The Beginning

Let me start by saying that this is the beginning of my attempts at blogging....one of two reasons for the title. So bear with me here.

This is also the beginning of my new weight loss journey. Yes, I said new which implies that I have attempted weight loss before. This is true. I have tried Weight Watchers, appetite suppressants, counting calories, Curves, and have even had a personal trainer. I have lost weight with each of these but unfortunately I have also gained back that weight. I realize that these and other options have worked for other people and that is great! My goal in doing this blog is not to discourage anyone from other weight loss options or even to encourage this plan. It is simply meant to be a record of this time in my life. I will also state that I am an RN and I fully understand the concept of calories in vs calories burned. I also know from my personal experience that it is easier said then done!

What does this new weight loss journey consist of you ask? HCG injections...yes, with needles. If you think I am crazy for being willing to give myself daily injections you are not the first to think so. Let me explain, these are subcutaneous injections, given into the layer of fat that lies just beneath the skin. The needles are TINY...a pinch would hurt worse! It's really not a big deal!  Now that we got that out of the way you are probably thinking that this sounds like a gimmick. Maybe that is what it will turn out to be but this is a diet that has been prescribed by my nurse practitioner and is made and prepared by a licensed pharmacist. Beware of online homeopathic HCG that you can purchase without a prescription, it is NOT the same!!

I will attempt to explain the basics of this diet without rambling on. Basically this diet consists of daily injections of low doses of the hormone HCG daily x 40 days. The injections are used in conjunction with a very low calorie diet (VLCD)...500 calories to be exact. No, you did not misread that it actually says 500 calories! Anyone could lose weight on a 500 calorie diet but they would be miserable, starving, exhausted, have headaches, etc. Also, their body would begin to break down lean muscle for energy. Our bodies need to be retrained to break down abnormal fat stores. The science behind this diet is that HCG (also known as the pregnancy hormone) activates the hypothalamus and triggers the body to break down these abnormal fat stores instead of lean muscle. This is why even if a pregnant woman spends the first trimester vomiting every day the baby is not harmed. The body utilizes the energy contained in these fat cells to provide necessary nutrients to the baby. High HCG levels are thought to be one contributor to the cause of morning sickness. This diet involves very low doses of HCG and therefore does NOT cause nausea or vomiting. The dose is just enough to trigger the appropriate response. Yes, even men can use this diet.

Now we know why HCG is supposed to work but why the VLCD? In order for the HCG to work for weight loss it is necessary to avoid consuming fats, sugar, starches, oils, etc. If you are eating these then the body is simply going to use these for energy and will not resort to using the abnormal fat stores. By eating a very specific diet of lean protein and veggies and eliminating fat, sugar, starches, oils, etc. your body is forced to utilize these fat stores. The HCG prevents you from feeling hungry while on this diet. After the 40 days of injections and diet you then follow a similar diet but with increased caloric intake. After completing a 3 week maintenance phase you can then slowly add back those "forbidden" foods in moderation. The goal of this diet is not only to lose weight quickly and retrain the body but also to build healthier eating habits to keep the weight off long term.

Okay so maybe I did ramble a bit but there is a plethora of information regarding this diet. Please do not make a decision to use or not use this diet based on the limited information I have provided. If you are interested be sure to research this and other options and speak with your doctor. Be aware that some doctors may not understand or agree with this diet. There are risks and benefits to any diet!

The purpose of this blog in the coming weeks will be to give readers a real idea of how this diet does or doesn't work. Essentially I am willing to be the "guinea-pig".  I am committed to giving this a valiant effort.  The fact that I am sharing this with others will hopefully help to keep up my motivation!  I will add that I have not yet decided if I am willing to share my weight and/or before and after photos! I will share how much I am losing throughout the process though.