FAQ's
Below, we have assembled a series of common questions posed by our clients. We have attempted to address as many of those questions as possible in this list. Many of these questions may apply to you and some may not. This is not intended to be a complete list of every unique situation a client may experience while on the hCG protocol.
We believe the majority of your questions will be answered on this page and suggest you review them prior to your appointment in order for us to keep your initial consultation brief to accommodate your time.
Dietary Questions | Program Questions | Health Questions
Dietary Questions
Q: Why is “binge” eating necessary for the first 2 days of the protocol?
A: It takes 2-3 days for hCG to completely enter your system. Binge eating for the first 2 days will help with possible hunger felt later in the protocol and prepares your body for optimum success with the program.
Q: What are the best foods on which to binge on?
A: Generally high calorie foods with fats such as full fat dairy products, pastas, avocados, nuts, oils, avocados, etc. Failure to sufficiently binge for the first 2 days may affect the final results of the program.
Q: Are frozen vegetables acceptable instead of fresh?
A: Fresh organic vegetables are preferred, but frozen vegetables will work.
Q: Why does the diet discourage the use of tap water?
A: Tap water contains chlorine, which affects the thyroid, bottled or filtered water is highly recommended. Consumption of ½ gallon (2 quarts) to 1 gallon is encouraged.
Q: Will the hCG protocol work if I am a vegetarian?
A: Yes, however, you may not get the same results without the protein content of meat, fish and chicken.
Q: Can I complete the hCG protocol if I am lactose intolerant?
A: Yes.
Q: Is there restrictions on the use of salt?
A: There are no restrictions on the use of salt, however, increased salt use can be one of the most common causes for inconsistencies in weight, due to water retention. We highly recommend that you use only sea salt.
Q: Are pickles acceptable with any meal on the diet?
A: With cucumbers and vinegar on the protocol, pickles are considered acceptable. However, if you find that you are not eliminating weight, you might consider eliminating or reducing your intake of the pickles.
Q: What does the diet consist of?
A: The diet and acceptable food items are covered in much more detail during review of our protocol. However, if you are contemplating what you will be eating or what your grocery list might consist of, plan on drinking plenty of bottled water and eating fruits, vegetables and portions of beef, chicken and specific types of fish.
Q: Will I starve if I only consume 500 calories per day on the protocol?
A: Not at all. While you are consuming 500 calories each day, the hCG is simultaneously releasing 3,000 to 3,500 calories of stubborn stored fat reserves. Your body then begins to "consume" those fat calories, burning them as a source of energy in place of additional food calories. With one pound being the rough equivalent of 3,500 calories, you will essentially burn about one pound of fat each day - 500 from food and 3,000 to 3,500 from fat reserves. This is why most patients do not experience extreme hunger while using hCG and nowhere near the hunger one would have doing the low calorie diet without the hCG.
Program Questions
Q: What makes this program more successful than others?
A: In conjunction with the protocol, the hCG targets and eliminates the abnormal stored fat as opposed to normal body fat. It also resets the hypothalamus gland and adjusts the metabolism so the weight does not return (provided a healthier diet is followed to maintain the loss).
Q. Is hCG safe to use?
A. Yes. It is a natural hormone, also referred to as a protein polypeptide, which already exists in both men and women. hCG has been used safely in weight loss treatment programs for many years. Manufactured in a sterile environment by a US pharmaceutical, there is no risk of disease being spread through its use.
Q. How does hCG work?
A. hCG triggers the release of stored “abnormal” fat cells to the bloodstream to be burned for energy. When taken in conjunction with a low calorie diet, it is those fat cells that get burned and flushed as opposed to the “normal” fat reserves that the body would otherwise burn. With the release of the stubborn “abnormal” fat, the body’s energy level increases and appetite decreases.
Q: Will I lose one pound each day on the program?
A: Not precisely. Many clients lose a pound per day on average, however, it does not always occur evenly. Some clients lose more than a pound a day in the beginning but may experience a “lull” in their weight loss that could last 1-3 days. After the “lull” many experience more rapid weight loss.
Q: Is the program suitable if I only want to lose 10-15 lbs.?
A: Yes, however, if you don’t have sufficient “abnormal” fat reserves, the hunger you experience may be more intense. We do have clients who have successfully lost a minimal amount of weight and enjoyed the reshaping.
Q: Can I participate in the program if I live out of state?
A: Out-of-state patients are still required to complete our medical eligibility form and, identification documents, provide blood work and consult with our doctor.
Q: Are the injections "intramuscular"?
A: No.
Q: Is there a pill or oral form of hCG?
A: Yes.
Q: Can I complete the protocol if I am nursing a baby?
A: No, when you are nursing you produce prolactin, which interferes with hCG.
Q: Do I need to exercise with this program?
A: At least 30 minutes of cardio exercise (such as walking, treadmill, etc.) is recommended. Muscle building exercises are not recommended as they are not productive while using the hCG and would result in undue fatigue.
Q: What lotions, cosmetics and cleansers can I use during the protocol?
A: You need to use products that do not contain fats, oils, creams and ointments. Products containing mineral oils are suggested and an approved product list is available with our protocol.
Q: Is it appropriate to use mineral oils?
A: Mineral oils and products that contain mineral oil are acceptable for external use. However, mineral oil is not recommended for cooking.
Q: If I do an "apple day" once a week will I lose more weight?
A: Yes, however, the protocol only suggests an “apple day” when you have hit a plateau (have not lost any weight for 3-4 days).
Q: What is included in the program cost?
A: The cost of the program includes the hCG prescription, necessary supplies, the protocol and menu (including approved food items) and a maintenance schedule to record your progress. Your initial consultation, orientation and doctor consultation are also included in the cost. There is no charge if you require an office visit and we are always available to you throughout the program by phone and email, free of charge.
Q: Will I get a discount if I chose to go through the program a second time?
A: Yes, our clients pay 50% of the base price to go through the program a second time.
Q: If I don’t lose the weight that I want to, will I get my money back?
A: Given the success rate of the program, we cannot fathom anyone not losing weight unless they did not have the weight to lose to start with. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee you will meet your goal because we are unable to monitor on a daily basis, how well you follow the protocol. Your success on the program is going to rely on how strictly you follow the protocol without cutting corners or cheating. We can guarantee that we will be available to you for advice and any encouragement that you may need!
Health Questions
Q: Can I still take my medications while on hCG?
A: Yes, provided they do not interfere with the endocrine system. This is reviewed on a case-by-case basis during your consultation with our doctor.
Q: Can I continue the use of hormone medications while on hCG?
A: Dr. Simeon indicates that any medication that interferes with the endocrine system should be avoided during the program. This would be a point of discussion during your consultation with our doctor.
Q: Is it acceptable to use my anti-depressant medications during the program?
A: Yes, however, it is recommended that you speak to your physician.
Q: Is it acceptable to use my anxiety medications during the program?
A: Yes, however, it is recommended that you speak to your physician.
Q: Can I take cold medicine?
A: Yes, as long as it you avoid those that contain sugar.
Q: Is it necessary to stop using thyroid during the hCG protocol?
A: The hypothalamus gland, which also controls the thyroid, is affected by the hCG. Taking additional thyroid may cause hyperthyroidism.
Q: Can I still complete the hCG protocol if I have had a hysterectomy?
A: Yes.
Q: Why shouldn’t I take the hCG while on my menstrual cycle?
A: During menstruation a small amount of hCG is produced. The days that you are unable to take the hCG can be added on to the end of the protocol.
Q: If my menstrual cycle is not regular, will the hCG affect that?
A: Some clients have experienced changes in their menstrual cycle while on the hCG. Some have indicated those irregularities were resolved after completing of the program.
Q: Won’t I be hungrier if I don't take the injections during my period?
A: This depends; some clients have reported more hunger when on their menstrual cycle and not injecting while others claim they were not affected.
Q: Will hCG help my high blood pressure?
A: Weight loss in general is beneficial to one’s blood pressure. Many of our clients have experienced lower blood pressure. Some clients have been able to stop taking their medications, after consulting with their personal doctors of course.
Q: Does hCG affect cholesterol levels?
A: We have seen cholesterol levels fluctuate while on the hCG program. Most of our clients however, experience a drop in their cholesterol levels.
Q: Does a diabetic benefit from the program?
A: Yes. As a diabetic follows the protocol the hCG naturally stabilizes the blood sugar. We often see an overall drop in fasting blood sugar after completing the program.
Q: Can a diabetic stop using my anti-diabetes medications after completing the hCG protocol?
A: While discontinuing the reduction or use diabetes medication is possible, it cannot be expected as after the protocol. It generally depends on how long one has been diabetic, how many medications they are currently using, their fasting blood sugar levels, their blood sugar range, etc. This is another area where a personal physician would need to be consulted.
Q: Does hCG interfere with Gout?
A: Possibly. The hCG increases uric acid levels which may cause a severe attack.
Q: Is it necessary to exercise while completing the protocol?
A: At least 30 minutes of cardio exercise (such as walking, treadmill, etc.) is recommended. Strenuous exercise such as muscle building is not recommended as they are not productive while using the hCG and would result in undue fatigue.
Q: What should I do if I get constipated?
A: First, be certain that you are drinking the required amount of water for the protocol. If so, an increase in fluid intake may be necessary however, you may also consider dieter’s tea or licorice tea.
Q: Are the negative side effects of the hCG program?
A: Fortunately, very few negative side effects have been noticed or reported to us. The most common complaint we receive from clients is hunger but this also varies.
Q: If I get extremely hungry while on hCG is it okay to take an appetite suppressant?
A: It is not recommended. It would be better to graze on vegetables throughout the day. Choose vegetables that are approved on the protocol as "unlimited."
Call 303-426-8800 today to setup your free consultation!
Disclaimer:
These questions and answers are not to be taken as medical advice and are meant to be for discussion purposes only! Always consult your physician before starting any weight loss program. The FDA has not approved these statements or hCG for weight loss. If you would like more information please e-mail us at: contact@foreverslimdenver.com