I guess with anything it is up to you to change the way you eat and the way you look at foods, but because of the diet I am much more educated about what is IN things I buy at the store - I read the calories / fat content / carb content / sugar content / sodium content on everything, make healthier choices than I did a month ago, certainly. And, with the first phase of the diet (shots and VERY low calorie) being 23 days, that created a habit for me - I no longer snack, it's just out of my habit now. I no longer drink sodas or eat chips, etc. My stomach has shrunk so I eat less now as well. I am on the third phase (I can eat anything I want as long as I stay within the calorie range to maintain my weight and I can't have any starches or sugars for another 2 1/2 weeks). So, with this diet, there are a number of positive things, for me at least:

1. change the way I look at food (portions, calories, etc)
2. weight loss fast enough that I saw results and stayed on it
3. I am more active now
4. I have more control over what I eat
5. I have dropped the bad eating habits


So, I am more than happy with this diet. I plan to maintain where I am now for a couple of months and then go back on the HCG to lose the last bit of weight I have to go (unless of course I lose more practicing for derby, LOL).

But, I doubt I would have been able to do any of it without the hormone. In fact, I know I wouldn't have.

I agree with you that it's always up to the individual to change the way they eat and look at food.
It's certainly positive to be active, drop bad eating habits, look at food portions, etc..
Honestly though, all of that can be accomplished regardless of the weight loss method.
I guess where we differ is in seeing weight loss FAST enough to stay on it.
I always look at it this way, you don't put it on over night and it's not going to come off over night and stay off!
Almost any health professional would tell you that a healthy way to lose weight is no more than 1-2 lbs per week, not a day! It also increases the success of keeping it off long term.

I have a lot of thyroid/autoimmune issues, so no way am I gonna try that, but I will say wow, it's really working for you.
One of the more interesting things I have seen.

I hope you don't think I was attacking, I was just clarifying something that you mentioned regarding me, that's all. It sounds like you are annoyed, when that was not my intension.

-Vivian

Congrats :)
I have a few friends and family members that have done it and kept the weight off.

congrats, i was looking into this diet. let me know how keeping it off goes. it might be something i start!

:congrats:

Actually before you even get approved for the surgery you have to go to nutrition classes and lose at least 5% of your body weight on your own. They do work with you to change how you eat and view food. My boyfriends sister went through all the steps but could not afford the nutrition classes that were $150 and they won't do the surgery until she does. Its been more than a year that she has put it off for lack of money.

Oh and I meant to add, regardless of how I feel about this 'diet' ... you DO look GREAT! :) Congrats on the weight loss and best of luck with the roller derby! I would love to do something like that! I love rollerskating or rollerblading!

Interesting article about Hcg that Ive found throughout reviews of this 'diet' ... for those thinking about doing this...

Scientific evidence: There is no scientific evidence supporting HCG injections as a weight loss strategy. In addition, these injections have not been approved by the FDA for use in weight loss. In fact, since 1975 the FDA has required all marketing and advertising of HCG to state the following: “HCG has not been demonstrated to be effective adjunctive therapy in the treatment of obesity. There is no substantial evidence that it increases weight loss beyond that resulting from caloric restriction, that it causes a more attractive or ‘normal’ distribution of fat, or that it decreases the hunger and discomfort associated with calorie-restricted diets.”

“HCG is a hormone extracted from urine of pregnant women. It is approved by FDA for treatment of certain problems of the male reproductive system and in stimulating ovulation in women who have had difficulty becoming pregnant. No evidence has been presented, however, to substantiate claims for HCG as a weight-loss aid.” via the FDA

HCG ban: The hormone was recently added to the list of “banned substances” in Major League Baseball, as it was becoming increasingly popular among steroid users. Athletes turned to this, among other “performance enhancing drugs” because it “mitigates the side effects of ending a cycle of steroids.”

Negative side effects: The common side effects include headaches, mood swings, depression, blood clots, confusion, and dizziness. Some women also develop a condition called Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS); symptoms of this include pelvic pain, swelling of the hands and legs, stomach pain, weight gain, shortness of breath, diarrhea, vomiting/nausea, and/or urinating less than normal.

Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Weight loss is hard work and it won’t come in a potion, pill, or injection. The most “dangerous” thing you should be doing to your body is trying a new exercise that intimidates you like rock climbing or completing a marathon.

I have been on this diet since Thursday and have lost lbs already. I can tell you that I have a personal trainers certificate and an undergrad in fitness management and I am also under the care of a doctor while on this diet. I have tried working out twice a day, weight watchers, Jenny Craig and never had this great of a result before. I do not and would never have an "eating disorder" and there is a serious maintenance phase after you come off the 20-48 days of hcg. In times past it has taken me 2 months to lose this amount of weight and I felt hungry and discouraged. I do not feel hungry on this diet and am even eating more than the 500 calories he suggests. I ate around 800 yesterday because that's what I needed and lost 3.3lbs between yesterday and today. There is much truth to what he says about toxins in our daily life and diet and basically this is no sugar, protein, veggies and water. And no normally nobody could even do a 500 calorie diet for a week...I know I sure couldn't. But with the addition of the hcg my hunger is not there and I am able to eat things that are clean and healthy. I plan on staying on this diet for 20-48 days depending on how fast it takes me to lose the weight I want to lose. I also struggle with a severe uterian disease and the hcg is helping with my pain level. Not quite sure why some of you are resisting the idea of this being healthy especially if some of us are under doctor supervision. You don't have to believe that it is healthy but for people considering gastric bypass (not me but my mom) this is way healthier than having your stomach chopped up and never being able to eat normal again and dumping all the time. I think that why people struggle with weight is because of lack of good choices and the need for a lifestyle change but it is also discouraging to work so hard and never see any results! I don't plan to go back to the choices I was making and this has already radically changed the way I view what it possible for me and what choices I will make in the future to keep this weight off!

Sorry...the first line meant to say I have been on this diet since Thursday and have lost 8lbs already...

Don't knock it until you've tried it!
 

The incredible and positive results that thousands of people have had through being on this diet would suggest otherwise...you can be a critic all you want and choose NOT to do this diet! That is certainly YOUR choice! There are those of us who have made the choice to do it and are happy with our choice and the fantastic results we have seen through choosing to do it! Best to state your claims, your "evidence" and your opinion and move on! I am so happy with what I have seen in less than a week of being on this diet and nothing that anyone can write refuting my own personal evidence and that of so many others, will change my mind!

Hey that's fine... you shouldn't take offense to what I posted, it was an article I read, matching a few different articles all stating pretty much the same thing. It was informational and not directed at you or anyone else.... that's it.

I know there are people on both sides of the fence here, just like other issues, there is no convincing either side to move over to the other side. :) But, at least the conversation is out there - I guess I need to learn to not take personal offense to things said. :)

Good for you, Mary! The first week was the hardest for me for sure, and I lost 10 pounds the first week! :) Can't wait to hear how it goes for you.

I am still maintaining, hovering around +/- 1 pound from my last shot day.

Those side effects, by the way. are those recorded in Women who take the hormone as a treatment for infertility - taking it for that purpose is in a MUCH stronger dosage than for the weight loss (something like 100 times the dosage as for the diet).

My doctor (and I have read it elsewhere) is that the only possible side effect of the diet (when done properly) is gal stones, and not from the HCG but from your body processing out so much fat.

Oh, and my mom did the diet with me and my hubby, and she had her thyroid removed years ago. She is also missing a kidney thanks to cancer. But, she did amazing on the diet and feels better now than she has in years.

No offense taken!
 

You are definitely entitled to your opinion and that is fine! I promise I didn't take any offense to what you wrote! Ask any nutritionist and they will tell you that losing even 10% of your body weight has so many good effects on your health physically. The side effects you listed in that article were for the dosage level that women take to combat infertility and not the small amount that we take in this diet. And just to be clear you do have to change your eating habits with this diet. This is NOT a quick fix and is a serious lifestyle change! But my point is that this allows for successful results while you change your eating habits and many other diets take so long that most people give up 6 weeks into the process after seeing little to no results! This is not a method of take some drops/injections and eat whatever you want! This takes discipline and commitment! We just get to see the results a little faster!:)

As with any diet you should consult your doctor before starting and get their okay! I did that with both my gyn specialist and my internist and they were all for it!

Is that fat loss, or water loss or ?? I did not know you could lose that much weight in such a short period of time. Amazing. I've lost 15 pounds, but that has been over 5 months and restricting calories a lot. Anything else I have tried hasn't worked. I exercise and end up gaining weight - seriously.
I would almost be tempted to try this, but I take quite a few medications. Did you guys say you can't take any meds/vitamins while on this??

It's fat loss. I have lost 8lbs in 5 days. I am on several meds for a uterian disease and my docs okay'd me doing it! We definitely have to restrict calories on this diet...not a free ride but the hcg combats hunger and resets your hypothalamus to burn internal fat! I know several people who have done this diet and have lost major weight and kept it off! Check with your doctor first of course! And you and he/she can decide if its right for you! You can check out the protocol for this diet at HCG, HCG Drops and HCG Information | Your HCG! Good luck!

I will respond since I am one who is questioning this diet. I don't think anyone is questioning becoming healthy, that would be silly.
I know that what I'm questioning is how safe & effective this diet really is.
It's great to want to lose weight & get in shape, everyone applauds that.
It's also great for someone to say they are going to change their eating habits, that's what true weight loss success entails.
My opinion is that people are looking for a quick fix with this diet, they want to lose weight fast. If you are someone that will actually change the way you eat, bravo. Unfortunately, I'm always concerned about anyone who wants to lose weight and wants to see a big & fast weight loss. Again, you didn't put it on over night and personally I think long term success is taking it off the way most Dr.'s & nutritionists would tell you, 1-2lbs a week.
I agree anyone even considering this, should consult with their Dr. first, but I wouldn't consult with a Dr. who actually profits from this, because that isn't really an objective opinion.
I'm sorry, but my opinion is simply that changing the way you eat while you are losing weight is the best way to do it. Not to lose it first as fast and furious as possible and then say I will change my habits afterwards. How many people do this on diets every day?
Hard work and lifestyle changes do pay off, not at as fast of a rate as this, but if you are honestly making the changes, it happens!

Interesting thread as I'd never heard of this stuff - but will pass it on to someone I know that may be interested - she's tried so many different things and always falls off the wagon after only a week or 2

I just want to say GOOD LUCK ! Anytime we see results we get more motivated - I think alot of people fail dieting because the process can be so slow and IMO - results motivate. I have no idea about the safety issue but if others have had sucess - then I'd be up for it if dieting.

Can you/do you workout while on this diet? I am on a maximum 1500 cal per day diet right now and I'm doing well. It's my 1st week so I did not combine it with working out yet b/c I feel I am tired and need to give my body time to adjust to the lessened calorie intake (I'm sure I was eating about 2500-3000 cals/day before.) I workout regularly so was wondering if the drops and working out could work together?

Would this diet work for problem areas? I have flabby arms and big thighs (pear shaped.) Where do you see the most weight loss in your body?

I am just curious....:)

Thanks-
Viv

My grandma is doing this diet but I don't know how much she's lost or how seriously she sticks with it, I know when I've seen her she is eating normally, but that's usually at family get togethers.

I've got 10 pounds left to lose, I'm down 18 since November. I've thought about taking it, but just with the weight loss than I've seen ( I lost 20 more pounds in 2008/2009) I've got loose skin. And I'm 27 and wasn't ever really overweight. It would be so nice to lose the last 10 before Memorial Day and bathing suit time, but I'm afraid it will make the skin even worse.

Viv- You aren't supposed to work out on the hcg diet, you aren't eating enough calories to support exercise. I eat between 1200-1500 calories a day and then go over on the weekends, and I workout out about 40-60 minutes a day with Jillian Michaels workouts or some running. Calorie counting is slow, but it's so worth it. And it has really helped me to be able to change the way I look at food, I think I will be able to maintain pretty easily after I'm at my goal now that I know more about what to eat and what not to eat.

Well then forget it, I almost considered it for a minute! I have to have energy to do physical activities or else I will not be able to make it through the 8 hour day with my Kindergarteners:) and then try to go workout.

Girl, you are NOT kidding, calorie counting is hard work, but it does work. Esp when the exercise is added in. I'm doing good for my 1st week. Weekends SUCK...I wanna eat everything, but am getting better. Last weekend I went to a wedding reception and the sweet table was awesome. I took so much and took 1 bite and stopped, gave the plate to my babe, and went to get fruit! GO ME!!!!:):):)

Thanks!
Viv

I've actually done really good so far with working out hard all week, and keeping the calories around 1200, and then not totally taking the weekends off, but not being as strict, eating a cheeseburger or pizza or milk shake on the weekend, and I haven't cut out drinking either. I've averaged .7 pounds a week loss, but having my weekends has been worth it.

But it's crunch time for my bikini, I've got two weeks left not counting this one, and I lost 2 pounds last week with cutting out alcohol, so I may have to quit until then. I think I would try the hcg diet for the two weeks to try to get down to where I want to be, but I really don't think I've got the self control to eat 500 calories on the weekends. I'd probably just be out lots of money for it and not lose in time anyway if I didn't stick with it 100%.