Colleen--I'm with you, what got me pre-sold on this diet was reading Dr. S manuscript and Trudeau's book. It just made so much sense to me. I never ate enough. My husband couldn't believe how heavy I was, seeing my lifestyle of not eating enough and no junk food. I know it sounds crazy, but truly the VLCD is more food than I ate on many days. But, I didn't eat throughout the day and nowhere near enough protein. I'm a growth-junkie...I like to learn new things, I like to grow mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Yes, I love that I've lost this weight, but it's what I've learned that's even more exciting because the knowledge will enable me to maintain this weight the rest of my life.

What happened to me (and I'm glad I did the 6 week protocol first) is I learned to eat on a schedule and after a couple weeks on this R1P2, my body began to tell me at the appropriate time (snack, lunch, snack, dinner) that it was hungry...I fed it and it responded, okay, I'm full, thank you. I became conscious of caring for myself, feeding my body throughout the day. I became engaged in feeding my body. I had the challenge of 2 weeks (ovulation and TOM) of major plateau/stalls...it was a turning point for me, quit or continue. The song, "Break on through to the other side" reverberated in my mind (and I don't even like the Doors music). But, as I started taking measurements every two weeks...I found that within my plateau period, I lost the most inches 8.5"! So, hope replaced my overwhelming frustration at that time.

I think if you stick with this, your body will get on an eating schedule and your hunger will begin to coincide with the time when you are supposed to eat. And, when you have something that produces real results...a diet, that for the first time in your life, actually cures/corrects your body's dysfunctional or non-existent metabolism, you embrace the protocol fully with a renewed sense of hope that helps you push through the hungry times. It's life changing. Being able to stick with the VLCD for 6 weeks reminded me of something that I forgot so long ago, I can have control, I can have will power and I can accomplish anything. And, so can you!

Colleen-- you must be at your goal then? where are you in this whole process, you seem like the HCG mom : ) that I could easily look up too! : ) You know so much about this program, very motivating!

I sooooo love this forum. You are all very inspirational I would like to say thank you to everyone for sharing your previous stories.

I have really been craving the last couple of days and finding it very difficult to stay on track. I am now in my second round. The weight is bearly coming off. I only have 11 pounds left to loose. Last night I lost control and ate 1/2 a packet of waffer biscuits.

I am probably craving because I am lonely and bored. My family have all gone overseas without me (because I couldn't take time off from work to join them). I thought it would be easy to diet while they were away, but its actually harder. When they are around its easier to stay strong - because I don't want to show them that I are weak.

But your comments have really helped. So thanks again.
God bless you all.

Jill

Jill-
How about the motivation to surprise them when they come back to see you thinner than before? Buy some new clothes that fit you well and wear them when you greet them.

anclair- you can do any number of days between 23 and 40.