Starting the HCG diet

I was asked what was the most difficult thing about starting the HCG diet. It started with purchasing the HCG , which type to get & how much. My husband & I are starting round 2 on July 7th so I'd like to attempt to explain how we started round 1 in April.
Purchase HCG pregnyl by itself or with needles & mixing kit from www.drugdelivery.ca
How much to buy is based on
1) how much weight you want to lose
2) what dosage of HCG you will use

The theory is that you will lose a pound a day. Ron lost 13 lbs in 23 days (.56 lbs/day). I lost 16 lbs in 40 days of injections (or .4 lbs/day). This time I weigh 156 and want to weigh 132, so I want to lose 24 lbs. Based on my past experience, it could take me 60 days, which means about 60 injections (2 rounds of HCG). If Ron wants to lose 15 lbs this time, it could take him about 27 days. The recommended protocol is a minimum of 23 injections (consistent days) up to a maximum of 40 days of injections where you skip one day a week of HCG, less you become immune. Ron could probably reach his goal in this 2nd round. For me, it could take two more rounds.

Some people lose more than a pound/day, others less. More about the variables later.

The HCG we used came in ampuls (very small glass containers). It was called Pregnyl 5000 I.U. (International Units) Its strength was 5000 IU. Dr. Simeone recommended a strength of 125 IU. We started out last time with a strength of 200 IU because our physical therapist and wife did. After Ron stopped at 23 injections, I tried 150 IU and 125 IU. Our therapist is using 150 IU this time and we will also.

Back on carbs & starches

Back on carbs & starches since last Thursday. Now have to see how I do. The strange thing is that my stomach has gotten upset several days since Thursday. Had spaghetti & meatballs for the 1st time since mid April. Planning on starting injections again July 10th. Wonder if I could start earlier ???

Telling friends to join us in mid July

We're telling our friends to join us in mid July when we start again. We'd love to have others locally to accept the challenge and share their successes and trials. Ron and I have been so pleased to have lost 13 lbs (Ron) and 16 lbs (Arlene). Ron's was a 23 day challenge and mine a 40 day. We have a better understanding now and will be better prepared for Round 2.

P3 - 2weeks down one to go

Although I weighed 154 at the end of P2, I've stayed at 156 these last 2 weeks. I've got one more week on P3. Plan to start Round 2 mid July .
Before we begin injections in a few weeks I want to check out this issue.
During our 1st cycle, we went to a chiropractor who did stretching, some massage and some manipulation. During the massage he used a Deep Tissue Massage Lotion which contained:
Purified water, Octyl Palmitate, Cold Pressed Sweet almond Oil, Cold Pressed Hawaiin Kukui Nut Oil, Cold Pressed Pecan Oils, Canola Oil, Vit E, Emulsifying wax (vegetable derived), Paraben, Germal.

Would the above have been a problem?

June 8, 2008 - 156 lbs

April 18 - June 8, 2008

I'm trying to post some new pictures but not having luck. I'll try again soon if I fail for the 3rd time. I started at 172 and am now 156 - 16 lbs lighter. Still wearing my fat clothes but doing much better. I am in P3. I have used a steak day twice. First time no results. Second time dropped 3 lbs, now regained 1.5. My lowest weight was 154.

April 18, 2000 - 172 lbs

P3 Week one

Started Phase 3 on May 29 and will finish June 18. Eating breakfast now - eggs, cheese, bacon. Cheese & some nuts seem to be my new additions. Went to 2 restaurants for the first time after 6 weeks. At Carrows I had prime rib & grilled shrimp & veggies. At Sammy's I had chicken, asparagus, pine nuts with balsamic vinegar & olive oil. It is so strange to be eating again. I had the tendency to want to continue on dieting but know I need to be very satisfied in my 17-18 lb loss and now need to maintain it. Haven't weighed since Friday. If I gained this weekend, Monday will be a steak & apple day. Thought about why I didn't lose a pound per day ( I lost about a third of a pound per day). I stopped my weekly massage but continued my weekly chiropractic appointment. He uses oil when he worked on my shoulders, neck, and arms. I now wonder what kind of oil he uses & if that counted as a massage. That's the only new insight I had recently. So when I start back with HCG in July, I won't include chiropratic except for his stretching.