Thread: Leptin Reset?

Hello...

I've bent your ear in the past and am hoping to get some advice again...

I have done a couple of rounds of injectable HCG in the past and have had very good success, including keeping within the 2 lb. range during P3 while loosely following Protocol at times. However, I let myself get out of control and regained some of the weight I lost during my downward slide since Christmas, so I thought I'd do another round of HCG to get back to my preferred weight.

This time, I decided to do everything I could to stick to the Protocol, in the hope of maximizing my weightloss and then locking in during stabilization. This time, I stuffed my face during the loading phase...I adamantly followed protocol during P2, including skipping one day a week to avoid developing immunity to the injections, and I even switched to Stevia, instead of using my usual Splenda (which I used freely during previous rounds with no problems)...I am going back to my hometown for the first time in five years at the end of July and I really, really wanted to get back down to my preferred weight of 140 lbs. by the time of the trip (long story, but the last time we were there, my youngest son poked my arm and said, "Mommy, you're so squishy!"...I could have died on the spot!)

Well, then I got to P3. I lost 29 lbs. during P2, which took me down to 140 lbs. on the morning of my last injection...I was thrilled! I sooo carefully followed protocol for 72 more hours following the last injection, then began increasing my calories, etc. I took a whole afternoon and prepared for P3...I made my own mayonnaise by hand, I baked flax bread, I shredded several kinds of cheese, I boiled eggs....I didn't expect to add all of those things in right away, but I wanted to be prepared! I did add in a few too many things the first day (all protocol, though) and it took me about a week to realize that the sugar-free powdered drink mix that I was using contained maltodextrin...argh! After a gain on the first day, I cut waay back and went back to the basics -- chicken, homemade mayo, used coconut oil liberally, etc. -- but did not continue any dairy at that time. I have not added in any fruit and have discontinued the grapefruit I ate daily during P2. I slowly kept gaining anyhow, no matter what I did...I upped my fat intake, calories, and protein...I only drink water and iced tea...still using Stevia to sweeten my iced tea. I seemed to find some success with making those changes, but still wasn't able to add other things in. I've had to do at least 4 steak days and a couple of FFF days (I've had decent losses on FFF days). I make sure to get at least 100 grams of protein daily, as water retention is a real problem for me. My previous rounds, I bought regular mayo...used Splenda freely...drank that danged sugar-free drink mix and had no real problems stabilizing!

As of today, I am five weeks into P3 and am up 6 lbs. I still am not adding in any carbs other than some cauliflower and salads. I only drink iced tea and water. I only eat chicken, tuna (in water), ribeye steaks, occasionally I eat boiled eggs, and I eat FFF several times a week (I figure that if I have had good losses during FFF days, then I probably am not sensitive to dairy...right?) My caloric intake ranges from about 1500 to 2000 per day. I am 5'7", 44 years old, not very physically active during this last while. I am liberal with the homemade mayonnaise and coconut oil to help me get to the needed calories each day.

I am so upset at regaining these 6 lbs...they are hanging right around my stomach and it is driving me crazy to think that I go on my long-awaited trip in five weeks! I need to figure out how to lose these 6 lbs. again, but I don't know what to do anymore! I am thinking that maybe a leptin reset would be the right answer for me, but am a little bit concerned when I read that women often gain 10 lbs. at the beginning of the leptin reset protocol...ack! I guess I'm looking for input from y'all to find out what your suggestions would be...what should I do?

I would not be so upset if I had been cheating on this diet, as then I would feel like I kind of deserve to have regained 6 lbs., but I have been more careful than ever and it's just not fair! [STOMPING MY FOOT FOR EMPHASIS!]

I appreciate any help and guidance you can offer...

Thanks...take care...
C