HCg Newbie excited to get started

[chesapeakers]

I am going to try hcg for the first time in the next couple weeks and I am very excited! I am SO happy I found this section of LCF BB!

I will admit I was very skeptical about the Hcg diet for a couple years now. A friend of mine approached me a few years ago for advice about it, and as a clinician I just about passed out when she told me what it was. I am a very seasoned registered nurse and she wanted some help with the injections and learning more about aseptic technique. I admit, I was horrified that my menopausal,53 year old post hysterectomy friend was asking me for advice on injecting herself with pregnancy hormones, she purchased over the internet. Having known nothing other than raw clinical information about hormones and female reproduction, all I could do was tell her I did not condone the safety, but if she insisted on doing it, I'd show her proper injection, aseptic and needle disposal technique.

I did not see her for a couple months, and we finally found time to go grab a bite one night. I just about fell over when I walked in the restaurant and saw her. She did not have a large amount of weight to loose, so the 26 pound she lost turned her from adorable to ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS. And it wasn't just the weight that really got me.....she LOOKED 10 YEARS YOUNGER. I'm talking her skin, muscle tone, everything. I was utterly amazed, but still did not know enough to feel it was safe, knowing what I know medically as a nurse. But made a major mental post it note, hmmm there might be something to this.

In the 2 years since then, I have unfortunately been struck down by the horrors of Hashimotos Thyroid disease.
For 39 years I was an extremely athletic size 4-6, that thought it was the end of the world if I hit 135. I never had a weight problem other than a few extra pound after the holidays, and could always drop it with a low carb diet and moderate exercise. In the fall of 2009, I was struck down with crushing fatigue, depression, aching joints, mind numbing brain fog, hair loss and a steady weight gain that amounted to 80 lbs. in less than 6 months. I was so crippled by it all, I almost lost my job. Mind you I gained this while working out not 1x but 2x a day, and eating 20g carbs on 1500-2000 calories a day. Everything that allowed me to maintain my normal weight and be fit and athletic for 39 years was just suddenly not working anymore. I hit 210 lbs and it has stuck for 2 years now. Nothing, not even the most stringent low carb diet and the most extreme amount of exercise could get more that about 4 lbs to budge. And I gain it right back the minute I don't run 10 miles a day.

I have come to the realization my efforts have not been in vain though. Had I not been a low carber at the time this happened, I likely would weigh 350 lbs right now, instead of 210. I firmly think my low carb lifestyle has softened the impact of this devastating disease in terms of weight and stamina.

I've finally had some time to do homework on Hcg diet, and realized you just cannot deny the results people have been getting, when nothing else worked. Seeing as obesity is rooted in hormonal/endocrine dysfunction for a large part of the this population (me being one of them now), the use of a fat chasing hormone, combined with the benefits of a ketogenic diet, makes a helluva lot of sense.

The other thing that has really put me over the edge and onto the hcg wagon, was when I saw the meal plan. Holy Toledo, I AM ALREADY EATING EXACTLY LIKE THIS, just at a slightly higher calorie level!!!! Thyroid patients have to eat like birds just to stop the gaining process, even if you are on meds. I already have coconut oil , apple cider vinegar, stevia, etc. stocked in my kitchen as my daily staples for years. I've been egg, dairy and gluten free to combat the Hashimotos disease for over a year now, already sugar and artificial sweeter free for many years of being a low carber. I was jumping up and down when I saw that this diet/hormone combo that actually makes complete clinical sense, is low carb and allergen free too!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh Nirvana, I have not had any hope of losing weight in almost 2 years and it feels amazing to have hope again!

It would be great to hear testimonials from other LC thyroid patients who have used hcg? I am tempering my hopes. Just losing ANYTHING....will be a success for me. I will start a 40 day round as soon as I get my hcg from my doctor, I am hoping if I follow to a tee, I will maybe see a loss of 5-10lbs. I will sadly, be THRILLED with results like this, considering the weight gain horror I have been living through the past 2 years.

[dawnyama]

I don't have Hashimoto's, but I have a hypoactive thyroid and am taking Armour for it. Hcg is working for me. It feels as if it is the only way I can lose weight. You will do well! I have all sorts of hormonal issues aside from the thyroid and it was near impossible to lose weight, in fact I cut out all the foods my doctor told me to cut out and I stayed put. Not an ounce was lost! I found hcg and got to goal, got cocky and gained some weight back. But I am gearing up for another round this week. Good luck to you!! Oh, btw, I lose 15 lbs on every short round I do--I think you will be mightily surprised at what you can achieve with hcg. It truly is a miracle!!!

[chesapeakers]

Thanks so much for sharing your experience Dawn. This is very encouraging to hear you have had such great success with hcg as a hypothyroid patient. I am also on Armour, but still trying to find optimal dose. I am also trying to get to the root of other hormonal issues as well. I have lost over 3/4 of my once thick healthy hair, and thyroid meds are just not helping
I can also relate to you experience of never getting too cocky about any weight loss. We (hypothyroid) are so susceptible to weight gain, its like watching a 2 year old. If you let your gaurd down for even a second, all sorts of trouble can happen. No more overeat or eat bad things and just say, eh, I'll just workout extra hard tomorrow. Those days are over

Wow, if I have results like you have experienced, it will be truly a miracle I have been praying for. I can't wait to get started !

[dawnyama]

Oh, I forgot to mention that when I say short rounds I am talking about the 21 days on P2 and the hcg. With losing that much in a short time I never felt the need to proceed with the 40 day protocol. I want to eat once the 21 days were up--I missed fat LOL!!!!!! And my lotions and my shampoos and my body wash.....but it was so worth it to give those up for 3 weeks.

[chesapeakers]

I have been mulling the round legth situation over as well since I don't have much of a clue as to what I am doing just yet. I purchased a 40 day supply because it was significant savings over the 20 day supply, but figured I needed to do more reasearch before I made the master plan. As I'm learning how restrictive things are, I am thinking it will likely be best just to do 20 days at a time. What are your suggestions for shampoo and body wash products during the P2?

[dawnyama]

I bought Alberto V05 shampoo and conditioner. I wanted cheap and they fit the bill--no oils. I also used Dial soap, very drying but my skin can handle that. The Oil of Olay body wash made me gain once so Dial for me it is! I use Johnson and Johnson baby oil (the Equate walmart brand was what I bought) as my lotion. Dr Simeons' says to use mineral oil only and that is what I did. My face products I switched out too. I use coconut oil on my face and that is a big no-no. So I used Neutrogena's line of oil free products. I have used them in the past with great results on my skin.

I say, try to go for the 40 days. You can always cut your round short if you wish. I would have loved t have my first round last the 40 days but I was going on vacation and wanted to be on P3 for that. That first round I was on a roll and didn't want the losses to stop. You may feel the same way!

[chesapeakers]

Those sound like some good choices to consider for cosmetics and hygiene. I did not realize the mineral oil was ok. I plan to sit down and read Dr. Simeon's manuscript in the next few days before start anything. I know I read the Atkins books a thousand times and still do periodically for refreshers on things you just forget.

I have been reading that weight loss can slow significantly after 20 days for some. I guess if you don't have much to lose, dragging it out for a few extra pounds may not be worth it. But in the condition I am in, I will take every last ounce I possibly can at any rate of loss. The one thing that has been so difficult for me with this weight gain is it restricts sports and activities I have enjoyed my whole life. You just can't workout as hard or play sports well dragging all this weight around. losing weight will literally be like being given my life back after being forced to live in someone else's body for 2 years.

How do you handle the gorge days? Does it feel weird loading up like that, like why am I just compounding the problem I am about to work so hard to try and fix??

[dawnyama]

Here is a post about one of my rounds' loads:

Dawn's Loading menu

My first round I loaded with ONLY low carb foods. I ate cheesy, high fat items but with no flour or sugar. I ate a low carb cheesecake, lots of coconut oil, eggs and cheese and butter, nuts (chocolate covered ones are my favorite). I loved it. I wanted to do my first round as cheap as possible, so as not to interfere with any budgeting. I was a stay at home mom at the time and no extra money for anything. So I ate a lot of Linda Sue's casseroles so that my family could enjoy my meals with me! They are high fat and that is what you need to concentrate on. You HAVE to load. If you don't, you will be sorry on your VLCDs. When I do low carb loads I think the round goes better, but if you have a treat you have been dying to try....best time ever to have it!! I mean a treat like a Dairy Queen Blizzard, french fries, pizza---something you don't normally have. But it is totally not necessary.

Do NOT worry at the load weight as it is gone in the first 2 VLCDs. You will be amazed!!!

[shelbyla]

Hi chesapeakers! Welcome!

Just wanted to throw you some support and weigh in as another hypo-thyroid, hypo-adrenal, hypo-sex hormones person who has had success with hCG and hhCG. I just finished up a 4th round and lost from 210 pounds down to 135-140 (I am 5'9" and 44 y/o). And actually the last round was a re-do round as my January round didn't really stick well. My round lengths are in my siggie but I've done both long and short rounds with success. I think most people commit to a minimum round (2 days loading, 21 days vlc WITH hCG, 2-3 days vlc without hCG) then assess as they get there how well they are doing physically and mentally. If you are losing well and feel good, why NOT extend? I posted a history and pics under "Success Stories" on the main board if you are interested in seeing my progress along the way. HCG allowed me to keep my muscle tone and get rid of my abnormal fat--which NOTHING, including years of dedicated low carb--allowed me to do. I've been essentially at goal (middle of the normal weigh range) for over a year now and maintaining nicely.

I would second Dawn's recommendations on the body products. I used baby oil or mineral oil right out of the shower on my body, Neutrogena oil-free on my face, and Aquaphor for my lips, elbows, hands and heels. HCG actually managed to help cure me of a lip balm addiction--that I didn't even realize I had! Before switching to Aquaphor, I never realized that most lip products with camphor or mint are actually very drying. I used to apply 5 or 6 times per day. Now it's just Aquaphor twice a day, morning and night. You DID mention coconut oil and just wanted to point out that, while some plans may allow or encourage its use, both externally and as a supplement, it's not on the original food list so YMMV.

As far as exercise goes, I cut way back but I did continue light cardio during all of my rounds. 20-30 minutes of treadclimber 4-7 times per week. Heavy exercise definitely makes me more tired, and with adrenal issues I really keep a hawkeye on that. Now, I can exercise or not, as I like, and let me tell you--cardio, weights, yoga, scuba are ALL a heck of a lot easier with 70+ fewer pounds!

On loading--a good load REALLY REALLY makes a difference in how you feel your first week and how well you do on your round. There are more scientific details in both P&I and WLA but trust me when I say that it's worth gaining a few extra pounds to feel comfortable during your round. The last round, I gained six pounds which I lost in the first 3-4 days so 9 times out of 10 you'll see that weight gone within the first couple of days. Some lucky people actually LOSE weight during their loads--although those are usually people who are not low carb to start out. I love loading on lots of real full-fat dressing on MIXED veggie salad, avocados, cheesecake and nuts. It doesn't HAVE to be bad food--although that can be kinds fun too!--low carb/high fat is pretty awesome in and of itself!

Anyway, I was medicated for all my conditions during all of my rounds (including T3 for thyroid, HC for adrenals, and creams for T and E) and had great success losing quickly and easily. If you are science-minded (and it sounds like you are), I would also recommend reading Weight Loss Apocalypse as it has some updated scientific hypotheses around why hCG works, including some great stuff about the thyroid connection. It also has some interesting theories around emotional/social eating that anyone who lives in America (IMHO) should be exposed to. Made me uncomfortable but that usually means it's something I NEED to read!

Glad you are joining in any case. This is hands-down one of the absolute BEST forums that I have ever been privileged to be part of. Everyone is super helpful and supportive. Post often and ask questions and you'll be chipping away that weight before you know it!

ETA:
Btw, You are a nurse so you probably already know this but in case you don't... if you are still having mood, brain-fog, hair-loss and tiredness issues relating to the hypo-thyroid condition, I would encourage you to step outside of the traditional thinking around thryroid treatment. A LOT of people (myself included), do not do well on Synthroid and if you have complicating issues (Reverse T3, specifically), even Armour may not work. Iron levels, electrolyte levels, cortisol levels and sex hormone levels can all impact your T3 uptake and those things need fixing before the thyroid can even be addressed. Getting the appropriate serum nutrient tests and Free hormone levels can help shed a LOT of light on why things aren't improving as much as you would like.

[chesapeakers]

Dawn-Thanks so much for the advice on the load days. This has caused me quite a bit of anxiety, as it is very difficult for me to break my psychology of eating like a bird only to maintain. I just finished my first loading day, and am horrified by a 4.5 lb gain in one day. Every bite was with anxiety and fear as I know I gain uncontrollably due to my thyroid and hormonal problems....and yesterday has confirmed it is still true. I ate mostly low carb, high fat, but did have some fruit and one piece of candy that I thought, what the heck, eat it so it does not get wasted. I had macadamia nuts, queso/chorizo dip with about 15 chips, 1 crunchy taco, about 10 oz refried beans with cheese, some brie cheese, 2 glasses of so delicous sugar free coconut milk, 1 peach, half a cantaloupe and a bowl of fresh cherries and 1 peanut butter cup and about half a bag of cheese corn. I did load up on a top of salt and I am a hormonal human sponge with this kind of stuff, so I can only hope some of this is water retention from all the salty snacks.

I am sticking to only low carb, fat laden stuff for today's load. Guacamole, more brie, macadamias, a steak and coconut milk. I have zero appetite and bloated and mortified by gaining 4.5 lbs in one day, but knowing the weight loss should start in 24 hours, I will keep stuffing the best I can.

I had to wait a week to get my hcg, then TOM showed up the day I got my Rx, then came down with a terrible sore throat 2 days into TOM. I started an antibiotic course (Amoxicillin) on Monday. I just could not wait any longer, so when TOM ended on Tues 6/19, I started load day 1. The total course for antibiotics is 10 days, so I will only be on the antibiotic 7 of my VLCD's of the diet. I will keep my fingers crossed the amoxicillin does not interfere with the first week of reduction.

[chesapeakers]

Hi Shelbyla!

Thanks so much for the warm welcome and such an informative post! I feel very fortunate to have found this group of friendly people so willing to share their time and experiences with others. You folks are the best.

I actually used to live in the South Bay area of Los Angeles for about 5 years. Had a lot of fun there and really miss many aspects of it sometimes. I am also a hormonal/adrenal wreck in addition to the thyroid issues too! I only take desiccated thyroid, as T4 only therapy was not for me. A low dose of Armour has done wonders for many of my hypo symptoms, but I still struggle terribly with hair loss, weight gain, inability to gain muscle mass and chronic respiratory infections.

I did an intense adrenal therapy course about 2 years ago that worked miracles for me in terms of allowing thyroid therapy to work later on. I had massive adrenal fatigue after years of severe work stress, smoking (I quit 4 years ago), personal losses, multiple cross country moves, etc. It took a good year of intense therapy to bring my adrenals back.
The biggest issue for me now appears to be testosterone levels. I’m registering at a whopping .5 free testosterone, and 14 total. This is coming from a woman who had always had outrageously thick hair, suffered chronic acne, significant amount of arm and leg hair and a libido my boyfriend could barely keep up with. I had my gyno remark on multiple occasions in my 20’s and 30’s “your testosterone levels run very high”. People literally used to ask me if I was wearing a wig because of my massively thick, long chocolate brown hair with tons of body and shine. I could never use any of the drugstore clips or bobby pins, they were just not big enough to handle that amount of hair. I went on 2 courses of Accutane in my 20’s trying to stop my persistent acne. Bleaching my arms was futile, there was just too much hair, it had to be waxed. I could only work out with 3-5lb weights, because any more and I would bulk up like a guy. Even without weights, I had low body fat and really nicely sculpted muscle definition.

Today, I am 70 lbs overweight, 2/3 of my hair has fallen out, and what is left is like straw, and pin straight. I don’t even need to wax my arms anymore. I haven’t seen a zit in about 3 years. Not only am I high end obese at 5’4” and 210 lbs, I am doughy and all fat, with little ability to gain any muscle mass. I used to be able to sculpt my shoulders and rip my abs and arms in a matter days to a few weeks. Now weeks and months of religiously working out, cannot lose any weight, much less create any muscle definition. I feel like an androgynous zombie that could care less if I ever had sex again. My testosterone levels came in this same very low “normal” range about a year ago, but I had a new OB at the time with no baseline history on me, and she did nothing about the levels since they fell a mere hundredth point into low normal. She had no clue what “normal” had been for me for 39 years. Now working with my new Endocrinologist to address this while still tiptoeing around the fact that I am not menopausal yet (I’m 42). They had run a DHEA screen last year with the testosterone, but the results were “pending” when I got fed up with things and pulled my OB medical record last month. Here I was with a practically nonexistent testosterone level and then no one bothered to follow up with an incomplete DHEA lab that was ordered a year ago. I was told “everything is normal”. Needless to say, new OB now and working primarily with an Endo that is a DO, and a much more open/holistic thinker.

I’d be curious to know if you have used DHEA supplementation in your hormone therapy, and had any success with it (if that was the direction of the imbalance you are experiencing, that is)? If you would rather not discuss this on the forum, that is no problem if you just want to bypass.

I am hoping, PRAYING the hcg will help to reverse my low testosterone and overall hormonal imbalance somewhat before I look to any hormonal support. I do know that obesity can significantly contribute to reduced testosterone production, as fat cell chemistry hinders the conversion of precursor hormones from converting to testosterone. Thus the more fat you have, the lower the testosterone production. This is a similar negative feedback loop of PCOS/insulin resistance/metabolic syndrome where the fatter you get, the worse the problem gets. Yet the base problem is forcing you to loose grip on the weight control. My old Endo kept testing me for PCOS, but my glucose, insulin, cholesterol and triglycerides levels were always in perfect range. And with a low testosterone and BP runs extremely low (averaging 101/62), he would just scratch his head and chalk it off to subclinical hypothyroid.
I know hcg could be a very positive thing for someone with hormonal/endocrine issues. Hcg is a natural testosterone booster as well as its ability to mobilize and reduce “abnormal fat”. I am hoping for 2 fold results in the hcg boosting testosterone in itself, and then compounded testosterone conversion by reducing the abnormal fat that is abnormally blocking what normal testosterone conversion my body should be doing on its own. A high percentage of obesity is rooted in metabolic/endocrine disorders, and Dr. Simeons created this diet to treat the “abnormal fat” deposition in the obese, after all. I will just keep my hopes up and give it my all!!

[C'Marie]

HI CHESAPEAKERS! Just wanted to say WARM WELCOME! I hope your round goes just amazingly fabulous!!!

[sunday]

Has anyone told you about "Weight Loss Apocalyspe" by Robin Phipps Woodall? Just wanted to recommend watching some of her youtubes! I did the protocol in 09 and wish that I had known some of her wisdom then.

Best wishes on your success!

[sunday]

Haha! I missed Shelbya's post and see that is what I get for skimming!

Anyway, I am interested in following your progress. I am hypo and medicated with armour and just began Nat-BHRT about 3 weeks ago. I am feeling great now! Wasn't feeling too bad to begin with because of JUDDDing, but can feel the difference especially in my sleep. OMGoodness, I sleep like a rock!

[chesapeakers]

Originally Posted by C'Marie

HI CHESAPEAKERS! Just wanted to say WARM WELCOME! I hope your round goes just amazingly fabulous!!!

Hi C'Marie! Thanks so much for the welcome and well wishes and WOW, I hope I have results like you have!!!

[chesapeakers]

Originally Posted by sunday

Haha! I missed Shelbya's post and see that is what I get for skimming!

Anyway, I am interested in following your progress. I am hypo and medicated with armour and just began Nat-BHRT about 3 weeks ago. I am feeling great now! Wasn't feeling too bad to begin with because of JUDDDing, but can feel the difference especially in my sleep. OMGoodness, I sleep like a rock!

Hi Sunday! Thanks so much for good karma and advice on resources . It looks like you have had some amazing results too, like so many others on here!!

I have only briefly skimmed some of the info. in Weight Loss Apocalypse, and will certainly give it a better look through. Though emotional eating is not really an issue with me, there appears to be quite a lot of good info about the hcg protocol that would benefit anyone doing the diet.

I have read Dr. Robert Gould's "Shrink Yourself" book, which addresses the psychology of emotional eating head on. He is a research and teaching psychiatrist at UCLA who is one of the leading medical authorities in emotional eating. I highly recommend this excellent work for anyone to read to either grapple with emotional eating issues themselves, or to just better understand the human psyche or the people around them.

I have maintained a healthy weight most my life, and always been extremely active in sports, fitness and nutrition. I actually veer in the other direction, and tend to eat much less when I am coping with stress or emotions. Then one day, my thyroid just stopped working right. The bulk of my massive weight gain occurred over a span of about 8 months after 39 years of being a size 4-6, while intensively dieting and exercising. I was suffering from low grade chronic depression all the sudden, and at these early stages could only figure the little bit I was eating despite the excessive exercise, was somehow making me fat. With Hashi's thyroid, the hormones surge and halt in cycle. I was on upswings every time I had thyroid labs run, so my GP kept ruling out thyroid disease, though I had every symptom in the book. Not until after I gained 70lbs and went to an endocrinologist, did someone test me for Hashi's antibodies, which of course showed up positive, along with a rollercoaster of thyroid panel readings. Once on Armour, my "depression" and many other symptoms subsided almost immediately, and it became very clear my weight issues were metobolic/hormonal and we had a long way to go.

I am so happy to hear you have found relief with the HRT. They are making major advancements in terms of thinking outside the box in this area of medicine thankfully. I have heard many good things about JUDDD and can't wait to learn more about that as well!

I'm in a tough position not being menopausal yet, but having so many imbalances. I am really hoping to see some dramatic overall health and hormonal improvements with weight loss from hcg

Update so far on progress:
I gained +4.5 load day 1, and FREAKED out pretty bad. Had the faith and continued to stuff myself senseless day 2, and to my utter dismay, woke up -1 on day three.

I could feel some major things going on during day 3, so continued to weigh myself throughout the day:
By 12 noon: -3 total
By 5pm: -5.5 total
By 9pm: - 7.5 total

I could not believe my eyes, and kept moving the scale around to make sure I was not imagining things. Followed protocol to the letter, but
Day 4: -.5
Day 5: +1.5

I was finishing TOM 1st loading day. I have SERIOUS water retention issues and have seen myself gain as much as 13lbs in water in 48 hours during TOM, no joke. I am a human sponge.

I knew daily weigh ins were not going to be good for me considering my wild water retention fluctuations. I'm ruling protocol with and iron fist and will focus on measurements for right now, as I am down .5-1" in all body measurements in 2 days VLCD. I refuse to let my water retention discourage me. I can clearly see I am losing inches in places already and I know my history of dropping a whole size without the scale barely budging.

A last few tidbits: I have been gluten free, dairy free, soy free and egg free about a year now(significant improvements for the Hashimoto's disease). Been following Atkins nutritional approach for 11 years. Quit drinking coffee about 8 months ago. Only drinking water and occasional cup of herbal tea on hcg diet.

[sunday]

It sounds like you are going to have a great round! Just the fact that you already had so much under control and working before you started is a big plus!

I will be thrilled to get the rest of my weight off and can't believe that I am doing JUDDD and sticking with it. I used to try a new program and leave if it didn't produce fast results, WW, EFGT, LC, etc. So, this is a rather odd niche I am staying with. Maybe because for the first time in many years, I can see how I can avoid the roller coaster. It isn't fast by any means, but it is steadily going down and that is amazing for me.

[LeraJean]

Hi all, I am not new to HCG injections, did it all last year 2011 until the Fall. Huge mistake since I am a sugar-holic and the holidays were approaching. I thought I could eat what I wanted.

I started in February 2011 (17th to be exact) and did 3 rounds of HCG consecutively! I did not take a break between the 43 day rounds. I followed protocol exactly, however I did not eat the melba toast. I lost 80 pounds from Feb 17- Sept 4th! No kidding! Went from size 22-24 tight pants to a size 14 good fit pant.

I attempted to do another round in January of 2012, however, my husband kept "cheating" on the protocol and we both gained weight! My advice, take it seriously, follow protocol or don't waste your time and money. We are about to start over to lose again what I had already lost. (He gained all his back!)

My problem now, clothes don't fit and don't want to buy larger with all those size 14's hanging there, so hitting the thrift stores for elastic waste items lol...not funny..but do what you have to when paying for your sins. I am about to have mouth surgery, teeth pulled (already had 7 pulled) and I can't at protocol foods unless I place them in a food processor YUCK! Now what? Do I wait and start HCG after this is over and continue to gain weight from eating mashed potatoes and soup and ice cream? or do I suck it up and blend those meals for two months? Ugggg

glad to have found this site...people that understand...

[dawnyama]

Oh, what a sticky situation to be in. First off, a whole year doing protocol without a break??!! That for sure is NOT protocol. Dr Simeon's put the breaks in his protocol for a reason---so you won't gain the weight back. Next time you do hcg, follow the directions precisely and you won't find yourself in the situation you are in. I know, as I have been there and done that....several times. I didn't take the necessary breaks, I was always hopping on P2 before I should have.

Anyway, I would so start P2 once you are done with the oral surgery. I would not want to eat mushed up chicken and hamburger LOL. You are certainly not going to eat carbs while blending all your foods? You can have mashed cauliflower--much healthier for you than mashed potatoes. No ice cream--or at least make low carb ice cream from heavy whipping cream and your own sweetener. How did you do P3--or did you not? That is how we here get through P3--no carbs, no sugar. My best advice is to eat P3 style after your surgery and then start P2 when you can chew your food! Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

[chesapeakers]

Just reporting in on how R1P2 went. Had last injection yesterday and I lost a total of 23.5 lbs (28 lbs including loading weight) in 40 days. LIW of 192, down from 215.5( loading weight was 220)

For a pre-menopausal, Hashimoto's hypothyroid woman who spent the first 2 weeks of P2 on a course on antibiotics, I could not be more thrilled with the results!!

The most weight I have been able to lose in the past 4 years has been about 3 lbs over the course of a couple months. My hair loss has almost completely stopped and it is becoming shiny and full of body again. Not sure if it is the hcg stabilizing my hormones, the loss of fat or the hcg itself dramically improving. But whatever it is, ITS WORKING!! I am now an official Hcg believer.

I lost quite well during the course of antibiotics, and almost seemed to stall when i finished them. This was also right about ovulation time, so this could have been the culprit for slowed losses too.

Off to staying focused on maintaining on P3 now. Will likely increase intake of P2 foods, with fats with minimal low glycemic fruits to build calories back up over the next week. Staying very cautious of eggs, dairy and nuts still, as I have known problems with these in the past.

[MagieDen]

You have done great! You should be so proud of yourself! Now on to some good P3 foods for you as well as better health!

[chesapeakers]

Originally Posted by MagieDen

You have done great! You should be so proud of yourself! Now on to some good P3 foods for you as well as better health!

Thanks MagieDen! Looks like you are just getting ready to start your new journey. I think you will be as amazed as I have been at what a miracle hcg truly is. Its a lot of hard work, but IT WORKS, for even the most stubborn cases!! Good luck

[MagieDen]

Originally Posted by chesapeakers

Thanks MagieDen! Looks like you are just getting ready to start your new journey. I think you will be as amazed as I have been at what a miracle hcg truly is. Its a lot of hard work, but IT WORKS, for even the most stubborn cases!! Good luck

Thank you, but actually I will be starting my second round. I know the plan works, I just have to work the plan.

[chesapeakers]

Originally Posted by MagieDen

Thank you, but actually I will be starting my second round. I know the plan works, I just have to work the plan.

That's awesome, great quote! Sounds like you a ready to tackle a successful R2 now

One thing I do to keep myself on track on this plan is each day remember that I am just a little closer to goal, and little further away from the place I never want to be again (my starting weight). This keeps me going during small losses or stall days. If I am tempted to snack , I just think, "tomorrow you are going to be just a little bit closer to not being overweight anymore, and to getting your life back". This stops me dead in my munchie tracks, and makes me look forward to staying focused and pushing through to the next day of weight loss. Its like the magic of compounded interest. Just a little amount at a time, will eventually add up to quite a lot, with a bit of patience.

[MemoryKeeper]

This is such an inspiring thread. Makes me excited to start Round 4 (Day 1 VLC tomorrow)!

[chesapeakers]

Originally Posted by MemoryKeeper

This is such an inspiring thread. Makes me excited to start Round 4 (Day 1 VLC tomorrow)!

All the best to you on the new round! Wow you have some serious success in previous rounds under your belt already

[MemoryKeeper]

Thank you! How is your maintenance going? So excited for you. I read your entire thread, and I'm so happy for you. I can't imagine what you went through in those agonizing 8 months.

Are you following Rx hcg or hhcg? If so, are you planning on waiting the recommended times between rounds per protocol?

[chesapeakers]

Originally Posted by MemoryKeeper

Thank you! How is your maintenance going? So excited for you. I read your entire thread, and I'm so happy for you. I can't imagine what you went through in those agonizing 8 months.

Are you following Rx hcg or hhcg? If so, are you planning on waiting the recommended times between rounds per protocol?

I'm doing Rx injections. I did skip 1x week, so could have gone another 6 days, but decided 40 was enough. I have been getting weak the last few days and need a multivit and b complex just to function. I had only lost 1 lb in the last 7 days as well. Think my body was saying enough for now. Based on this, I will definately wait a full 6 weeks before R2. My hcg still tested pos on preg test, so either I hit immunity, or my body just hit its limit. Trying to do as much by the book as possible.

Just 2 days now off p2 and down.2 this am. 23.7 total loss now. Had a little extra protein last night to curb hunger. So far so good, i will have to see what this week brings in terms of possible trouble stabilizing.

I feel so blessed to have finally found hcg. I am starting to feel like my old self for the first time in years. Yep, the rapid weight gain was terrifying. I could lierally feel my skin splitting in the upper hips/back fat area because the gain was so rapid on a small person. I have straiations of broken blood vessels in this area from that damage, i hope will eventually heal.

How did you do with P3 stabilizations? Any tips from your experienes?
HappyMonday!

[MemoryKeeper]

I followed the protocol. No sugar/no starch and a correction day if >2.0 over my window. I've maintained well, although the first round was a little wonky. I find that I still must do LC to maintain. Any carbs seem to make me gain.

I had the highest load weight gain. EVER. 9.5 POUNDS! I'm a little freaked out by that! My other rounds were 4-7 pounds gained. YIKES-A-RAMA! Maybe that means this round will be the best one ever. I will let you know.

Follow the protocol and you'll be fine!