Thread: Very Very Rogue and Lengthy HCG protocol... my story

Hi Ya'll....
I've been a little nervous about writing this, but feel like I need to put my experience out there for all of you to see and hope that if anybody wants to try what I've tried to know that it is working for me at least.
I did the Dr. Simeons protocol very strictly, no cheats in 2008 and long round. I lost the extra 20 pounds I needed to lose and was very happy. My husband lost 40. This diet works. Fast forward.... Since starting menapause, death of parents,living over seas and many other stresses of life... I gained more than 80 pounds. I tried eating Keto, Fast Metabolism Diet (which works too, if you stay on it)...and finally decided to get the HCG again. I ordered it from NuImage the first 2 times and now they no longer sell it. It is harder to find. But I did find it overseas... I know, risky.
I started in March 2020 at my highest weight of 213. My goal is 135-140. I am 54 and 5'5. My 'normal' weight before menapause was 125-135. That is where I feel best and have no trouble maintaining it.
I looked up some other protocols that allowed for a higher calorie intake on the HCG shots. I found Dr. Lipman in Florida. I follow his 800 cal protocol and higher. I gave myself a year to reach my goal, I don't exercise because it makes me too hungry and tired. I am not able to stay awake past 7 or 8 when I do exercise. I listen to my body. If I need to eat more calories than the allowed 800 I do. Some times I eat less, I listen to my body. I only eat allowed foods but for one exception.... pure heavy cream from the dairy farm in my black tea. Not much, but yes, I do use it and always have. My theory is, if I'm in this for the long haul of a year, I must be able to have my tea the way I like it, to just have one thing I really look forward to daily. Other than that, I eat fresh veges, fruit, organically grown meats if possible. No grains at all, very little oils, if any. I consider a 'free' meal to contain some oil. Absolutely NO SUGAR. I use Stevia, and have grown to love it. I eat fruit in season, as much as I want!
I have gone more than 8 weeks at a time, just taking one day off per week (Sunday) no shot. I took a month off the shots in June and ate the food allowed on the protocol with a couple of 'free' meals. I didn't gain. I have taken a 7-10 day break a couple of times also with no shots. I have had a couple of 'free' meals and stalled weight loss for about 3 to 4 days, but it was fine. I knew that would happen. I think it's important to take those breaks if your going for the long haul... it's mental. To date I weigh 168. I'm wearing a size 10 jean. I started this diet wearing a size 16. There has never been a time in my life when I weighed this much and wore a 10. I look like I'm a much lower weight. But I am pressing on. I feel amazing. I keep having to buy smaller and smaller clothes. I've changed the way I look at food...the way I feel about food. My underactive thyroid is beginning to normalize. Is it taking a long time to reach my goal? I don't think so. I'm not hungry, I don't feel deprived. I'm shrinking...I can work in my garden and climb stairs again....Does the HCG work? Oh, yes, and how! My body shape has changed, it has been reshaped. I look younger. I'm going to continue on the shots until I reach my goal and then I will start maintenance and the weight will stay off for good. I am not planning to take any time off, just the one day per week and I plan on taking part in a delicious Thanksgiving meal with no guilt. Will it set me back? Yes. Is it worth it? Yes. Do I weigh myself every day? No. Every few days or after a free meal. Most of the time after I have a free meal, I lose. I think it's just my body's way of sensing all is well, I'm not starving. I think it's important to have those meals every so often. I still have a ways to go... but I know I will get there. This is way off the protocol, but it is working for me. I wish you all a safe, and beautiful weight loss journey and hope this might encourage some or help in some way to keep going and set longer goals and make it to the finish line. I know I will.