Day 1: Why hcg?

This is a journal of my journey starting the HCG-supported protocol of Dr. Simeons. There is so little experiential information that isn't a sales pitch, that I wanted to chronicle my personal experiences with this program. I promise to tell you the good, the bad and the ugly!

For those of you who are interested in more information on the HCG diet - this free, online book called Pounds and Inches, by Dr. Simeons is absolutely necessary to read in order to understand how the diet works. Here's the link: www.hcginfoonline.com/ORIGINAL_Dr_Simeons_Pounds_and_Inches.htm

I am female, 39, 5'10" and I weigh 225. I don't really have a set goal in mind for weight loss, but I can tell you that in the past, 170 has looked and felt good. I have tried many different programs and some have worked, but after a few years, the weight has crept back on. Lately, my problem has been motivation. For me, results motivate and the speed of the results of HCG is ultimately what swayed me. Also, that you don't get loose skin as a result of this is a bonus (we'll see if that's true!).

As I mentioned, I am not doing this as a sales pitch, so while I am using a fee-based program and will mention how it operates, the cost, etc., I am not going to disclose the name. I have read many peoples' descriptions of programs costing thousands of dollars, as well as do-it-yourself mail order kits which leave me questioning the quality of the products and the knowledge of the user. I opted to go with a clinical center that specializes in HCG weight loss. The charge for my program is $499 for the 40-day protocol. This includes all HCG product (pre-mixed for me), B-12 shots, the syringes, swabs and the biohazard disposal bucket for the syringes. After a consultation (I supplied my own bloodwork results since I had already had it done recently) I was given a briefing of what to do, how to administer injections, etc. I will be going once a week to check in, but am able to contact them 6 days a week or go in more frequently if I desire.

So, although I am feeling apprehensive - not really sure why - I guess just because you never know how your experience will go or what your body's reaction to the hcg will be- I started today. I had my first hcg shot this morning and for the first two days will be "binge" eating. My counselor stressed to eat lots of everything but avoid loading up on tons of sugar. Carbs and fats are ideal though. The more I eat the better the start to the program will be. He discouraged me from weighing myself until Thursday, day 3, when I begin the 500 cal. a day part of the program. So, in the spirit of that, I am holding off on an official starting weight since it will likely go up in the next 2 days. I plan to take measurements at that time. The shot itself was absolutely painless. Couldn't even tell I'd had one. The 20 units of hcg will be a daily shot and the 50 units of B-12 will be injected 3x a week.

So far, I don't really feel anything. I've been a little jittery, but I had a lot of coffee this morning so I don't really know that I can attribute that to anything other than the caffeine. Been eating lots of the typical no-nos... pizza, pasta, etc. If I notice anything more about day 1, I will come back and update.