HCG... Help

lulusland

Can anyone help me with this,,,, i am trying to understand the HCG diet and all the phases,,,, i tried to find it in the forms but didnt have much like ....

fitniknik

Im waiting for anger! Im scared to do it though!

Terriable topic to post here! Its very unhealthy!

jamie1213

lulusland - I can help you with HCG. My husband and I are in Phase 4 and feel incredible! I lost about 24 lbs and he lost 37 lbs. Don't listen to anyone who says it's unhealthy as it was fully approved by my family doctor. It's the BEST thing I've ever done for myself. I have never felt better and have so much energy. It resets your metabolism and helps you retain your new weight. No joke - it's a hard program for the first 30 days, but as you see the lbs dropping off - it's a motivator to keep going.

lulusland

Im waiting for anger! Im scared to do it though!

Terriable topic to post here! Its very unhealthy!

your waiting for anger?

i have been reading about it and i hear bad things and good things.... I am just trying to understand it all

lulusland

lulusland - I can help you with HCG. My husband and I are in Phase 4 and feel incredible! I lost about 24 lbs and he lost 37 lbs. Don't listen to anyone who says it's unhealthy as it was fully approved by my family doctor. It's the BEST thing I've ever done for myself. I have never felt better and have so much energy. It resets your metabolism and helps you retain your new weight. No joke - it's a hard program for the first 30 days, but as you see the lbs dropping off - it's a motivator to keep going.

is this something that you need to speak to a doctor with and do a program with them?

robin52077

horrible idea, don't even go there.

Just eat healthy and move your body. You'll get there the RIGHT way.

live2smyle

I have lost 37lbs without the assistance of HCG. Just eat within your calorie goals and get a little exercise. You can do it, and there are plenty of people here to support you!

Coco_Puff

I'm afraid of it. I don't like things that are un-natural. I've never even been on birth control. I take a multi vit. and calcium daily and that's it! Shooting yourself up with pregnant women's urine is just that, un-natural. At 53 I haven't had any symptons of menopause and I am scared to put this stuff in my system and screw things up. That's just my feeling on it. I'd rather take my time and lose weight the old fashion way. Watch what I eat and exercise!

anubis609

Im waiting for anger! Im scared to do it though!

Terriable topic to post here! Its very unhealthy!

Here ya go!

pittielover23

lulusland - I can help you with HCG. My husband and I are in Phase 4 and feel incredible! I lost about 24 lbs and he lost 37 lbs. Don't listen to anyone who says it's unhealthy as it was fully approved by my family doctor. It's the BEST thing I've ever done for myself. I have never felt better and have so much energy. It resets your metabolism and helps you retain your new weight. No joke - it's a hard program for the first 30 days, but as you see the lbs dropping off - it's a motivator to keep going.

Well, your doc is insane.

DO NOT MESS WITH YOUR HOROMONES!!!! DONT DO IT!!!!! Especially as a woman, it can screw you up for life.

janesmith1

Lulu - you are desperate to lose 24 lbs by Sept? You can do it without HCG. Please listen to most of us on this thread. BTW, Sept is in 4 months! I have lost 32 lbs in that amt of time, including being plateaued for a month. Following a 1400 or 1300 cal a day diet will get you 24 lbs down, please don't be foolish and go for some bizarre thing that has you eating 500 cals a day and will make you weak! Follow the advice of people here who HAVE lost weight without anything other than cal counting and exercise.

anubis609

lulusland - I can help you with HCG. My husband and I are in Phase 4 and feel incredible! I lost about 24 lbs and he lost 37 lbs. Don't listen to anyone who says it's unhealthy as it was fully approved by my family doctor. It's the BEST thing I've ever done for myself. I have never felt better and have so much energy. It resets your metabolism and helps you retain your new weight. No joke - it's a hard program for the first 30 days, but as you see the lbs dropping off - it's a motivator to keep going.

Eating only 500 calories a day would definitely do SOMETHING to your metabolism. "Resetting" metabolism sounds like a blanketed term for jacking it up to hell and back. But I suppose if you wanna mess with pregnancy piss, it's up to you.

jamie1213

lulusland - you do not have to consult a doctor unless you do the HCG injections. We did the HCG drops. Many people think this is one of those fad diets - you lose the weight and then gain it all back. I was skeptical at first, but my doctor made me feel better about it. The program teaches you how to maintain your weight after the loss. That's what so many deal with after losing weight. Your cravings will go away and I have learned to eat healthier. We cook a lot at home vs eating out. You have to be disciplined just like anyone else. Yes, you still have to exercise. People will tell you just to eat right and exercise and you'll lose the weight and for many people it's true. I will always believe my metabolism was so messed up from years of too much sugar, too much diet soda, etc. I no longer drink diet soda - only tea and water. You can google HCG and read tons of information on it including blogs where people have been on the program and are still on the program. Good luck whatever you decide.

charityateet

Sad today. Went to a clients place and one of the workers there has lost about 30+ lbs (in the time I've lost 25). I was giving her props - until she held up the over the counter sold at the gas station HCG drops. She said with the help of those she was doing terrific. I asked her if she was exercising (sorry but you could totally tell she wasn't - it's like you are melting) and she said no - but the lbs were falling off. I asked her how she was feeling - and her smile broke, she said *I'm tired* *I'm sooo tired*. I asked if she was eating 500 cals a day, she said she is in 1200 but doesn't go above 900. Of course she's tired. Ok, so I said maybe she should try to get some extra protien and maybe space out her meals with some snacks to keep her energy up.

"I'm not allowed breakfast, AT ALL. If I'm hungry I can eat a tomato"

Great - if this works for you.............YEEEE F'N HAW. I'm telling you - I have lost 25lbs since January, I haven't lost muscle, I feel great, I drink beer on the weekends, I eat when I'm hungry, and I haven't excluded any food groups.

To each his own. Do what you want, your journey doesn't affect me - but don't come crying to me when you are tired and hungry.

kelce

I agree with most in this thread. Don't unnecessarily tinker with your hormones and don't limit yourself to that low of a calorie intake. No one can convince me that 500 calories a day is good for anyone. The average anorexic gets 600-800 calories.

Remember if you're looking at a diet and you can only do it X amount of days that probably means you will run into major health problems if you continue. And if it's unhealthy in the long term it's probably no good in the short term.

FACT: Just because some doctors are prescribing this does not make it safe. The majority of doctors and researchers believe HCG to be ineffective and unsafe. HCG is a cash cow and there are many doctors that are more concerned about the money rather than patient health.

NanBar

I am not condemning anyone or judging anyone....I just want to say this, Before going on such a drastic "diet" where you only eat 500 calories a day and ingest a hormone...why not just give food logging a fair chance.I mean- really give it a chance for 2 months and see what happens! If it doesn;t work for you...then look at the quick alternatives...

I am a clean eater since joining MFP. I have completely changed the way I ate- slowly and for the better. I am also NON RESTRICTIVE- which means if I want something- I eat it- I just make my numbers work....so occasionally if I want to have fried catfish and fries, I make sure it WILL fit in with my caloric and nutritional needs! I have lost my weight eating great food and lots of it!

There are many ways to help fire your metabolism, other than HCG. There are also so many success stories of people eating a heck of a lot more than 500 cals a day and losing a lot of weight...Many of them are on my friends list! I have lost 44 pounds since September- eating well and exercising. 24 pounds by September is completely do-able.

Just do your research and figure out what you want and what you think is best for you in the LONG term...Good luck to you.

ratkins811

wow I just had this conversation 10 min ago with a co worker. Since I'm the largest around they keep trying to pitch me the HCG diet. I dont think I can function on 500 cal a day without feeling deprived. I dont feel deprived here and know it will be slower but will stay off this time.

ilsie99

I say we bring back the tapeworm diet. It's 100% natural AND organic!

Ultima_Morpha

After struggling for years with my weight, I decided to try a round or two of an HCG protocol that is administered in my GP's office (intranasal). I am on my second week of the VLCD (very low calorie diet). I lost 12.8 pounds the first week and looking forward to the second week results. It took me months to commit to it.

I agree with all the naysayers...it can have some negative effects. However, many of us have done things to our bodies over our lifetimes that may have longer lasting negative effects than a short term protocol of a naturally-occurring hormone and a lower calorie diet of whole, mostly natural foods with a follow-up to ensure you continue to eat in a healthy way. In my book, a better way than prepackaged, engineered food replacements.

I don't feel dizzy or tired. I've been hungry at snack/meal times...but not starving. My energy level is through the roof right now. I certainly miss certain foods right now. Mmmmmm....peanut butter (I just faded off for a moment) but I don't/won't miss being tired, or wondering if the seatbelt in the airplane will fit, or wondering if my daughter is ashamed of her fat mom.

Birth control pills and partying in my twenties were definitely more detrimental to my well-being (see blog entry for long version).

Don't do anything in life if you aren't willing to accept the consequences of your decision.

Ultima_Morpha

Yeah....this just made me laugh

Ultima_Morpha

I say we bring back the tapeworm diet. It's 100% natural AND organic!

THIS is the one that made me laugh.

janesmith1

I decided to try a round or two of an HCG protocol that is administered in my GP's office (intranasal). I am on my second week of the VLCD (very low calorie diet)

Did you see a doctor that you've seen for years or one of the "specialized" HCG quacks that work in the HCG quack factories.

BTW, I dunno if I would see a doctor that administers HCG or trust them. I'm scientifically inclined and here's some family horror stories:

1. A doctor told my Great Aunt to douche with Lysol, and so she did.

2. A doctor gave my grandmother speed to lose weight, and she lost weight.

3. A doctor gave my grandfather "pills" (I suspect diet pills & speed of some sort) because he was morbidly overweight. He died at 58, shortly after he "lost the weight".

I would never trust any GP that administered this for "weight loss". Never. See the above examples.

Rurouni_Kou

lulusland - you do not have to consult a doctor unless you do the HCG injections. We did the HCG drops. Many people think this is one of those fad diets - you lose the weight and then gain it all back. I was skeptical at first, but my doctor made me feel better about it. The program teaches you how to maintain your weight after the loss. That's what so many deal with after losing weight. Your cravings will go away and I have learned to eat healthier. We cook a lot at home vs eating out. You have to be disciplined just like anyone else. Yes, you still have to exercise. People will tell you just to eat right and exercise and you'll lose the weight and for many people it's true. I will always believe my metabolism was so messed up from years of too much sugar, too much diet soda, etc. I no longer drink diet soda - only tea and water. You can google HCG and read tons of information on it including blogs where people have been on the program and are still on the program. Good luck whatever you decide.

"You do not have to consult a doctor"- BAD advise. BAD BAD BAD.
1) HCG (in the states) is ILLEGAL unless perscribed by a doctor. Any OTC HCG is a scam and very dangerous. [ http://www.azfamily.com/news/health/FDA-Over-the-counter-HCG-products-fraudulent-114733744.html ]
2) Telling anyone "No you don't need to go see a doctor if you're going to take a drug that could have potential side effects and/or go on a potentially harmful diet" is BAD BAD BAD advise.

I have a deep seated hatred for the HCG diet (and any scam/fad diet for that matter), HOWEVER if you are dead set on doing it despite all the good advise here, SEE YOUR DOCTOR FIRST.

vaidaz

By eating on average 1600 cal/day sometimes close to 2000 with occasional glass of wine and sweets there and here, by doing 3 workouts a week (mostly Jillian Michaels 30 day shred or ripped or some other of her workouts) and some other daily activities like walking, I am loosing 2 lbs/week and feel great. It is achievable 'natural' way without fooling around with hormones and starving.

lulusland

thank you everyone.... i didnt mean to start an arguement or to make anyone mad.... i just had heard about it but didnt fully understand it

yes i agree that it does seem weird to put hormones in your body(and hold on did i read right someone wrote its a pregnant persons pee??????)

and that does scare me about the long run and the fact that you only eat 500 calories and how you do not get hungry.....

but i mean i wont understand it if i dont ask questions especially if someone has used it before or is using it.....

anubis609

thank you everyone.... i didnt mean to start an arguement or to make anyone mad.... i just had heard about it but didnt fully understand it

yes i agree that it does seem weird to put hormones in your body(and hold on did i read right someone wrote its a pregnant persons pee??????)

and that does scare me about the long run and the fact that you only eat 500 calories and how you do not get hungry.....

but i mean i wont understand it if i dont ask questions especially if someone has used it before or is using it.....

It's a "red button" topic for most of the community, to see someone asking about "quick weight loss" or anything along the course of fad diets and/or diet pills... things that just aren't generally natural. To use a hormone that's found in the urine of pregnant women [yes, that's what it is], in order to aid in weight loss, on top of an extremely low calorie intake, just sounds so naturally absurd, that it's bound to incite responses that will either make you feel like a fool for even thinking of asking it, or exposing trolls.

Either way, it's true that you won't understand if you don't ask questions, but it's EXTREMELY recommended that you at least do some research on a subject and make an attempt at understanding the risks behind it, especially if it sounds like it goes against common sense, before posting. Otherwise, be aware that as an open forum, anything and everything is subject to scrutiny at some point in time.

Ultima_Morpha

I decided to try a round or two of an HCG protocol that is administered in my GP's office (intranasal). I am on my second week of the VLCD (very low calorie diet)

Did you see a doctor that you've seen for years or one of the "specialized" HCG quacks that work in the HCG quack factories.

BTW, I dunno if I would see a doctor that administers HCG or trust them. I'm scientifically inclined and here's some family horror stories:

1. A doctor told my Great Aunt to douche with Lysol, and so she did.

2. A doctor gave my grandmother speed to lose weight, and she lost weight.

3. A doctor gave my grandfather "pills" (I suspect diet pills & speed of some sort) because he was morbidly overweight. He died at 58, shortly after he "lost the weight".

I would never trust any GP that administered this for "weight loss". Never. See the above examples.

Ultima_Morpha

I decided to try a round or two of an HCG protocol that is administered in my GP's office (intranasal). I am on my second week of the VLCD (very low calorie diet)

Did you see a doctor that you've seen for years or one of the "specialized" HCG quacks that work in the HCG quack factories.

BTW, I dunno if I would see a doctor that administers HCG or trust them. I'm scientifically inclined and here's some family horror stories:

1. A doctor told my Great Aunt to douche with Lysol, and so she did.

2. A doctor gave my grandmother speed to lose weight, and she lost weight.

3. A doctor gave my grandfather "pills" (I suspect diet pills & speed of some sort) because he was morbidly overweight. He died at 58, shortly after he "lost the weight".

I would never trust any GP that administered this for "weight loss". Never. See the above examples.

I am seeing a doctor in my GP's practice...with my GP'S blessing. I agree with everyone that long lasting results will continue to take work. THIS protocol is work. I am eating the right foods, watching my calories, and exercising. I decided to try this protocol because of the way I felt when I was pregnant...energetic, lost my cravings for sweets, no net weight gain. I only gained what I lost during the first trimester. Puking and misery aside, I still felt great!

No one thing is right for everyone and this is a HUGE departure for me. I gave birth naturally with a midwife, I rarely take antibiotics, and I hardly ever eat fast food. I DO however, love to cook delicious, creamy, fatty, delectable food. Gravy. That has been my problem all these years.

Since before I started the HCG, I have changed the way that we cook and eat at home. I had a serious talk with myself about how ridiculous it was to work hard to ensure my daughter had an incredibly healthy diet but I wouldn't take the time to do it myself.

I don't believe that HCG is a panacea. I also believe that it could have some potential side effects. I know that I will have achieve my final goal through other more traditional means. But, the fact is that I was headed toward gastric surgery and I decided that those side effects were something I wasn't ready to face. I can stop the HCG any day....I can't reconnect my digestive system.

Ultima_Morpha

Just one last thing...I am not trying to convince the poster of safety or anything else. I am just sharing my experience so far and my reasons for trying this protocol. Plenty of FDA approved drugs damage people everyday. HCG is used for other therapies and, just like any other FDA approved drup, doctor's have some leeway in prescribing for off-label use.

georgiajuly

FACT: Just because some doctors are prescribing this does not make it safe. The majority of doctors and researchers believe HCG to be ineffective and unsafe. HCG is a cash cow and there are many doctors that are more concerned about the money rather than patient health.

Sad, but true. I am a physician, and I can only conclude that the physicians chasing this are seedy, greedy, or misled. As we all should know by now, if it seems too good to be true...

lnadeau66

Lulusland, I have been on many diets throughout the years and some have been successful (weight watchers, nutrisystem, and MFP), and some not (atkins, trying to "cut back" on my own), the ones that have been successful have the same thing in common: 1200 calories, logging your food, and some sort of support group. I suggest that you look into one of my successes, and stick to it. They all have the same things that help, increased exercise, decreased calories eating more fresh fruit and veggies, and support. It all comes down to taking in less than what you are burning. Best of Luck to You, Lynn:flowerforyou: