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One of my viewers asked me a very good question regarding success or failure on the hCG diet – actually the exact question was:
“Out of how many people you know who have done this diet, how many have dropped out and why?”
I have the privilege of interacting with many people on the diet plan now through my website and facebook page. I definitely do not have any exact statistics to answer this question, but it got me thinking- especially the WHY part of the question.
My guess is that around 50% of people that try out the protocol quit/heavily cheat during or after the losing weight portion and gain back a good amount of weight, at least temporarily. This is not a scientifically based number at all however.
This is just a number to say that of all the people who’ve emailed me or I’ve watched on youtube or communicated with on FB over the last year, quite a few have struggled at some point either by cheating a lot or quitting early or telling me they have done HCG Injections before but gained all the weight back and want to start fresh. The purpose of saying this isn’t to discourage you.
The big question though is WHY? Why does this happen? Maybe if we know why, we can avoid it.
Based on some of the things that people have told me and the reasons I have struggled at times in the past myself, I thought of 6 reasons I think this can happen, and how we can compensate to ensure we do well on the weight loss protocol. Keep in mind these reasons are all said barring any other physical reasons for struggling, like being too hungry due to your dose being off (read about Finding the Proper Dose of hCG).
1. Not Having a Clear Idea of What Is Involved (It’s Harder Than You First Thought)
This is very common for hCG newbies, and don’t feel bad if you are one of those that got derailed by this. Before you experience it, it’s easy to think that you can do something like this no problem.
In all the excitement of learning that you can lose all your excess weight so quickly, the rest of the details about eating only 500 calories and forgetting that most of us eat for many other reasons other than just hunger go out the window it never occurs to us that it could be a challenge. But a challenge it IS my friends! I have said it before and I’ll say it again- fast does not equal easy. An in-depth post with the problem and solution for this coming soon.
2. Expecting Too Much from the Diet and Getting Disappointed Too Easily
It can often be easy for us to lose sight of the big picture. A few days of no weight loss while on the diet can quickly feel like forever. If you are truly only on the diet for the numbers you see on the scale each day you are going to run into trouble- it’s important to have realistic expectations of what you can hopefully achieve through the protocol on each round. We’ll discuss this more soon as well.
3. Your Reasons for Losing Weight Are Not Deep Enough to Carry You Through
I think we ALL have what some might call “superficial” reasons for losing weight at times- a party coming up, wanting to know what it feels like to shop in the size 4-6 part of the rack, a trip to Tahiti, etc. and there really isn’t anything wrong with this.
On the other hand, what happens once the party is over? Or the newness of shopping for smaller dress sizes wears off (it will I promise you).
Like I said, I think there is nothing wrong with having these types of reasons for desiring to be smaller (who doesn’t want to appear great and feel good about themselves in these settings?)- at the same time, there are a few reasons that it’s important to have deeper motivators to lose weight as well– let’s talk about those and why this is important to finishing successfully soon.
4. As you Lose Weight, Your Original Goal Might Not Be Enough Anymore- You May Need to Find New Goals
You may have a truly important motivator to lose weight at the outset of your weight loss journey. Perhaps you are facing death-dealing health consequences if you don’t lose weight, or maybe you are facing weight loss surgery. But perhaps your intial goal with the weight loss protocol is actually reached far before you reach a normal weight. You are no longer in danger of dying or needing weightloss surgery. What then? How do you keep going?
5. Realizing You Have Emotional Issues for Eating That You Haven’t Worked Through
You’d probably agree with me that the vast majority of us do NOT eat purely for sustenance. And there is nothing wrong with this either. Food tastes good for a reason. There’s a reason people get together and share a meal- it’s an enjoyable and enriching thing to do. However, sometimes many of us who are or have been overweight do have some unhealthy reasons for eating, that could have in part, led to our overweight state.
Going on the diet without addressing these issues is a recipe for failure- either actually on Phase 2, or later when we’re off P2 and find that we aren’t mentally ready to make the necessary long term eating changes to maintain our new weight range.
6. Undiscovered Health Issues Can Interfere
One of the reasons I have felt poorly before, had a lot of cravings that were so bad it was impossible to not give in to them, etc. was because my health (which has been fluctuating up and down since my early twenties, about 10 years now, far before hCG entered the picture) was on a downswing and I didn’t realize it at the time. I only had 1 round of the protocol that turned into a disaster and I realized later that my adrenal health was really compromised, which caused the symptoms that made my time on the protocol that round totally miserable.
I actually did a vlog and blogpost on this in the past, which you can read: Failed or Failing Rounds on the Protocol
Watch Justina’s Full Interview here
Watch Patti’s Full Interview here
Watch Monique’s Full Interview here
I discuss each of these points in-depth here below:
- Mentally Prepare for hCG ‘cuz It’s Hard – 6 Concrete Ways to Do This
- Being Realistic on the hCG Protocol – How This SUPER Helps
- Why Deeper Reasons Are Needed for Weight Loss
- Adapting Your Reasons for Losing Weight As You Get Smaller
- Emotional Issues with Food and Eating – preachin’ to the choir
- Struggles on hCG can be Health Related
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Yup, I want this!
Just finished my first week on the diet and I haven’t lost a single pound! Very tempted to quit, I am doing everything it says I’m on 11 u and I’m still hungry. Trying to drink more water but not helping. Please help!
Hi Maria!
So sorry to hear you’re having a hard time. Have you had a chance to read Rayzel’s detailed dosing article here: hcgchica.com/dosage
I suggest checking it out to help you find the right dose for you and not feel ravenous.
Hi everyone. I am a newcomer to HCG. I am 48 years old, 5’3″ and 170 lbs. I have been under the care of a holistic doctor for hypothyroidism for the last six months.
Once my thyroid was under control, she suggested that I try HCG. I have never been heavy in my life until I got sick with my thyroid. I went from 117lbs to 209 in 3 years once I got sick. I have managed to get down to 170 on my own over the years, but I am stuck. So, my doctor mentioned this would help me.
She prescribed HCG rapid dissolve tablets (from Wells Compounding Pharmacy). I am on day 4 now and I haven’t made one mistake. I have followed the protocol to the T. (I live alone so it is easy for me to adhere to the protocol).
Prior to starting the HCG protocol, I had been on the elimination diet for almost two months. I cut out dairy, sugar, gluten, alcohol, caffeine and soy. So, I felt more than prepared to start HCG because I had already kicked the sugar highs and lows and carb cravings.
Here’s the problem. I am hungry….not starving to death, but I’m hungry. And, I’ve developed a headache that is just nagging at me and I’ve had it for two days now. I am drinking more than a half a gallon of water each day, so I know that I’m not dehydrated.
I’m wondering if it is the HCG tablet. There is no way to adjust the dosage like I’ve read about the injections and drops.
Has anyone out there had experience with the rapid dissolve tablets that they could share? I am having trouble finding a whole lot of information on them.
Thanks!
I’m on Phase 2 day 9, I’m super excited and looking forward to more results I did watch Episode 10, which was so timely for me. This is my first round and i’m doing pretty good.
Question: when do you really need to decide to make your day an apple day?
Try 175 iu
I need help buying hcg from the right place can anyone help. Please..
Hi Everyone!
I just finished my 3rd round of HCG and only lost 10 pounds. I did 32 VLC days, and was on protocol the whole time. I did get strep in the beginning of this round and had to take antibiotics (Z pack), has anyone else seen stall due to antibiotics? I have been taking probiotics to help counter act the antibiotics effect. I am on day 1 of P3, and just feel like I had a failed round because my weight loss was not significant (i lost 30 lbs on my first round and 20 lbs on my 2nd round). The clinic I go to suggest waiting 6 weeks between rounds, which is what I’ve been doing. Could my body be developing a resistance to the HCG? Should I wait longer between rounds?
I started the HGC diet 6 days ago. I have already lost 7 lbs! (Morning weight) My question is I have the Mirena. Will the hormones reduce the effectiveness of my IUD? I have recently started spotting with it and usually do not have a cycle. I have had my IUD for almost 3 years. I love the diet and how it is finally causing me to change my eating habits. I haven’t really applied myself after having my last child 2 years ago. I hope I can maintain this for the 40 days! I am excited and already feel better about myself!!
What’s the difference between hcg and “better than hcg drops? ” Groupon has a sale on “better than hcg” I used the regular hcg drops before and lost but didn’t stick with it and now I’m in a place where I’m ready to start and finish.
HI Rae. I started hcg 23 days ago and lost 15 pounds. My prescribed starting dose was 150 and I was HUNGRY. I read the blogs on dosing here and dropped my dose to 125. It was better but I was still hungry so after 3 days I went to 140 and felt about the same as 125 (it seems like such a tiny insignificant amount) but I skipped right over my magic number ) I went to 130 and that was it. NO HUNGER. I get a slight twinge at 12 and 5pm and I eat . Perfect. I’ve had two stalls and I just continue the protocol and wait them out.
I would recommend dropping to 125 and increasing by 5 iu’s every 2-3 days until you feel comfortable. Best wishes.
I bought mine through advance hcg. They send 5000 iu vials which one person can’t use it all before it expires so I share it with a buddy. Each person would get 1 28 day round at 125. But we are getting 23 days rounds based on our doses.
Thanks so much for sharing this info @lisa ! If you don’t mind, can I add your comments about achieving proper dose anonymously to my hCG dosage article? This will help others to dial in there dose. Your’e right it seems like such a tiny difference, like how could that be right? And yet it is!
Is there a way to purchase the liquid instead of the injections? I like the drops under my tongue instead.
Hey @disqus_Gv0EteaHw8:disqus yes it’s a good idea to check your dose, but hunger is quite normal the first few days of the protocl while you are adjusting. Here is my article on dosing to help you with that- in general 200iu is usually too high for most women: http://hcgchica.com/hcg-dosage-how-should-feel-on-the-hcg-diet-when-you-are-on-the-right-dose/ How long did the shipping end up taking? I’m sorry it shipped to the wrong place! Regarding the medical help however, the thing is, they are extremely inexpensive compared to a brick and mortar weight loss clinic- as such they really just can’t provide a lot of medical advice and coaching in that regard- that’s why I put so much work into my own blog to help you guys help yourselves, instead of having to pay $900 to get private help through a clinic. To get a that type of tailored help, you’d have to use a traditional clinic which of course they must charge for- if that’s something you want, by all means do that, but for most they cannot afford this, so this is that in between option. I hope that makes sense. Not trying to make excuses for them, just trying to show that this is the reason they can offer a low price is be really being just a source for hCG. Most use my blog to figure out how to carry out the protocol. I hope that helps! And yes, most likely a dosage adjustment is in order- I hope that article will help you with that.
Thank you for the thoughtful response. I don’t think I could do this without you! With the help of your site I lowered my dose today, around 150 ius. The hunger was still there and feeling weak and tired, but much more manageable. I have extreme food cravings and kind of went crazy with the strawberries. I might go lower tomorrow with the dose and see what happens. I am grateful that we can even get this stuff online–more affordable than a clinic. Hopefully on the right dose I’m less hungry (and cranky) lol.
I’m small boned 5’2 & 141 lbs. Trying to get those stubborn last 15-20 lbs off!
Hiya again! @disqus_Gv0EteaHw8:disqus yeah the cravings can be tough at various points and no dose of hCG will help with that- sometimes it’s just a matter of riding that out till the “withdrawal symptoms” pass, which yes, it does suck. I feel for you! Also sometimes the last lbs can be harder to get off comfortably because of what Robin Woodall talks about in her book weight loss apocalypse. She mentions that it seems that hCG effects hunger by stimulating leptin. hCG doe this easily in heavier people, but she mentioned that the hCG doesn’t seem stimulate leptin in leaner people as much, meaning that even on the best dose of hCG, leaner people may just feel hungrier regardless- in those cases, it may actually be appropriate to eat a little more calories during the last lbs coming off, in order to make the diet do-able for such a person- I hope that helps! But try dosing first- at your level it’s possible that 125ius would be best. Take care! – Rayzel
Does anyone know what website will sell phentermine? I had taken it with HCG on the Releana diet and it helps with energy and hunger. It cost to much going back on there plan especially if the products are available online and are pure and less.
Hi Michelle!
This is Lucelle, Rayzel’s assistant. Nice to meet you! 🙂
I’m not sure which site sell that but you might want to read this article here: https://hcgchicahelphub.com/phentermine-on-hcg/
Hope that helps!
been on hcg 6 days lost 6lbs and gained back 6oz, what could be wrong? please help
Hi Chica!
Thanks for all the hard work you do to help us! I have done the Releana drops and had some success about 2 years ago, but never finished the 4 weeks b/c I was STARVING. Also, I was getting them from a doctor that charges a ridiculous price. So, I’m trying the injections and buying them online. I had a couple of questions when you get a chance:
1. Since HCG increases your sensitivity to Leptin, do you think it would be beneficial to take a supplement like African Mango, which has proven in studies to increase leptin levels in the body? It takes about 3 months taking it daily to significantly increase the levels. Just wondered if you think that would hurt or help
2. How much do you think ketosis plays a role in the weight loss? Just wondering b/c I know some plans allow you to eat fruit. As you know, the original method was extremely strict, even limiting the type and amount of leafy green vegetables.
3. After my last round I gave up at about week 2 1/2 and just went crazy with my eating for a few weeks. I swear since then I feel like my metabolism has been terrible and I’ve been gaining weight even with diet and exercise. When I started the first round of Releana I was 195 and got down to 172, and now I weigh about 215 (my heaviest since pregnancy!). If you don’t properly go into phase 2 and 3 could this potentially harm your metabolism?
4. Do you feel adding the lipotropic & B12 to the injections is worth it for $97?
I hope to get the injections and start in a week or two! Thanks for your time!
Sincerely,
Kristin
I just want to say , I lost 47 pounds on the hcg diet and have kept it off for a year . It's all about self control . If u mentally commit u can accomplish anything !!
P2D24 injections 125 cc –For the last 5 days I wake up and and hour later I'm exhausted! can you give me any suggestions?
Excellent Article HCGChica! You have definitely named many of the reasons that people fail. I have seen people not really do their research, and not know what they are getting into, and then they are confronted with how challenging it is! Thanks for the tips. I do think that NAMING the roadblocks is the first step in overcoming them! 🙂 http://www.inspiredgirl.me
So true barb! I hope the whole series will help in meeting the different challenges.
Great post! It’s so useful to identify possible roadblocks so you know what to look out for! I’ve personally noticed that I have to sit and really decide whether I feel genuine hunger, or whether I just really want to eat. It took about 16 days to feel relatively secure in my ability to stick to the protocol by being able to let go of my emotional need for food. The protocol has really opened my eyes to my emotional relationship with food — how I was previously very afraid of true hunger. I don’t think I’d be able to clearly see that relationship without having done hCG. Thanks, Rayzel!
Thanks Marisa! So great to hear your experience with this so far.