I am on day 17 of phase 2. I have read Dr. Simeon's paper backward and forward many times. As far as I can tell, I am doing everything 'right'. I have not cheated once. Many times I don't eat the breadsticks because I forget about them. I am using Ivory soap, no lotions, etc. I have checked my spices for hidden sugars, etc. I did the loading diet. And I have lost 9.5 lbs in 17 days and I must say that I am disappointed with this. One thing that I have noticed since beginning the injections is that I do seem to be retaining fluid and yes, I am drinking lots of water. Only use a bit of stevia 2 times per day. The scale goes down and up and down and up. Of the 9.5 lbs, I have lost only 1 lb net over the last 7 days. Just wondering if anyone else can identify with this experience. Or has any ideas? Also, my first week was literally hell. I had horrific joint and muscle pain, excruciating, and flid retention to the point of being painful as well as a dramatic increase in restless legs at night. The second week was only a little better, with the pain improving, but insomnia to the point of sleeping some nights only 1-2 hours, the others 3-4 with, once again really bad restless legs. Now on the third week I am feeling a bit more human, sleeping better, less pain, and restless legs manageable. I have been determined for this to work and am committed and would so appreciate any input. I am under the care of a provider and basically have been told to take medication only what I need to keep me out of the emergency room. So, I have taken Mirapex at times for the restless legs, and ibuprofen for pain, only occasionally at night, and HCTZ 25mg as directed by my PA.(HCTZ was a routine med for me prior to th injections). Sorry for the treatise, I am desperate.

Thanks so much for your response. I was instructed to take the hctz every other day or so. So I am doing that. I was instructed NOT to take any supplements, but the potassium/magnesium makes sense ( Iam an RN) and the lack of protein crossed my mind as well. I am eating 100 grams twice daily as per protocol. The clinic advises following Dr. Simeon's protocol exactly with the addition of vit c and an enzyme by the name of vitalzyme. Absolutely no other supplements or medications. I am taking the injections .4ml of a soln of 333u/ml of hcg. So...I guess that I wasn't expecting a stall. They just break on their own? Like so many others I have struggled my entire life w my weight. I have been on every diet known and then some. I was so very hopeful and have been disheartened. So I just wait out the stall? Thanks once again for your response!

I had a weigh in today-down 8.5 lbs in18 days. PA said to take the HCTZ daily, just as you said, and I was thinking to do. My clinic only does the one dose of HCG. I was not actually able to see the PA today, but wrote a list of my concerns and she is to get back to me. Instruction to take the HCTZ daiy came through her nurse. So, we will see what she has to say when she contacts me. The fluid retention is very real and something I didn't experience pre HCG. The HCTZ was for my blood pressure. I am discouraged with the weight loss coupled with how I am feeling physically. I was so sure and determined that this would work. Right now it feels like one more failed diet. My boss is doing her third round, lost 66 lbs on the first 2 and just dropped 10 lbs in her first week on this third round. We will see. I will faithfully do this first round, perhaps it will get better. I truly hope so. I appreciate you taking the time to respond.

Hi. I decided before upping the dose that I would try longer needles and ensure that I am getting an IM dose. Thank you so much for your help. I will let you know how it's going. Yesterday I ate a bit more fish and I lost 2 lbs today, so perhaps the protein is significant. Am feeling more hopeful.