Help! Help! Please!!

[Desma]

I got my drops today and I'm excited to start tomorrow! But I have a couple of questions for the experts!

1. Since this is my first round ever , can I go longer than 40 days?

2. The drops I bought have B-12 in them has anyone had drops like this before?

3. Has anyone's cellulite diminished or disappeared all together?

4. Can I (has anyone done this?) do a cleanse after I finish my round ? And if so how soon after?

Thanks in advance!

[minimonkey]

Desma -- WELCOME!!!

When reading the following, bear in mind that I am a bit rogue, so my comments should be taken in that light...

I have definitely found that cellulite diminishes with this protocol, though it comes back if I gain the weight again.

I actually love to cleanse along with doing p2 -- what kind of cleanse are you considering?

I find the p2 protocol quite cleansing in itself, but I also find it the perfect time to do some additional cleansing, since I often fast or nearly-fast while on a cleansing protocol.

Many people have done longer rounds than 40 days -- and some have had good success with doing it. Others, like myself, look back in retrospect and wish we hadn't done the longer round... I, personally, think there is wisdom in taking a p3 break after 40 days --- and it seems many people do best if they stick to the phases as laid out in the original protocol. I think the longer rounds took too much of a toll on me, and ultimately ended up down-regulating my metabolism ... but this is an individual thing.

Good luck and welcome aboard!!!!!!!

[Desma]

Originally Posted by minimonkey

Desma -- WELCOME!!!

When reading the following, bear in mind that I am a bit rogue, so my comments should be taken in that light...

I have definitely found that cellulite diminishes with this protocol, though it comes back if I gain the weight again.

I actually love to cleanse along with doing p2 -- what kind of cleanse are you considering?

I find the p2 protocol quite cleansing in itself, but I also find it the perfect time to do some additional cleansing, since I often fast or nearly-fast while on a cleansing protocol.

Many people have done longer rounds than 40 days -- and some have had good success with doing it. Others, like myself, look back in retrospect and wish we hadn't done the longer round... I, personally, think there is wisdom in taking a p3 break after 40 days --- and it seems many people do best if they stick to the phases as laid out in the original protocol. I think the longer rounds took too much of a toll on me, and ultimately ended up down-regulating my metabolism ... but this is an individual thing.

Good luck and welcome aboard!!!!!!!

Thank you Minimonkey!
I like green juice cleanses and the Master Cleanse is one of my favorites too, which is why I was thinking of doing it after the first round.
My only fear with just doing the 40 day round, is that I won't get the total amount of releases I want when it's over. I know that I can't control the numbers, but I've been researching and stalking sites and vblogs and some of the totals are so fantastic, I just want to be there. Know what I mean?

[shelbyla]

1. Since this is my first round ever , can I go longer than 40 days?

Yes, although I would not recommend it for your first round. I think most people on their first round make a plan to commit to the minimum round of 23 days then see how they are doing when they get close to that timeframe. If they are still losing strongly and feeling good on plan, then they extend. As they get closer to 40 days they do the same. Immunity should not be an issue and some have gone as long as 90 days. Take it easy on yourself! This protocol is NOT easy!

2. The drops I bought have B-12 in them has anyone had drops like this before?

B12 IS recommended for energy during the protocol and many drops now include them.

3. Has anyone's cellulite diminished or disappeared all together?

After 4 rounds, yes (you can see my pics in the "Success Stories" folder ).

4. Can I (has anyone done this?) do a cleanse after I finish my round ? And if so how soon after?

No, I haven't done one AFTER. I did one BEFORE. As Mini said, the protocol itself is very cleansing. Also, when you get done with a round, you are usually very near protein deprivation so you probably want to focus on replenishing your body with good fats and proteins. And you want to make sure that during P3 that your weight is STABLE, not going down. I would wait until at least P4, three weeks AFTER a round ends to do a cleanse.

Keep in mind, as much as you really want the weight off NOW, it didn't go on overnight, it won't get off overnight either.

HTH

[minimonkey]

Desma --

Nice to have a fellow cleanser here on the hcg board! Not too many of us are doing that, I don't think.

I am doing a psyllium/bentonite and herbs cleanse right now -- fruits and veggies only to eat -- on hcg p2. I am drinking a lot of water with lemon, apple cider vinegar, and cayenne, to aid the process.

It is working really well. My poor body was coming out of a period of intense physical and mental stress, and it really, really needed it!!

In my opinion, a green juice cleanse would be ideal on p2, as long as you keep your calories at 500 -- and I -- personally -- think it is better done while on p2 than to attempt it in p3 .. p3 is when you really want to work on stabilizing as much as possible. I'd focus on veggie juices and stay away from anything too sugary or carby -- but most of the green juice fast plans fit that bill anyhow.

Most people have the absolute best results on the first round -- so here is another thought.... do the cleanse first, before you start protocol, if you want to follow protocol to the letter. How long do you plan to go with the cleanse?

The master cleanse might work on p2 as well, though I am a bit leery of the maple syrup aspect of it, because that can add quite a lot of calories and carbs. I do a modified version of it when I do it -- I drop the maple syrup, and add apple cider vinegar instead, and sometimes garlic juice. I go nuts with the cayenne, because I love the stuff.

(I've done the original Master Cleanse as well, but not while on p2. )

Good luck with whatever you decide to do -- I am excited that you are here, and I know you will have great success with hcg!

[shelbyla]

Btw, if you are talking about the Master Cleanse with honey or maple syrup, I would NOT recommend that for either P3 OR P4. Too much sugar. If it's something different, then my apologies.

[minimonkey]

Ah, Shelby -- great minds think alike, eh?

Shelby is the poster child for hcg success and dedication!

[shelbyla]

Haha! And you, Miss, are the poster child for weight training and physical fitness in the face of massive stress! (p.s. thanks for the tip on the junior's sizes--got some great jeans this weekend in a LONG! )

[Desma]

Originally Posted by shelbyla

Btw, if you are talking about the Master Cleanse with honey or maple syrup, I would NOT recommend that for either P3 OR P4. Too much sugar. If it's something different, then my apologies.

Thank you for all your comments and wisdom! I think I'll just do the HCG as planned and then go from there. How do I get to your success story?

[Desma]

Originally Posted by minimonkey

Desma --

Nice to have a fellow cleanser here on the hcg board! Not too many of us are doing that, I don't think.

I am doing a psyllium/bentonite and herbs cleanse right now -- fruits and veggies only to eat -- on hcg p2. I am drinking a lot of water with lemon, apple cider vinegar, and cayenne, to aid the process.

It is working really well. My poor body was coming out of a period of intense physical and mental stress, and it really, really needed it!!

In my opinion, a green juice cleanse would be ideal on p2, as long as you keep your calories at 500 -- and I -- personally -- think it is better done while on p2 than to attempt it in p3 .. p3 is when you really want to work on stabilizing as much as possible. I'd focus on veggie juices and stay away from anything too sugary or carby -- but most of the green juice fast plans fit that bill anyhow.

Most people have the absolute best results on the first round -- so here is another thought.... do the cleanse first, before you start protocol, if you want to follow protocol to the letter. How long do you plan to go with the cleanse?

The master cleanse might work on p2 as well, though I am a bit leery of the maple syrup aspect of it, because that can add quite a lot of calories and carbs. I do a modified version of it when I do it -- I drop the maple syrup, and add apple cider vinegar instead, and sometimes garlic juice. I go nuts with the cayenne, because I love the stuff.

(I've done the original Master Cleanse as well, but not while on p2. )

Good luck with whatever you decide to do -- I am excited that you are here, and I know you will have great success with hcg!

WOW! I've never felt so welcomed in all my life!!!

I admire your discipline! I was in the process of doing a Master Cleanse and I stopped after reading Pounds and Inches. I couldn't see myself cleansing and then loading for two days because as you know, it REALLY changes your appetite! Like right now, I'm not looking forward to loading. But if you could please take a look at my sample loading day menu, and let me know your thoughts. Thanks!

Breakfast- Three egg omelet with cheese and shrimp
Lunch- Carl's junior low car burger with cheese
Dinner- Greek Salad with shrimp and a whole avocado

Thanks again!!!

[Felina]

Whoa, Desma. You're in p2 , right?

I don't know where you got your menu from but it's not protocol. Check the p2 thread for some rules and menu ideas. Also, read Simeon's Pounds & Inches!

[shelbyla]

Originally Posted by Desma

How do I get to your success story?

Here's a link. I still need to post post-round 4 pics...

ShelbyLA - From Start to Finish with (h)HCG

Btw, your loading menu looks good but actually a little light on calories. Get in as much fat as you can. I highly recommend cheesecake, nuts and guacamole!

Originally Posted by Felina

Whoa, Desma. You're in p2 , right?

I think she is loading...

[cocoapeanut]

Yup she's loading. Welcome!!

I second Shelby's suggestions and also highly recommend milkshakes

[dawnyama]

Originally Posted by Felina

Whoa, Desma. You're in p2 , right?

I don't know where you got your menu from but it's not protocol. Check the p2 thread for some rules and menu ideas. Also, read Simeon's Pounds & Inches!

Nope. She posted a loading menu. I too, think it is light on calories. I, personally, would load with a bunch more fat. I can eat a whole cheesecake in 2 days while loading

[Desma]

Originally Posted by dawnyama

Nope. She posted a loading menu. I too, think it is light on calories. I, personally, would load with a bunch more fat. I can eat a whole cheesecake in 2 days while loading

Wow! Ok, I'll add some cheesecake. I just can't eat that much. Can you suggest anything else?

[Desma]

Originally Posted by shelbyla

Here's a link. I still need to post post-round 4 pics...

ShelbyLA - From Start to Finish with (h)HCG

Btw, your loading menu looks good but actually a little light on calories. Get in as much fat as you can. I highly recommend cheesecake, nuts and guacamole!



I think she is loading...

WOW you lost a lot! Congrats! I still can't believe thats not enough! Lol! I'll add some more avocados and cheesecake.

[MagieDen]

I 2nd on the eating of Cheesecake.

[Desma]

Originally Posted by MagieDen

I 2nd on the eating of Cheesecake.

Lol! Cheesecake it is!

[minimonkey]

I go nuts on the... well...nuts when I am loading. Peanut butter, almond butter -- mixed into full fat yogurt and/or coconut milk. I keep my loads super low carb, but very high fat, and as calorie dense as I can. It really DOES make a difference to do a good load!

I totally see your point about not cleansing and then loading ... in fact, the mere thought of loading is making my stomach hurt right now, lol!

You will find that this is a wonderful, lovely group of people, full of helpful suggestions, and always there for support -- so feel free to ask as many questions as you find you want answered... and share your daily ups and downs, too -- some wonderful friendships have come from this board.

I am super excited for you to get started!! The first few low calorie days can be rough for some people ... but since you are an experienced faster, you will likely have a much easier time than most people do -- and you will probably have a lot less detox symptoms while on the p2, as well.

[Desma]

Originally Posted by minimonkey

I go nuts on the... well...nuts when I am loading. Peanut butter, almond butter -- mixed into full fat yogurt and/or coconut milk. I keep my loads super low carb, but very high fat, and as calorie dense as I can. It really DOES make a difference to do a good load!

I totally see your point about not cleansing and then loading ... in fact, the mere thought of loading is making my stomach hurt right now, lol!

You will find that this is a wonderful, lovely group of people, full of helpful suggestions, and always there for support -- so feel free to ask as many questions as you find you want answered... and share your daily ups and downs, too -- some wonderful friendships have come from this board.

I am super excited for you to get started!! The first few low calorie days can be rough for some people ... but since you are an experienced faster, you will likely have a much easier time than most people do -- and you will probably have a lot less detox symptoms while on the p2, as well.

Thanks again Minimonkey! Such encouraging words. Some advice? Should I just keep starting threads for questions and progress or just do one? I've noticed some threads that don't get attention anymore and I would like a HCG Coach....if those exist lol!

[minimonkey]

I suggest joining one of the existing threads on p2 -- often a lot of old-timers post on there, and they have a lot of good advice to share.

You could also start a new "First timer starting today -- anyone else?" sort of thread -- those are often successful. I know I would follow it, and I am guessing many others would as well.

You are certainly welcome to come post over on the "Breaking Free" round thread -- most of us are veteran hcg-ers who needed to do another round for one reason or another, but we are a very friendly group and very welcoming (but small). Some are rogues, some are not -- we are all trying to figure out what has gone wrong in rounds past, or why maintenance failed, or something of that nature.

Enjoy your load! It is the strangest feeling having to eat, eat, eat when you begin a weight loss program... really messes with the head, if one is used to traditional dieting. But, as most of the veterans here can attest to, it is an important part of the plan. I've done much better with rounds where I have done a good load than on rounds where I haven't....

[Desma]

Originally Posted by minimonkey

I suggest joining one of the existing threads on p2 -- often a lot of old-timers post on there, and they have a lot of good advice to share.

You could also start a new "First timer starting today -- anyone else?" sort of thread -- those are often successful. I know I would follow it, and I am guessing many others would as well.

You are certainly welcome to come post over on the "Breaking Free" round thread -- most of us are veteran hcg-ers who needed to do another round for one reason or another, but we are a very friendly group and very welcoming (but small). Some are rogues, some are not -- we are all trying to figure out what has gone wrong in rounds past, or why maintenance failed, or something of that nature.

Enjoy your load! It is the strangest feeling having to eat, eat, eat when you begin a weight loss program... really messes with the head, if one is used to traditional dieting. But, as most of the veterans here can attest to, it is an important part of the plan. I've done much better with rounds where I have done a good load than on rounds where I haven't....

I'm not having a hard time loading. I feel so sick eating all this fatty food. I'm not enjoying myself. Is it the HCG drops working this fast?

[Desma]

Originally Posted by Desma

I'm not having a hard time loading. I feel so sick eating all this fatty food. I'm not enjoying myself. Is it the HCG drops working this fast?

Meant to say I am having a hard time loading

[martiangurll]

Originally Posted by dawnyama

Nope. She posted a loading menu. I too, think it is light on calories. I, personally, would load with a bunch more fat. I can eat a whole cheesecake in 2 days while loading

LOLing because I ate half of those dang dairy queen ice cream cakes over a 48 hour period (had a piece for dessert every meal even breakfasts) with my last load. I have not craved this round either!!!

[MagieDen]

You will do fine once you get to VLCD #1. I fat loaded so much that when I took my daily walk my hubby had to hold me up. I looked and felt like a Webble. You "Webbles wobble but they don't fall down."I didn't fall down but I certainly felt like I was going to explode. You can never eat too much fat and you won't believe how you won't feel real hunger unless you don't fat load well, at least eating the fat helped me and I am on day #32. Good success to you on your 1st round and do get in on a thread with support.

[irvine5000]

Quick tip for you when you hit Phase 3. Check every freaking single label of the stuff you buy. My first P3 day today and I freaking ate turkey sausages with...sugar in them. I am assuming I ruined the entire protocol now as supposedly my hypothalamus will not reset properly if i have sugar for these 3 weeks.

[Desma]

Originally Posted by MagieDen

You will do fine once you get to VLCD #1. I fat loaded so much that when I took my daily walk my hubby had to hold me up. I looked and felt like a Webble. You "Webbles wobble but they don't fall down."I didn't fall down but I certainly felt like I was going to explode. You can never eat too much fat and you won't believe how you won't feel real hunger unless you don't fat load well, at least eating the fat helped me and I am on day #32. Good success to you on your 1st round and do get in on a thread with support.

Lol! I'm feeling my age after that Webble Wobble quote! I guess I'll have to make up for today tomorrow and fill up on cheesecake. I thought I was doing ok until l read thru the tread today. So hard for me to stuff myself!

[Arctic_Mama]

I'm always slightly nauseous by the time I'm done loading - but I'd rather load well and not be hungry as I adapt to hCG than load badly and want to eat my arm off it a few days

[Desma]

Originally Posted by Arctic_Mama

I'm always slightly nauseous by the time I'm done loading - but I'd rather load well and not be hungry as I adapt to hCG than load badly and want to eat my arm off it a few days

So I guess I'll know if I loaded badly once I start P2 and feel like I'm starving? How long does that last? I guess it depends on the person huh?

[martiangurll]

Originally Posted by Desma

So I guess I'll know if I loaded badly once I start P2 and feel like I'm starving? How long does that last? I guess it depends on the person huh?

It depends. I felt ravenously hungry on my first round, I think because not enough fat and too many carbs on the load. So I felt hungry for about 5 or 6 days but I handled that by drinking lots of flavored tea (without sugar or other ingredients that are not permitted) and sweetened with Stevia. I bought vanilla flavored Stevia drops and those flavored hot drinks (it was winter, in summer it might have been cool drinks) got my through the hunger periods. (and thru my diet coke addiction withdrawals, but thats a whole nuther story LOL)

On this round, I ate lots of fats and I have not felt hungry at all after the first day. So, proper loading is key.

Eat a lot of rich, greasy good food with healthy fats (avocado, nuts, coconut and olive oils, etc.) This past load I ate lots of olive oil laden food (like hummus), olives, dairy products like ice cream, full fat cheese, and butter, and lots of nuts plus fatty meats. I ate full meals 3 times per day, I ate until I felt stuffed, and then I ate dessert. Then, I tried to snack between meals as well and have a snack before dinner. By the time I was done, I did not want to think about food anymore, I was ready for P2.