I am about to start the HCG injections. I did it through a doctor almost a year ago for about six weeks. The program was a little different than the Dr. S version and not nearly as much eating restrictions (it was mainly a low-carb diet with only one injection per week). Nor the insane cosmetic restrictions. I lost about 15 pounds over that time and stopped for a variety of reasons. I have decided to try it again but NOT through a doctor. Is there anyone else that is doing it 100% on their own??? How are you doing with it??

I am also a bit confused on the exact layout of the plan. I read the "Pounds and Inches" but have read a lot of people's threads on here that talk about P2 and P3 and I feel like I'm missing something. It also seems like people have taken some liberties with the menu that Dr. S has created. How liberal can you be?

Ca'mon kid, my mantra: I can do anything for 43 days" Did the im strictly per Dr S's protocol. Remember this is not a diet! IT IS A PROTOCL! Dr S spent a lot of years administering and studying this. Every Dr thinks that they have to 'tweek' it just a little and the results are to the negative!
Some people are doing the SL with results, however; over the long haul, I see fewer problems with the IM program - followed strictly. My personal results were fantastic! I'm doing another round in Jan along with Kats, Mikky, and Grammy (I think). Don't know who all else. Starting then only because there are no holidays or other interuptions along the way.
Several of the people who 1 round did SL are switching to IM for subsequent rounds.
Think of meals as a necessary thing - not an event. Shoot, 43 days gone in nothing flat!

ckell- most of one here are doing it on our own, although many of us did our first round through a doc or clinic. go to the search bar and enter "newcomer information"- there are threads there that may help you. there is one on all the abbreviations, too.

I might be wrong, but I think the phases come from Kevin Trudeau's book, "The Weight Loss Cure". I haven't read it. From what I understand:

P1 is 2 or 3 days of loading
P2 is the 23 to 43 day VLCD (very low calorie diet) - emphasis on avoiding fat
P3 is three weeks of stabilization after the last injection - lots of protein and emphasis on avoiding most carbs
P4 is maintenance - introduction of carbs back into the diet, in moderation - watching how different foods affect weight

You're close, russ. P1 is Trudeau's phase of cleanses. Most of us don't do that.
Colleen