Re:Dr. ATW Simeons HCG Diet Protocol

Phit Coach,
You need to actually research this diet as you do not understand how it actually works. Otherwise you would not be trying to "correct" it.

First off, the extreme low calorie intake is not meant to be a way of life. It is only a part of the diet, a tool, if you will, to help get the body's metabolism kick started again. I think that most of us who have dealt with long term weight loss issues and have tried all the usual avenues (to little or no avail) are fairly well versed in nutritional issues. We know we can't live off of 500 cals indefinitely. This is only for the weight loss portions of this diet.

We know that exercise is important. I'm sure many of us have spent countless hourse on treadmills, exercise bikes, walking, etc. However, for the active portion of the weight loss, walking (or low intensity) exercise is suggested (my understanding of why more strenuous activity is not pushed in the beginning is that the body is already working to rid itself of the fat and altering the metabolism, that it is unnecessary to further stress it to increase muscle mass at this time--- like I said, that's my understanding, at this point in time). After the program, by all means, most of us are aware that we still need to incorporate an active program and any exercise to increase bone health and muscle would of course be necessary if not desirable. After the program is completed, the person is expected to maintain their loss by healthier eating and a healthier lifestyle altogether. It is not a "magic bullet" cure.

It boils down to this being a program that those of us with bottomed out metabolisms can turn to. Also, it's a diet that we can lose a large amount of health-stifling weight and not have to deal with having surgery to take off large flaps of left-over skin.

Hello CarolinaMay,
Glad to see a fellow RN on this diet. I too am an RN and I must admit, I had a hard time allowing my mind "out of the box" to consider this diet. I can't believe in all my 15 yrs as a nurse that I had never even heard about this diet. I'm in the process of signing up with a clinic now. I wish you luck, and all of you others out there, male and female, luck. I hope y'all keep the board updated on your progress. Folks like me could use the info.

A question for those of you out there on this program.... Are you on the natural HCG (actually extracted from urine) or a synthetic HCG? This came up during my clinic interview. I also did not choose to just buy off the internet and DIY. I got a little leery when I came across a "clinic" that would sell me the script and I could buy it from their pharmacy, but it came from India. I don't want to rile anyone. I'm not saying one way is better or worse. I'm just curious what kinds of programs you are on or have been on... Thanks.

I agree with you on this. I live a fairly active lifestyle. I am careful how I eat and I do indulge occasionally. I jog 3 times a week for 30-45 mins. I have just reached a point where I am unable to keep the weight off. I just started the protocol on the 12th. I am on Day 3 of the actual 500 caloried diet and i have already lost 6 pounds. The first two days were tough! I was CONSTANTLY hungry. however, today I was able to make it to the designated meal times and not feel sick to my stomach because I was so hungry. I am not working out while I am on this diet, however, I fully plan on continuing after I have completed the protocol. Not everyone can just shed weight as easily.

I have one day left to go on the HCG Diet. I documented everything on my blog:
http://fatlosschronicles.blogspot.com

BEWARE!!! This diet does not do exactly as claimed. I have lost lean muscle, as well as *structural* fat. It is not just "abnormal" fat that you lose on this diet.

Please research very, very carefully before trying this diet. It is not healthy for you!

I too am on the HCG Diet and I am a believer. I wish that people who put it down would do the research. My sister is a health nut, eats all organic, has a nutritionist, and sees her Health & Wellness Doctor weekly. He is who introduced the HCG Diet to her because she could not lose weight no matter how little she ate and how much she exercised. She is now a tiny little thing and has been since doing the diet last year. I started the diet 29 days ago and have lost 28 pounds and 5 inches around my waist! It is the toughest diet I've ever done but the results are so astounding that it keeps me going. I need to lose 20 more pounds so I am doing a second round of the diet in 6 weeks. I feel fabulous. I haven't felt this good in years. I'm so glad to have all of the artificial sweetners and junk out of my body. Hang in there all you HCG Dieter's! You can do it!!

Doctor's are actually the only people who can prescribe this diet to someone. Also, it's not an easy thing. Just because the weight comes off doesn't mean it's easy. This is the hardest diet I've ever done. I wanted to jump off a cliff the first week. I've had friends start it with me and lose 15 pounds in 2 weeks but they couldn't take it any longer because of their addiction to food. Some people cannot lose weight without the help of this diet. If you read the Protocol you will find that the NATURAL hormone we inject in to us actually attacks the abnormal fat that some of us can't get rid of no matter what we try. Read Dr. Simeon's Pounds and Inches, it's like 52 pages long and it's free anywhere on the web.

How can you make an all-encompassing statement like "It's not healthy for you"? You lost almost 17 lbs. of fat. 2 or so lbs. of lean muscle. That sounds healthy. Also, you haven't done it long enough to see if you will be able to keep it off. Finally, what were the adverse health effects you experienced that lead you to claim it's "not healthy"?

Greetings,
This is my second time on the protocol. Not because I gained the wait back, but because I still have more to lose. I lost 20 pounds the first time around, back in Aug. I kept all but 3 pounds off and now would like to shed my final 20 before summer. When considering this protocol, please keep in mind that you are changing your lifestyle. We do our best to only eat organic (and natural) in our house. We haven't had McDonalds or Doritos, or things like them in almost a year. It was most difficult on our children, 10, 8, and 6. However, our 8 year old, who had twice been hospitalized with a mood disorder, is now drug free and eating healthier than ever. And..no longer has a significant mood problem.
I did try to lose these last 20 on my own most recently, and with eating healthy and getting exercise, I was unable to shed anything. The 2nd phase, 21 days is pure torture for me, as I really don't like vegies, but it is so worth it to feel and look better. My mother in law has done this protocol 4 times now and is 5 pounds short of her goal. She looks wonderful and better yet has changed her lifestyle!
Sorry for the blabbing...I move on to the 3rd phase on April 4 and I can't wait!

FatLoss
My previous post was directed at you, byw . I don't feel that any of your posts verified your blanket statement that the HCG diet is "unhealthy."

i have started this diet and lost 8 lbs in 7 days then i gained 1lb back and have been at this weight for 5 days with no change plus i am starving all the time, my wife has done it and she is losing weight slowly but she is and she is fine not hungry at all i went to the doctor and was told be my doctor that your body needs a min cal requirement a day the hcg does work but in some case the persons body thinks that is not getting enough food and starts storing it as fat again and your body is fighting it self.. she told be if i wanted a good program to follow and still shows good results was to do the biggest loser 30day jump start and it also show great results and its eating health but good food cal reduce diet

awesome statement, you are right on, amen to all

Where did you buy your HCG products to get started?

Renee,
I find it interesting that you suggest that overweight people need to eat less and do more. I eat organic, very healthy and also exercised 5x week for over 1 year. I did cardio, swimming and weights and only lost a total of 10 lbs. Not everyone that is overweight eats at MacDonalds or is lazy. Your lack of empathy and judgemental attitude is quite offensive. Sometimes it is better to remain silent and thought a fool than to speak up and remove all doubt/

im 19 years old, and i weigh about 192 on a fat day, and im only 5'5"... i purchased sublingual hCG online from yourhcg.com, im super skeptical and im waiting for it to come in the mail... i really just wanna know how it works if im gonna be extremely hungry to the point where im gonna be a huuuuuuuge beeotch, or if im gonna be miserable, if its gonna get better... i am going to california to see my ex boyfriend in 38 days and i wanna look hot haha, i bought a 30 day program that is supposed to make me lose anywhere from 30-40 pounds, is that possible?? i sure hope so!

can anyone suggest ways to make me feel not as hungry? or suggest ways i can keep it off after my cycle is done, or can anyone tell me what its gonna be like? im super scared i just need some advice...

I started HCG yesterday and decided to write a blog about my experiences since there is so little first-hand info available. please check it out and feel free to comment and/or add any observations that you think might help others.
http://thea-hcgjourney.blogspot.com/

Hi all of you! I am new to this topic. Consider to start. It was very interesting to all your responses. I have a medical background, and some of your thoughts are very close to mine. Did you find any info re: Simeons protocol and history of cancer? I need to lose approx. 10-15 pounds, no more.It is nessessary to start with injection, I read about HCG drops. Did anyone try it?

Hi Lisa ...
hCG IS a marker that doctors test for in the case of some cancers. Therefore, the doctor that I work for does NOT advocate the hCG diet if you have a history of cancer. I hope that is helpful and at least points you in the right direction until you are able to get more in-depth information through your own doctors!

As a side note to everyone, we in the office discussed at great length the FATLOSSCHRONICLES posted earlier. We found two glaring mistakes that she made that may be a contributor to her muscle pain and loss of lean muscle. One, she did not eat what she was supposed to (she ate eggs and/or cottage cheese almost every day which is a no-no). Two, she did not inject herself correctly; doing it subcutaneously (into the fat) instead of intramuscularly (into the muscle). I hope these are some helpful tips for anyone experiencing the same symptoms.

Please consult with your doctors as you do this diet - they are a great asset for everything from accurate BMI measuring to making sure you are not pushing through pain you should not be experiencing while on the hCG diet. If you are in the Tucson area, I highly recommend calling Dr. Garrett Smith at at Naturopathic Medicine of Southern Arizona (520-577-6888). He will guide your hCG diet safely and successfully.

Good luck all!!

I was wondering if you could eat fat and sugar free jello on this diet as one of the fruit..

Katiepen-I just found this site and one other one that you visit. I have read a lot of what you have said. I think you are very positive, knowledgeable and inspirational. I am 42 years old, female and weighed 250lbs before starting this a week ago. I noticed you have not been around lately and I wanted to chat with you a bit...I haven't read a new post from you here or elsewhere in 6 months or so. If your out there and read this PLEASE drop in as I would love to see how you are doing maintaining phase 4 (since you were starting your last injection phase several months ago according to your post I assume you are in phase 4 now). I also have a question or two for you. Thank you and hope to hear from you soon!!! Peace and love

Chad, No...You cannot eat sugar free products as they contain saccarin (sp?) and other artificial sweeteners such as splenda, food dyes, chemicals and are pure junk. The point of this protocol is to rid your body of toxins so if you eat them you are being counter-productive and wasting your money. The only sweetener you should use is sweet leaf stevia (preferably organic). It comes in several flavors and is so good on fruit, in tea and salad dressings as well! I recommend everyone read Pounds and inches by Dr. Simeons (or Kevin Trudeau's book) before doing this to fully understand WHY we are obese to begin with (toxins, sugar addictions etc..). Sugar is more addictive than cocaine (not my words but in the words of a scientist that did several years of studies on the subject). I believe it because I am a former addict (of sugar). I couldn't kick the stuff without ridding my body of toxins because it-along with other waste-is stuck our tissues and organs! Gross but true. I can't even eat it now-I get an instant headache and feel sleepy as my body is not used to the drug (sugar) any longer. Plus, my body knows it is a foreigner and does not belong! Anyway, enough preaching for now. Best of luck to you!! One last tip-eat what God created for optimum health...organic (pesticide free) plant based items not man made chemicals that have been in a box on grocery store shelves for months and months!

Hello MyTree.

Your comment "...Please don't make me laugh... The truth is, doctors know very little about nutrition..." was right on the money. You're absolutely right that some doctors know very little about nutrition. I'm a 2-time weight loss surgery (WLS) recipient. If it weren't for nutritionists in my program, I would be on the wrong path.

I'm doing my own research into the HCG diet. I've lost 140 pounds as a result of RNY gastric bypass. That's what worked for ME. However, my heart grieves for the many people who qualify for weight loss surgery. Unfortunately, insurance companies have exclusions or impossible-to-meet standards against WLS. I think Dr. Simeons' diet may be a viable alternative!

Best regards,
Sandy

Congratulations, on your weight loss. I have been wanting to try it. How do you know how much to use and how do you mix it?

I got that info from my Doctor...you really should be under some sort of supervision while on HCG in my opinion.. Thanks for the congrats!!

I'm a 66 year old grandmother with a 35 year overweight problem. I needed to loose a total of 75 lbs, which with regular diet would mean three years of very boring eating.

I've done the HcG diet three times, going from 250 to 200. The middle time I became discouraged by plateau, and by loosing less & slower than the first time. Third time, I acceped that, lost about 23 lbs and STAYED ON THE MAINTAINANCE DIET FAITHFULLY! My body reset its weight point, and every time I gain a little, it returns quickly to to the set weight if I take care of it right away. (Including a 2-week cruise with great food!) In September I am doing it again, hopefully for the last time. Should have me off maintainence phase by Thanksgiving and Holidays.

I have combined the diet with making major changes in my life. I work out 2-4 times a week at a gym. My husband also lost 50lbs, on Atkins, over three years. We highly recommend reading "The End of Over Eating" by Dr. David Kessler. We do not eat starches,rarely drink,cut back on fats,and avoid sugars. With few exceptions,if it comes in a box or a can, you won't find it in our house.

My brother (53, heart problems) and my sister (70 - and overweight for many years)
have also done the diet. Again, the success depends on sticking to the maintence phase,
and making some serious and earnest lifestyle
changes. At our ages we are not doing it for vanity - we are loosing weight so that we can hang on to our health, and lives.

Incidently, we ran out of old 'size smaller' clothing some time ago - and donated all the old stuff to resale shops, then bought replacements there at minimal cost. I've gone from size 22W to 16 regular and hope to make 14 next time - which is as thin as I have ever been in my adult life.

I have heard that exersize should cease while on the HCG diet...really? I feel like my muscles need attention. I just want to know that it is okay to workout a little.

i do have to add, i have struggled all my life with my weight. Even at the beginning of the year, i would work out nearly 4 hours a day, eat modestly, and lost little to no weight. and i truly stuck with to it. i worked really hard to try and get a balance of intake vrs burned to loose the weight, and had disappointing results. then in may, my step mom mentioned this program to me and got me set up on it. i immediately started loosing 1lb a day, and even more exciting was when i started with 3 and 5 lbs days. and even better, since i have been off of it, i haven't gained the weight back. i don't so much care why it works anymore, but the fact that it does. even off of it i work really hard and am trying to get into the army so i workout hard and watch what i eat, but nothing is more fun than loosing weight on a daily basis without having to starve or vomit through out the whole process.

In "Pounds & Inches" Dr. Simeons states: "A game of tennis, a vigorous swim, a run, a ride on horseback or a round of golf do not have this effect (physical exertion of long duration leading to a feeling of exhaustion); but a long trek, a day of skiing, rowing or cycling or dancing into the small hours usually result in a gain of weight on the following day, unless the patient is in perfect training." I read this to mean that if regular exercise is already part of your normal routine, then it is ok to continue--just don't exercise to the point of exhaustion.

Thanks to all for sharing your insights. I thought I'd share my experiences with the HCG Diet Protocol.

My wife is involved in health care (RN). The diet came highly recommended by several of the physicians with whom she works. Prior to starting the diet, I consulted with my physician and had a physical exam--something I'd recommend to anyone beginning a diet program.

I chose to use injections as described in Dr Simeon's protocol, so I got a prescription for the HCG from my physician. My sister started the diet at the same time. She is using the sublingual drops she purchased over the internet. Our results to date have been very similar. I've lost a little more than she has, but males tend to do slightly better according to Dr Simeon.

I started the low calorie diet 12 days ago. So far I have lost 15.5 pounds. The amazing thing to me is that I feel great! I tend to get very cranky when I am hungry, so I was concerned that I wouldn't be very fun to be around while on a 500 calorie diet. What I have found is that I feel almost no hunger. The only time I am hungry is right around meal times (typical) and every once in awhile, late at night. And, I feel satisfied, even full after my meals. More importantly, the low calorie diet has not negatively affected my mood. I have been strictly following the diet as outlined in "Pounds and Inches". I am very happy with the results so far. My only negative experience happened the first two days--headaches. Apparently, by body was going through withdrawals from sugars and caffeine. I've had no headaches since.

I have tried many diets. I almost always lose weight, but the areas I am most concerned about (my love handles and stomach) always seem to be the last to shrink. On this protocol, they have been the first to shrink. I'm very happy about that.

Wow this drives me Crazy!

I must be the ONLY person in every Forum Room and Blog posting and Web site that noticed this incredible INACCURACY in what everybody quotes about the HCG protocols. I have NEVER seen anyone else anywhere talk about this or correct any, no Doctor, No nutritionist, no weight training expert and no personal trainers. The number of calories on the Simeons HCG diet is 1000 a day NOT 500!

Okay I will cover this slowly (read as fast as you wish I type slowly).

This is called the "Higgins HCG Conjecture."

Protein (fish, chicken, veal, shrimp, etc..) and ANY carbohydrate (APPLES, Grapefruit, Strawberries, lemon juice, etc..) has 4 calories per gram.

Fat has 9 calories per gram

Let's go through the math shall we?

200 grams a day of protein x 4 calories/g = 800 Calories (yup 200 x 4 = 800)
Then add 2 sweet apples(or strawberry equivalent) and some lemon juice (loaded with fructose - fruit sugar) on your vegetables AND add 1 slice of Melba Toast and that is another 200 calories.

So....
800 calories from meats
200 calories from fruits and bread
is a TOTAL of
1000 --- C A L O R I E S! NOT 500...

Yes folks you heard it here first from Jimmy Higgins.


QED

On a side note: 1 calorie of the 4 calories/gram of Protein is used in digesting the protein gram, so protein actually gives you an absolute value of 3 calories/gram if you want to get picky about it and carbs give you all 4 calories per gram.

Yup I can read as well as most can and YUP Dr. Simeon said 500 calories. And what is your point? Is he wrong and can't multiply or add correctly like I can? NO. Back in the 1970s, in Europe, they actually thought that the caloric amount of those foods in those amounts was 500 calories total.

History lesson: The Europeans of the 1970s (yeah he was in Italy) relied on food calorie computations recorded back in 1930s. However, by the 1970s here in the USA, the USDA created all new calorie computations using MUCH more accurate equipment, i.e. 4 calories per gram of protein and carbs. And the Europeans followed many years later. So the good Dr. was using the figures they had back then in Europe. But we know here in the 2009 USA, that protein and carbs actually have 4 calories /per gram. So the HCG diet is actually 1000 calories a day.

Seriously, no doctor, trainer, nutritionist, or anyone else who ever read the protocols and used the diet realized they were actually taking 1000 calories a day except I? Wow, the Higgins HCG Conjecture proves it to be true. Please tell all your friends and others about the Higgins HCG Conjecture.

Just sayin'

Wow this drives me Crazy! I must be the ONLY person in every Forum Room and Blog posting and Web site that noticed this incredible INACCURACY in what everybody quotes about the HCG protocols. I have NEVER seen anyone else anywhere talk about this or correct any, no Doctor, No nutritionist, no weight training expert and no personal trainers. The number of calories on the Simeons HCG diet is 1000 a day NOT 500!

Okay I will over this slowly (read as fast as you wish I type slowly).

This is called the "Higgins HCG Conjecture."

Protein (fish, chicken, veal, shrimp, etc..) and ANY carbohydrate (APPLES, Grapefruit, Strawberries, lemon juice, etc..) has 4 calories per gram.

Fat has 9 calories per gram

Let's go through the math shall we?

200 grams a day of protein x 4 calories/g = 800 Calories (yup 200 x 4 = 800)
Then add 2 sweet apples(or strawberry equivalent) and some lemon juice (loaded with fructose - fruit sugar) on your vegetables AND add 1 slice of Melba Toast and that is another 200 calories.

So....
800 calories form meats
200 calories from fruits and bread
is a TOTAL of
1000 --- C A L O R I E S! NOT 500...

Yes folks you heard it here first from Jimmy Higgins.


QED

Yup I can read as well as most can and YUP Dr. Simeon said 500 calories. And what is your point? Is he wrong and can't multiply or add correctly like I can? NO. Back in the 1970s, in Europe, they actually thought that the caloric amount of those foods in those amounts was 500 calories total.

History lesson: The Europeans of the 1970s (yeah he was in Italy) relied on food calorie computations recorded back in 1930s. However, by the 1970s here in the USA, the USDA created all new calorie computations using MUCH more accurate equipment, i.e. 4 calories per gram of protein and carbs. And the Europeans followed many years later. So the good Dr. was using the figures they had back then in Europe. But we know here in the 2009 USA, that protein and carbs actually have 4 calories /per gram.

Seriously, no doctor, trainer, nutritionist, or anyone else who ever read the protocols and used the diet realized they were actually taking 1000 calories a day? The Higgins HCG Conjecture proves it to be true.

Just sayin'