I am interested in finding others that are on a modified version of Dr. Simeons protocal. I am on a modified verison and at times find it hard to relate or understand to discussions specific to the original protocal. If you are on a modified protocal would mind sharing what you are doing? Thx!

Jen,

Well I dont know the original protocol entirely but from what my doctor at the diet clinic told me she modified it by not having "load" days... the first two days of the diet you eat as you always would, no loading, no low calorie. Then day three start VLCD but I can have 500-800 calories a day. I can have multi-grain breads, whole wheat pasta, all fruits (some have to be eaten in moderation), low fat milk products and cheeses. Of course I cannot have sugar or products with sugar. No white rice, potato, breads, or flour including refined white flour (processed foods).

In my first week of the diet, including the first two days of eating like I always do, I lost 6 lbs, so I guess you can say I am doing well as far as weight loss goes. The only "problems" is that I am SO hungry and I don't have any more energy then I ever did (Which wasn't much). So I am hoping things will get better this second week, but if not the doctor will put me on appetite suppressants.

That's nothing like Dr. Simeons protocol so it isn't a modified version of it at all. It's just a normal calorie reduced diet!

The loading days are really important as they build up the "normal" fat that the hcg needs to start working with. I can't see how the body is going to release the abnormal fat the it is supposed to be working on, when you are feeding your body with fats. It makes no sense at all. If you are hungry, it's probably because the hcg isn't releasing those fat stores in your body. I'd be very interested to see how this diet progresses for you.

I think the first week of each round is hard any way you do it. It gets soooo much better -- hang in there the hunger and energy will be better. I have done two rounds and I made the mistake on the second round of remembering how it was at the end of round one and expected the first week of round two to be like that. I was unpleasantly reminded it takes a while for the affects to totally kick in.

kschott- i'll be very interested to see how you do. even if your loss is slightly less overall (which it may not be), it would be worth it to have more choices! (as long as you stabilize). are you restricted in terms of how much or how often you can have the bread or pasta?

there are a lot of modified programs out there and people are obviously losing or they wouldn't continue to be in business. but most of them have additions like protein shakes, or allow different veggies. i've never heard of one that allows bread or pasta, though.

i do disagree with the "no loading" idea- Dr. S. is very specific that this is what will keep you from being hungry the first week. although i think we do a bit of "overkill" in terms of what many people eat to load with- and i imagine your doc is trying to avoid you gaining the first few days.

don't necessarily expect to have more energy, or even what you normally do. i don't have much to begin with either (on disability for chronic fatigue) and my energy is usually a bit lower while on P2 (my friends felt the same way). good luck!!