i don't post much anymore ... just want to say i read your blog and i think it's fantastic - i am simply amazed and so happy for you! *^_^*

Thanks, Nabi!

I think it is great for you losing that weight but I can't help but wonder what will happen after you reach your goal? I wouldn't think it would be safe to stay on this hormone indefinitely right? Just to keep your weight down. KWIM?

You don't stay on it longer than 40-45 days at any given time, and a minimum of 23. That's the beauty of it - there is an end point.

Lost another .6 lbs since yesterday.

So in each of your phases how long are you off it in between? What will happen once you hit your goal weight if weight creeps back up, will you just get on it again for your minimum of 23-45 days?

The Dr. Simeone recommends a 6 week break between round 1 and 2, and a longer break between subsequent rounds to prevent HCG immunity, however in the 40 years since he developed the protocol, the HCG has become manufactured in a very pure form, so immunity isn't a concern. My last two rounds I've finished my phase 3 of the protocol (which is 3 weeks of eating a diet very similar to Atkins - high fat and protein, no sugar, no carbs) and then jumped right back into doing phase 2 again (injections and low cal diet) with no break.

You are supposed to weigh yourself every single morning after the protocol ends, and if you creep up above 2 pounds over your last injection weight, you are supposed to do a correction day, which is basically a protein flush. After a correction day you lose 1-2 pounds, and get back into LIW range.

So after getting to your goal weight this correction day/ protein flush is supposed to keep you on track? Every time you go over 2 lbs this will fix it? They don't ask you do process all over again?

wow! i'm intrigued! i was doing very well losing weight until several life situations got in the way, but i'm ready to try again.

read some of your blog and i'm so happy for you! thanks for sharing your story emily, i'm going to look into this a little deeper

Pretty much - you have to be self-motivated and don't skip days weighing yourself. You're expected to keep yourself in check and take immediate corrective action if needs be. If you let it get out of control and don't do a correction day, then yeah, you may have to do another round. Dr. Simeone says that you can pretty much eat anything you want after protocol ends, BUT, in moderation, and also advocates for a lower-carb diet (not NO carbs). It's pretty sound advice.

You're welcome! I'm happy to answer any questions. I'm celebrating right now because I put on a sexy size 8 cocktail dress last night! It was only a few weeks ago that it didn't fit. I'm on a high right now, I can tell you. From 16/18 to a size 8...well, it's amazing. And I'm not done yet.