence can worry others -- I know I do sometimes.

I'm at the end of successful down day #2 on JUDDD, and liking it so far-- I haven't weighed, but I am feeling leaner and less inflamed already, despite having decided to eat to satisfaction (low carb only) on up days -- I'll tweak my numbers in a couple of weeks, once I am in the groove completely.

[wannabethin57]

Hi ladies! Have been MIA, but ready to start my next rogue round. But before i do, I was wondering if any of you know if hhcg can cause spotting or a real period??? I haven't had a period in 5 years and I started a natural hormone in March and have had all kinds of problems, including a D & C yesterday. My last round (very short one) was in Feb. My doc seems to think it was the natural hormones? What are your thoughts, please??

[goddesslynne]

Just sayin' hi!! My sig tells the story, I'm struggling with maintenance!!

[minimonkey]

Lynne -- how is your skin doing? Mine is a hugely broken out mess -- I hope the Nerium isn't the culprit -- but this is the mother of all acne outbreaks -- OMG!

Sorry you are struggling with maintenance!!!!

[minimonkey]

I seem to be doing pretty well with JUDDD -- I haven't weighed, but am feeling less inflamed and bloated for sure, and leaner. I'm low carbing it -- doing 500 calorie down days and unrestricted calorie up days -- and I feel my appetite waning day by day, which is excellent.

I think the prolonged caloric deprivation had really backfired on me, and my body was hanging on to every ounce it possibly could -- now, it seems to be working with me again.

I think this may be a good long-term plan for me -- I'll tweak the numbers in a couple of weeks, and go more into weight loss mode, but I needed to take a diet break for a bit after this last round, and this is great. I will probably stay low carb for the long haul, and if I cna get to goal this way, I will be one happy gal indeed!

I'm off the scale for a few more days, at least -- and then will take it with a grain of salt. JUDDD causes a lot of scale bounces for most people.

I am aiming to hit the gym again today It feels awesome to be back to working out!!

[CherylB]

Originally Posted by wannabethin57

Hi ladies! Have been MIA, but ready to start my next rogue round. But before i do, I was wondering if any of you know if hhcg can cause spotting or a real period??? I haven't had a period in 5 years and I started a natural hormone in March and have had all kinds of problems, including a D & C yesterday. My last round (very short one) was in Feb. My doc seems to think it was the natural hormones? What are your thoughts, please??

Hey, Sandy. Sorry your post kind of got overlooked. I'm sure it was just a mistake. I can't add any helpful ideas in regard to your question. I have been postmenapausal for many years. I think Mini can tell you more regarding periods while on or off hhcg.

Mini? Can you help Sandy out?

BTW: Best of luck with your new round.

[CherylB]

Mini, glad you're feeling well on the Juddd plan. KUTGW! Lynne, sorry maintenance is kicking you butt right now. Hang in there, sweetie! And WTG on hitting the 150's! I only saw the 50's on one single, solitary day. It was a long time ago!

[minimonkey]

Cheryl -- thanks for pointing that question out to me -- I missed it.

Sandy -- all I can say is that a lot of us have had menstrual irregularities on hcg/hhcg -- and that my TOM has been a totally unpredictable wild ride since I started the plan. I've had periods that lasted weeks at a time, and also ones that went MIA for months on end.

I don't know if it is the hhcg/hcg (I've done both) that caused the menstrual oddities or if it is just perimenopause happening, but the real variations in frequency and length coincided with the use of hcg/hhcg pretty exactly.

I am finally off hcg -- hopefully for good -- and am interested to see if my cycle becomes more normal. I also use natural hormones (estrogen and progesterone) and take several supplements in an ongoing attempt to balance my hormones -- so it is hard to say what's what in my case.

I do know that an awful lot of anecdotal evidence points to hcg causing unexpected, extra periods for a lot of people, though.

Hope you have a great round!!!

[minimonkey]

I just finished an up day, and got in a good workout -- so far so good, and I am liking JUDDD. I will weigh at some point next week, but since I am working out, I am not going to stress the scale too much. As long as it isn't going up much, I'm good -- and I will tweak the numbers to get some losses as/if it becomes necessary.

I am enjoying the freedom to eat at the moment, and not much minding the down days so far.

[C'Marie]

HI MINNIE! CHERYL! everyone !

I'm almost done with my first "rogue" round... LOL

Weight loss has slowed down, but I got on my last summer's shorts today and they fit. I'm doing JUDDD as soon as this P2 is over. Need to see if the anti-inflammatory aspects work for the arthritis and pain I'm living with daily. Just stopping by to say hi!

[minimonkey]

Yay C'Marie! Great news about the shorts, and the end of the round approaching! I will be super happy to have you as a JUDDD Buddd! I think you'll like it -- I think I like it so far, anyhow

I do think I am going to start instilling caloric and portion control on up days from here on in -- I've done my refeeding up days -- and though I have been loving them, I suspect it is time to move to the prescribed program now.

Man, I am going to be hurting tomorrow -- my abs are already sore from today's workout.

[wannabethin57]

Originally Posted by minimonkey

Cheryl -- thanks for pointing that question out to me -- I missed it.

Sandy -- all I can say is that a lot of us have had menstrual irregularities on hcg/hhcg -- and that my TOM has been a totally unpredictable wild ride since I started the plan. I've had periods that lasted weeks at a time, and also ones that went MIA for months on end.

I don't know if it is the hhcg/hcg (I've done both) that caused the menstrual oddities or if it is just perimenopause happening, but the real variations in frequency and length coincided with the use of hcg/hhcg pretty exactly.

I am finally off hcg -- hopefully for good -- and am interested to see if my cycle becomes more normal. I also use natural hormones (estrogen and progesterone) and take several supplements in an ongoing attempt to balance my hormones -- so it is hard to say what's what in my case.

I do know that an awful lot of anecdotal evidence points to hcg causing unexpected, extra periods for a lot of people, though.

Hope you have a great round!!!

Thanks so much! I think I'll not be using hhcg. I haven't had a period in over 5 yrs and now it's non stop. Even had to have a D & C on Friday!

[suzi7]

ok gang. I am now officially ready for P3. I have bounced up to 151 and stagnated at 150.6 for 2 days now and have eaten (for me) perfect protocol. I could push thru this hurdle and tough it out. but ... Tuesday is day 40. Then I am switching to my 3 days VLCD w no hHcg, do at least a 21 day P3 to stablize, and start a new round with a healthy refeed for my birthday weekend. I planned on doing this second round anyway, might as well be sooner than later. My body has spoken loud and clear.

Decision feels right. and all in all, I'm happy with the round. I wish I would have lost more of course. BUT this is the most weight I've lost in 40 days in 2 years! So I can't complain. lol.

[RileyWorm]

Mini, I've always heard that sometimes when you switch skincare products your skin will get worse before it gets better. Something to do with your skin adjusting and the toxins maybe? So maybe it is just a part of the cycle. My skin always breaks out when I start something new but will clear up afterwards.

I hope you all are having a wonderful weekend!! I struggled a bit with poundage but will probably settle back in around 136 tomorrow; I'm prepared for an avocado fat fast tomorrow and am going to be trying chocolate avocado mousse for the first time!

[minimonkey]

Riley -- I am hoping that's the case here with my skin -- once the worst of this clears, I am going to give another go with the Nerium -- but I am talking giant, weeping sores the size of a dime -- this is brutal! It's finally crusting over, and should be well into the healing phase in a few days. I hope I don't get scarring from it -- I've been fairly lucky in that regard with bad breakouts in the past.

I've had this kind of reaction from doing systemic cleanses before, so that may be the majority of the reason for the breakout -- perhaps the Nerium isn't even much of a player -- who knows? But I am definitely focusing solely on healing it for a little longer before I try the Nerium again.

[minimonkey]

Suzi -- good choice to go to p3! I really hope it treats you well! I have learned the value of stopping a round in a timely fashion, rather than dragging it on too long.

[minimonkey]

It's a down day, and I am starting to see some real, honest hunger suppression! I don't think it is even going to be a challenge to stay at the 500 calories today -- how excellent!!

Tomorrow I start monitoring my up day calories, too, and moving towards the full on weight loss mode -- and if the hunger levels stay low, that should be no problem at all. I think I am starting to love this way of eating already!

What will be even more excellent is if this allows me to build muscle while doing it -- it works for lots of people, so I am definitely hopeful on that front.

[minimonkey]

You MUST post the chocolate avocado mousse recipe if it turns out well -- that sounds heavenly.

[RileyWorm]

Originally Posted by minimonkey

Riley -- I am hoping that's the case here with my skin -- once the worst of this clears, I am going to give another go with the Nerium -- but I am talking giant, weeping sores the size of a dime -- this is brutal! It's finally crusting over, and should be well into the healing phase in a few days. I hope I don't get scarring from it -- I've been fairly lucky in that regard with bad breakouts in the past.

I've had this kind of reaction from doing systemic cleanses before, so that may be the majority of the reason for the breakout -- perhaps the Nerium isn't even much of a player -- who knows? But I am definitely focusing solely on healing it for a little longer before I try the Nerium again.

Oh my goodness that does sound brutal! I hate it when my skin does that because even putting stuff on it that's supposed to help just seems to irritate it also. I got cystic acne for the first time about 4 years ago and have finally gotten it under control by moisturizing like crazy; but one thing that does help (sometimes; every time I get them I have to tweak) is using a q-tip with rubbing alcohol to dry the weeping and help with redness, then use vitamin E oil on it. I would buy capsules and squeeze the vitamin E out. Of course, if you are like me you have tried everything under the sun and have already done this so sorry if you've heard it a million times already. I just hate that feeling so I know exactly what you are going thru!!

The avocado mousse recipe:
From Craftberry Bush:
"Ingredients - Healthy Chocolate mousse recipe
2 medium ripe avocados
1/3 cup of cocoa powder
1/4 cup of honey, raw agave nectar or other sweetener of choice
1/2 cup of coconut milk or almond milk
1 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
dark chocolate for garnish


In a blender or food processor, blend avocados until smooth. Add remaining ingredients except for the dark chocolate and mix. Scoop onto bowl and chill for at least half hour.
If you wish, you can also top it with some coconut whip (go here to see the recipe)
Garnish with dark chocolate, some berries and enjoy this guiltless pleasure...
You will not notice the taste of the avocado, but the smooth and creamy texture of this dessert will make you want to make it over and over again. I would love to know if you decide to make it what you think."

**I haven't tried it yet, but plan to do minor tweaks: I'm planning to use HWC instead of coconut/almond milk, and will probably use some mixture of honey/splenda.

[goddesslynne]

Oh mini, I'm so sorry to hear that your skin is treating you badly!! I don't know what to suggest, it sounds like it's definitely related to the cleanse. I don' think there's anything in the Nerium that is acnegenic, but on the other hand, super-simple care is probably best until the blemishes seem to be subsiding.

[CherylB]

Wow, Zoe. I'm sorry to hear that you are having so much trouble with your skin right now! I agree with Erin (I think it was Erin) who said that when the skin is in a real state of "freak out" that even the stuff you apply to hasten the sores to heal will usually only make it worse. I hope things improve quickly for you and that you aren't in pain from them.

Girls, I have been laying low because I have been so bad lately. I get tired of hearing myself talk when I'm not on plan, so I try to keep my trap shut (at least as far as talking here goes.) I'm pee'ing another summer away (to put it nicely.) I could get very angry with myself but what's the point? Been there, done that, here again.

Will check in tomorrow sometime and see how you're all doing. I hope tomorrow is good for all of us!

[minimonkey]

Cheryl -- we love you, no matter what you are -- or are not --eating. We love YOU!

[minimonkey]

Thanks for the skin sympathy, folks. Yes, this is cystic acne -- I get it from time to time, and thankfully it isn't a constant. It tends to come on worst in (or right after) times of stress, and it almost always hits terribly hard when I do a cleanse. Hormones can bring it on, too.

I have tried just about everything -- a couple of things do actually help.

If a breakout isn't too severe, hydrogen peroxide sometimes works to facilitate the drying up and initial scabbing over (yes, I know it is an oxidizer, but it helps).

If a breakout is this severe, sea salt in warm water helps a LOT -- it tends to dry up and crust over the weeping patches, and also seems to hasten the healing -- and then castor oil to keep the scabs moist enough so that they don't crack open.

It isn't hurting much today, except one particularly nasty patch on my chin -- though the past two days were miserable -- my whole face was throbbing when I leaned over, etc. I've had two other breakouts that were this severe, and they both happened in conjunction with cleansing, so I think that really may be what brought this on.

Knock wood, I don't seem to have any more new cysts forming -- so now it is just a matter of healing the current ones up. There's nothing to do but wait it out, and just engage in total denial that anything is amiss when I have to go out in public, and hope no one runs screaming thinking that I have a flesh eating bacteria....

[minimonkey]

On a positive note, I do think I am liking JUDDD pretty well. My down days aren't very hard, after having done so many weeks of constant down days with the hcg.

I'll be starting calorie control on the up days tomorrow, I think -- and I doubt that will be too much of a challenge. My up day calories are fairly generous due to the workouts, though that also does tend to ratchet my hunger levels way up, in general -- I'm hoping the appetite suppression from JUDDD will combat that. It apparently takes a couple of weeks for that to begin to kick in, and about 9 weeks for the full effects to be seen (the sirtuin effect, and all that JUDDD stuff) -- so I am willing to be patient with this. Heck, after all I've been through with hcg, I've at least finally learned to have a little patience!

[minimonkey]

Oh, and O M G -- that mousse has UP DAY written ALL over it!!!