New Years Starters???

[Kimberque]

VLCD 3 - down 2.2! YAY. I'm below pre-load weight. Yesterday, I was reminded of why I became a hermit during my first round. It is so hard to go anywhere and not associate it with food. My daughter and I went to the mall. It was everything I could do to not get food or drinks. So much of what we do is centered around food!

I am a stress eater. I am a social eater. I am just an eater. One thing this diet forces us to do is learn new ways to cope with stress and social settings. I am not big on exercise or yoga, but I do spend a lot of time in prayer. That helps!

On a different note: If you are taking the drops and you are still hungry after the first week, you may have to cut down on your drops. My protocol says to take 10 drops three times a day. I have cut back to 8 drops three times a day. In previous rounds, it killed my hunger within two days of adjusting my drops. I am not sure why or how, but it is a frequent suggestion on the blogs.

[tntopo]

Originally Posted by Shelle135

Hi everyone,

Today is VLCD 2 and last night I didn't make it. I got up in the middle of the night and ate. I REALLY struggled with having so little to eat. I have never been on this level of dieting before and I am so disappointed in myself.

Can anyone explain to me the best way to take the drops so that I can succeed?

What damage did I do having eaten in middle of the night as far as the drops go? I know it hurt weightloss for the day but was anything else thrown out of balance now?

Thanks!

Shelly, I am so sorry you are having these cravings!! I am loading and at midnight I had to make myself a bacon sandwich, geesh what am I going to do when I am on VLCD.....aaakkkk!! I am going to need lots of help with the cravings. I know it is mind over matter, but whats the matter with my mind?....LOL

[shelbyla]

Originally Posted by Shelle135

Hi everyone,

Today is VLCD 2 and last night I didn't make it. I got up in the middle of the night and ate. I REALLY struggled with having so little to eat. I have never been on this level of dieting before and I am so disappointed in myself.

Can anyone explain to me the best way to take the drops so that I can succeed?

What damage did I do having eaten in middle of the night as far as the drops go? I know it hurt weightloss for the day but was anything else thrown out of balance now?

Thanks!

Today is JUST VLCD 2? If so, I would consider yesterday a third load day and carry forward with today as your official day 1. This is actually less damaging on day 1 than any other day, really, because you CAN just consider it a third load day. Although, not sure what you ate so hopefully it was load-worthy!

Another question...you don't say WHY you ate in the middle of the night. Was it because you are hungry? Because you were bored? Because you felt "snacky"? If it was because you were hungry, Dawn is right. More details will help us help you. Number of drops, how many times per day you're doing them, what are you eating, and actually what TYPE of drops you are using would all be helpful.

Originally Posted by fiveninepointfive

Is there room for me on this ledge? Just kidding. I'll be ok. I did wake up to a pound gain. I know it was bc I ate sauerkraut yesterday. I am sensitive to sodium. I did drink a ton of water, but maybe it wasn't enough bc I am thirsty.
I will keep plugging away. I will weigh my food and log to ensure it is the correct amount. I will not drink coffee within 30-60 mins of drops. I am about to take a detox bath. I will drink a gallon of water today, mostly, through herbal teas.
Tomorrow, I should have some good news.

Sweetie, there is room for EVERYONE on this ledge! I think hCG and the VLC protocol is just one giant ledge! Sorry you had the bump from the sauerkraut but you are totally right. It's sodium and will be off in the next day or so. I had a very similar thing happen to me in one of my first two rounds from excessive cabbage. I ate 300g of cabbage in a sitting (usually would be ~200g) and I bumped up 2 pounds overnight. VERY discouraging! But it sounds like you have a great plan! Carry on and you'll get your whoosh!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Love and hugs to all the rest!!!!! KUTGW! You guys are doing GREAT!

[dooy]

Fellow ledge jumper, I mean sitter, reporting in!

Day one loading and boy, am I stuffed already! Had fatty eggs benedict with extra bacon, cream in coffee (usually drink it black), 25 almonds, 1/4 c of peanut butter (with chocolate) and a cookie. Plan to have an advocado sandwich for dinner with a drizzle of olive oil and maybe coconut oil in my tea. Any other suggestions? I feel gross...

[Kimberque]

Dooy - you had me at "cream in the coffee!" Mnnn!!

I just had my half of a grapefruit snack. It was delicious.....like a peanut butter (with chocolate) cookie.

[dooy]

I am living it up! I just got home from Trader Joe's and bought Kobe burgers! 56 g of fat!! topped with blue cheese, sliced advocado and macadamias and ice cream bars as dessert!

Is wine ok while loading?? Not "getting loaded" but a little wine with my loading?? I know NO wine for the next 40 days while on the protocol...

[Kimberque]

Dooy- I drank during loading my first two rounds. I didn't see anything in the manuscript that said you couldn't. Your supper sounds scrumptious! I lived it up on load day 1, but felt sick the second day.

[Clothilde]

Originally Posted by dooy

I am living it up! I just got home from Trader Joe's and bought Kobe burgers! 56 g of fat!! topped with blue cheese, sliced advocado and macadamias and ice cream bars as dessert!

Is wine ok while loading?? Not "getting loaded" but a little wine with my loading?? I know NO wine for the next 40 days while on the protocol...

AWESOME load!

[Jazzy1]

I am reading all of this and getting anxious to start HCG. I ordered it just after Christmas, so waiting for it to come in the mail. Till then I am JUDDD-ing it. (QOD) Will this damage any positive effect I will get when I start HCG?
Doing a lot of reading, I think I will get down to my weight by HCG then use JUDD as maintenance. Has anyone else tried this?

[dawnyama]

Originally Posted by Jazzy1

I am reading all of this and getting anxious to start HCG. I ordered it just after Christmas, so waiting for it to come in the mail. Till then I am JUDDD-ing it. (QOD) Will this damage any positive effect I will get when I start HCG?
Doing a lot of reading, I think I will get down to my weight by HCG then use JUDD as maintenance. Has anyone else tried this?

buttah has done JUDDD right before starting the hcg and recommends against it. Highly recommends against doing that, actually. Dieting before starting the P2 protocol made her hungry for AT LEAST the first week if not 10 days or longer on the P2 portion of the plan. I do not know of anyone else that did hcg right off of JUDDD. Hopefully buttah will see this and respond.

[livnonahill]

Originally Posted by dooy

I am living it up! I just got home from Trader Joe's and bought Kobe burgers! 56 g of fat!! topped with blue cheese, sliced advocado and macadamias and ice cream bars as dessert!

Is wine ok while loading?? Not "getting loaded" but a little wine with my loading?? I know NO wine for the next 40 days while on the protocol...

I LOVE it!!! Sounds like my loading days.....ahhhhhhhhh

[buttah]

Jazzy, I can't warn you enough. I did my first round right from JUDDD (about a month and a half of successful JUDDDing). Literally went from a DD to loading. My first week or more (I think 9 days, to be exact) of HCG was MISERABLE. I was so hungry I thought I was going to pass out. I couldn't sleep for starving. I woke up weak. My body was depleted (although in a good way - my blood work was fab, and I'm a big believer in intermittent fasting - but NOT right before a round of HCG). The doc at my clinic now believes that MAYBE had I loaded for 3 days or more, it would've made up for it, but even then, we don't know for sure. And if you read Pounds & Inches, Simeons says people who've been dieting need more loading - up to a week.

At any rate, trust me. It wasn't fun.

I love JUDDD, and I may JUDDD the last four or five pounds off. I think it's FABULOUS for maintenance and there are many JUDDD maintainers on that forum who have lost their weight with HCG. But I didn't do it during the 9 week P3/P4 break I just took between first and second HCG rounds, and I will never ever do it before a round again.

Was that emphatic enough?

[dooy]

Thanks ladies! Thoroughly enjoyed day one loading with a nice glass of wine! Now praying I can sleep...oy.

Sweet dreams everybody!

[fiveninepointfive]

So after staying the same on day, gaining 1 lb the next (sodium), I woke up this morning to a 2.5 lb loss. Now, that's what I am talking about! I am glad I didn't spaz too much. I'll save that for P4.

[livnonahill]

Originally Posted by fiveninepointfive

So after staying the same on day, gaining 1 lb the next (sodium), I woke up this morning to a 2.5 lb loss. Now, that's what I am talking about! I am glad I didn't spaz too much. I'll save that for P4.

AWESOME!!! Congratulations

_____________
Carole

[Crazy PreK Teacher]

Originally Posted by Jazzy1

I am reading all of this and getting anxious to start HCG. I ordered it just after Christmas, so waiting for it to come in the mail. Till then I am JUDDD-ing it. (QOD) Will this damage any positive effect I will get when I start HCG?
Doing a lot of reading, I think I will get down to my weight by HCG then use JUDD as maintenance. Has anyone else tried this?

Hi jazzy

I did hHCG for many months (Mar.-Nov.),...did a 3 day FF, then on to JUDDD for P3. It has been AWESOME!!! It works beautiful for mainteneance, usually 1-2 lbs. below LDW the entire time, but I do not see a lot of losses with it, but it may just be my body, and I did have quite a few carbs/goodies over the holidays. I am now back on hHCG for 3 weeks to lose the last 7-8 lbs. to my goal. So far, I am on day 2, gained 2.4 during loading, and now on to losing again, about 3 lbs as of this morning. I will be posting updates to let you know. I don't see any reason why the JUDDDing would affect your losses, and/or hunger issues. You'll do fine!!!!

[buttah]

Angela, what did me in was going from JUDDD to HCG, not the other way around. Not sure you were around then, but in that (my first and only other) round, I was weak with starvation for nearly 10 days (I had also been losing prior to JUDDD). I nearly couldn't get through it. Both my clinic and Robin W. attributed it to coming to HCG from intermittent fasting.

I just want people to be aware that coming to HCG from intermittent fasting may well be one of those "depleted" situations Simeons is referring to in Pounds & Inches when he says that for some people, up to a week of loading is required. And my hunger got worse around day 4 or 6, right where I later noticed he said it would for people with inadequate "fat stores" from not loading enough or previous dieting.

YMMV. But agree with you that JUDDD should be fine AFTER HCG for most everyone. And I'm a big fan of JUDDD.

[Jazzy1]

Buttah and Crazy,
Thank you both so much for your advice.
I never considered that Id be hungry like that on HCG after JUDDDing it for a bit.
Ive been losing weight, but realize JUDDD would be more of a maintenance thing for me.
Ive only been JUDDDing now for 4 days and I feel thinner, but only 1 lb down. Ok. Im stopping JUDDD now. My HCG should come in the mail in the next few days. Thanks. I really do not want insane hunger to get me.

[Crazy PreK Teacher]

Originally Posted by Jazzy1

Buttah and Crazy,
Thank you both so much for your advice.
I never considered that Id be hungry like that on HCG after JUDDDing it for a bit.
Ive been losing weight, but realize JUDDD would be more of a maintenance thing for me.
Ive only been JUDDDing now for 4 days and I feel thinner, but only 1 lb down. Ok. Im stopping JUDDD now. My HCG should come in the mail in the next few days. Thanks. I really do not want insane hunger to get me.

Prolly a good idea...since it's only a few days. You wouldn't lose a ton until then anyway. Be sure to load up on lots of fats. Loading is to primarily get fats in to the system to help the body during the first few days of depletion. I did a heavy fat UD as my 1st loading day, and then 2nd loading day in place of a DD. I would think a DD straight into hHCG would be brutal

Have fun loading!!!

[Kimberque]

Good afternoon! VLCD4 and down 1.2. The family and I went to supper out last night. I tried to stay as true as I could while eating out. I am still fighting commitment issues. Any other multi-rounders who've met their goal have a problem setting new goal weight and sticking to it? As I was staring 200 pounds in the face all I kept praying for is to be under 140. I've seen as low as 134. My original LDW is 138. My new goal is to be in the 120s, but it seems, I don't know, greedy maybe. I'm fairly short so even in the 130s I have an excess of belly flab. Any motivation (mental) tips to help me not be a quitter again? It seems like I start a round and after first few days of losses I start questioning why I'm dieting. It's like I give up when the going gets tough by convincing myself that I look just fine for almost 40.

[Crazy PreK Teacher]

Originally Posted by buttah

Angela, what did me in was going from JUDDD to HCG, not the other way around. Not sure you were around then, but in that (my first and only other) round, I was weak with starvation for nearly 10 days (I had also been losing prior to JUDDD). I nearly couldn't get through it. Both my clinic and Robin W. attributed it to coming to HCG from intermittent fasting.

I just want people to be aware that coming to HCG from intermittent fasting may well be one of those "depleted" situations Simeons is referring to in Pounds & Inches when he says that for some people, up to a week of loading is required. And my hunger got worse around day 4 or 6, right where I later noticed he said it would for people with inadequate "fat stores" from not loading enough or previous dieting.

YMMV. But agree with you that JUDDD should be fine AFTER HCG for most everyone. And I'm a big fan of JUDDD.

Hi buttah

I hear ya!!! I could see why it may cause some issues with you being hungry. Of course, with hHCG, there's no rhyme or reason anyway...lol. I can't even imagine loading for up to a week...I guess that would just be regular eating, I suppose Well, I guess I will be testing the theory because I didn't load fully...mainly 1 full day, and tried the 2nd day. I do make sure each load consists of high fats and I think that's what helps me. Even the very 1st round of hHCG, I came straight from strict LC'ing & losing 13 lbs. in about 5 weeks...so I guess that would be considered previous dieting, and I did okay...110ish lbs. lost. We shall see...I won't worry too much yet Luckily, I need to lose about 7 more, so this should be fairly quick. I will prolly have to up calories to keep from losing any more if I haven't reached 3 weeks yet. But I always slow way down the 3rd week, then pick back up in the 4th. Who woulda thought I'd have that problem??!! Long story...but through my TOPS, I can only get to a low 167 "leeway" until our awards convention is over the first week of April...then I can lose as much more as I want. Just don't know where to stop...my ribs are already noticeable in my chest, my clavicles are huge, BUT I have the tummy & thunder-thighs...lol.

I mentioned in my post that I did the 3 day FF to transition, and it worked beautiful...didn't lose, but I did NOT get the few lbs. bounce-up. I will do the same thing this time.

Have a great day!

[fiveninepointfive]

Originally Posted by Kimberque

Good afternoon! VLCD4 and down 1.2. The family and I went to supper out last night. I tried to stay as true as I could while eating out. I am still fighting commitment issues. Any other multi-rounders who've met their goal have a problem setting new goal weight and sticking to it? As I was staring 200 pounds in the face all I kept praying for is to be under 140. I've seen as low as 134. My original LDW is 138. My new goal is to be in the 120s, but it seems, I don't know, greedy maybe. I'm fairly short so even in the 130s I have an excess of belly flab. Any motivation (mental) tips to help me not be a quitter again? It seems like I start a round and after first few days of losses I start questioning why I'm dieting. It's like I give up when the going gets tough by convincing myself that I look just fine for almost 40.

It's tough because your argument is very convincing. However, something must have lit the spark to make you begin a round. I know that when I weigh 145, I feel great. I am comfortable in my skin. I feel like myself. That will help me find the reserve to get through protocol to get back there. Trust me, I am way more efficient and more focused on more interesting things, like my family, when I can check "weight" off my list.
I am on VLCD 11. It s getting better. It is funny because I feel like my other senses are becoming more preceptive, especially my sense of smell. I am trying to see the benefits to the process and enjoy them. I know I'll look back at this time fondly, since it better be MY LAST ROUND!!!
I hope this helps.

[omgtwins]

I was on this site back in 2005 and have done Atkins too many times to admit.
So I started on Monday (12.31.12) - why wait til tuesday when I plan on weighing only on mondays?
Question: What is Loading? I see that a LOT on this thread but I didnt read through 3 pages to see if it was asked/answered.
My concern is I prefer to original Atkins diet to the new way - am I the only one?

[dawnyama]

Originally Posted by omgtwins

I was on this site back in 2005 and have done Atkins too many times to admit.
So I started on Monday (12.31.12) - why wait til tuesday when I plan on weighing only on mondays?
Question: What is Loading? I see that a LOT on this thread but I didnt read through 3 pages to see if it was asked/answered.
My concern is I prefer to original Atkins diet to the new way - am I the only one?

You are in the hcg forum. We are all doing the hcg protocol. Not Atkins. Loading is a part of the Pounds and Inches program we are following. If you want low carb then maybe this will help:

http://www.lowcarbfriends.com/bbs/main-lowcarb-lobby/

A few threads have been started over there for the new year.

[omgtwins]

Ahhh - thanks Dawn!

[suzi7]

reporting in. def a rogue round here. by necessity. (vegetarian) but...

three days of vlc (today is #4) under my belt (which is a notch tighter today btw!). only weighing in officially on Saturdays (I obsess too much!), so this morning's results.... TADA!!

down 5 pounds since wed morning (now 160). not bad for three days! this round is going easy so far. no major hunger, headaches, etc. (course I have had a couple weird dreams, not about food, but about people shooting each other. some buried anger somewhere? lol

my goal for this round is 140, btw. don't know if I said. may be my goal for life. bf says 125 would be "too skinny". course he's a guy and what does he know? lol we will see when I get there.

hope everyone's day is going well and tomorrow morning brings a visit from the WHOOSH fairy!

Suzi

[Boosya]

Crazy PreK Teacher (Angela),

I read in a post above that you were on hcg from March-November, and am really curious to know, did you do continuous VLCD throughout your round(s)? And did you lose all of your weight in that time (Mar-Nov)?

Thanks :-)

[moonriver]

Down a total of 5.4 in 6 VLC days!

Only 15 more to go! (well okay 17 if you count the two days without HCG at the end).

[dooy]

Congrats, Suzi7 and Moonriver! Up 2.8 today after my 2-day load. Could not eat another thing! I'd recently gained at least 8lbs over the holidays so I'm not worried. Very first VLCD! YAY! Bring it on! Ready to lose!

Originally Posted by fiveninepointfive

It's tough because your argument is very convincing. However, something must have lit the spark to make you begin a round. I know that when I weigh 145, I feel great. I am comfortable in my skin. I feel like myself. That will help me find the reserve to get through protocol to get back there. Trust me, I am way more efficient and more focused on more interesting things, like my family, when I can check "weight" off my list.
I am on VLCD 11. It s getting better. It is funny because I feel like my other senses are becoming more preceptive, especially my sense of smell. I am trying to see the benefits to the process and enjoy them. I know I'll look back at this time fondly, since it better be MY LAST ROUND!!!
I hope this helps.

fivenine - I so appreciated your take on this. I, too, feel like I have so much more room in my life when I'm not obsessing about food and weight. I'm so ready to be there again and will refer back to this post when VLCD days feel hard. NOTHING is as hard as feeling like this...

[Lbibclc]

Hello everyone. I would like to join this thread! I was going to start loading on the first but got the flu. How can I gain weight while sick, lol! I have done many rounds but keep falling off the wagon during maintenance. It is not the protocol or HHCG but me.

Any way, I started loading yesterday. I know the HHCG is working because I have a killer headache today. I haven't decided if I am going to load 2 or 3 days. I am planning on cooking today to have things ready when I am.