hGC Diet

[Glenna]

I am completing the last week of the "HealthyHCG" diet protocol (prescribed by my doctor) and am getting ready to start phase 3 which is the stabilization phase. From everything I have read it sounds like this phase is basically the induction phase of the Atkins diet. Is this correct? If not, can I go directly from HCG Phase 2 to the induction phase without any problem?

I was very successful with the Atkins diet back in the late 70's early 80's, losing 30 pounds and keeping it off for many, many years - I mean this is the only way to eat as far as I am concerned. Only in the last 5 years have I "blossomed" again. I have survived a heart attack in 2006 and been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

While on the hCG diet, I was able to discontinue my diabetes medicine and have tested not taking my cholesterol medication, although I am still taking my heart meds. I am waiting to get my labs done next week (and see what my doctor says) to find out how this is working and would like to be able to stay off the meds until I lose another 30 pounds, at which time I am hoping to have my labs under control.

I'm ready and raring to go!!! I love this way of eating.

[poobears1972]

Re: hGC Diet

Several of my SILs are on the HCG plan. The biggest complaint I hear is you starve when you stop taking it and if you read the message boards (not the company sponsored ones) very few keep off the weight. Most have to continue on round after round. I think it's great you are looking at getting on a long term plan when you come off your round.

Do you have the info on their plan, if so compare it to the links here that show what induction is all about. I can't see how doing this would hurt. But you may have an initial weight gain since your body has been on such low calories. After your adjustment I bet you do great on Atkins. The main advantage to going onto Atkins after your HCG is if you do get really hungry you can eat and not worry about slamming all the weight back on.

[imagood1]

Re: hGC Diet

If you know you were successful on Atkins before why didn't you start Atkins again? Many of us have gotten off our meds also following Atkins, it's a healthy way to eat as long as you follow it correctly.

[Glenna]

Re: hGC Diet

I guess because I'm a total idiot!!!

I did do Atkins last year and kept gaining instead of losing, and I have long felt that I was on medications which interfered with any weight loss . . .so, when my doctor nearly insisted that I go on the hCG drops, I decided to try it in the hopes that I could get off the diabetes and cholesterol medicine - which I have been off now since January 4th, with consistently normal blood sugar readings. I also stopped the cholesterol medicine a week later, and all the "supplements" I was taking. Now, when I go to the doctor next week and I get my labs back, I'm hoping he will okay me to stay off them while I continue to lose on Atkins.

Sometimes I think you have to prove to your doctors that you're not a total idiot nor do you fit in their preconceived notions that your system is identical to everyone else.

I sincerely appreciate all the replies to my post. I am going to transition from hCG Phase 2 to Atkins induction - my first day will be Sunday. I expect the transition to go well and that I will continue to lose weight. I have a very positive attitude and am confident that I'll be able to lose the additional 30 pounds I want to lose before the end of the year.

I started out at 218, lost 34 pounds before I had a heart attack in 2006 and was diagnoses with Type II Diabetes (and no, I wasn't consciously trying to diet at that time). Lost an additional 10 pounds on a 1500 calorie starvation diet and then gained back 20+ pounds. I've lost 22.6 pounds on hCG and am ready to lose another 25-30!!!!! And, to be honest, I haven't felt this good in years.

[imagood1]

Re: hGC Diet

Good luck -- I'm sure you're do fine with Atkins again....you may find a short time at the beginning where your body is wondering what's going on but don't give up!!

Also, just remember, we don't HAVE to do what our doctors "insist" is best for us.

[Kntrylady]

Re: hGC Diet

Welcome to ADBB Glenna,

I know nothing about the ""HealthyHCG" diet protocol" but do know that Atkins works for me. I'm always satisfied, feel wonderful, my blood pressure and Blood sugar levels are down, and I'm loosing weight. As long as I keep legal foods available in my frig, and I carry an ice chest/lunch box with snacks when I go out, I'm very happy.

I would suggest that you get the 2002 version of Atkins New Diet Revolution, though. There have been a few updates since you did it in the 70's / 80's. Visit this site often, and feel free to ask questions. We'll give you honest, true answers (not the ones you think you want to hear )

Best wishes for a smooth and healthy transition to Atkins.

[liv]

Re: hGC Diet

A doctor prescribed that. Wow.

[poobears1972]

Re: hGC Diet

A doctor prescribed that. Wow.

It's the new hot thing with Doctors my SILs all got their recommended by their Drs too along with a couple of my nieces (they are adults).

[liv]

Re: hGC Diet

Ok if mine does I am exchanging him for another model (but he won't)

[poobears1972]

Re: hGC Diet

I can't imagine mine recommending it either. Not sure their stance on Atkins but I know they hold low carb in pretty high regard so maybe they will support it. Not that it matters, I'm doing it anyways.

[Glenna]

Re: hGC Diet

My doctor does support the Atkins diet and approved me to go on it a few years ago when I was first diagnosed with diabetes. When I went to see him in November, he had just completed the hCG diet and had lost over 30 pounds himself (said he had to set a good example for his patients), so I don't think there will be any issue with switching to Atkins - which I am going to do anyway!!!

Beginning weight on 1/1 was 194, weight on 2/9 is 171.1, goal is 140!!! I'm gonna DO IT!! I will be visiting this site frequently.

[AndrewH]

Re: hGC Diet

A doctor prescribed that. Wow.

A LOT of doctors are starting to prescribe hGC now. I even considered it but the fact that you are only eating a max of 800 calories a day kinda turned me away from it. Wouldn't be surprised if you found more doctors who would suggest hGC over Atkins (my doctor seems to hate Atkins and gave me crap for losing 25lbs in 1 month on it).

[poobears1972]

Re: hGC Diet

I also considered it for a bit until I did more research on it. SILs are on a 500 calorie a day diet and some of the rules just seem so weird. Then to see all the bad reviews on so many sites I decided I didn't want what to me was a short term fad diet. I wanted a life long plan. So I wound up here.

I probably won't see SILs for a few months we dont' get together much anymore but I know we will for 4th of July. We'll see who's plan worked best then I guess LOL

[not2late]

Re: hGC Diet

I think if your physician prescribed you a specific diet, you should follow that and not try mixing it up or switching it with another diet. Your physician will be monitoring you based on the HCG parameters not on Atkins. So if something would be amiss, you're both in hot water: you because it's your health and your doctor because he wasn't monitoring you properly because you switched diets on him without informing him.

So if you doctor prescribed the HCG---stick to it. Otherwise, discuss changing to Atkins with him so he will be aware and can better monitor you.

[Glenna]

Re: hGC Diet

It is convenient that I am going to see him the same day I end the "recommended" diet (of course we scheduled it that way on purpose) and it is my intention to discuss the matter fully with him. My husband and I have done extremely well on the hCG diet, both 23+ pounds and feeling fantastic.

From what I can tell, the only difference between Atkins and the hCG stabilization (phase 3) protocol is the fruit.