I Lost 18 Lbs in 3 Weeks on the HCG Diet

If you've been read my blog for any length of time, you know 1) I want to lose weight and 2) I clearly have attention-span issues.  I've tried Weight Watchers, Atkin's, Gastric Mind Band Therapy and now I'm moving on.... to the HCG Diet.

For the record, I think WW, Atkin's, and GMBT are all great ways to go to lose weight.  And I credit the GMBT for helping me stick to the HCG Diet.  But I didn't stick to to the program on any of those weight-loss plans long enough to see any substantial results.

I first became aware of the HCG Diet almost a year ago.  I knew of two people losing weight on some restrictive diet, but I didn't pay any attention.  As the months went by I noticed they were looking fabulous, and someone I knew a little better went on the diet.  She lost over 20 lbs in three weeks and insisted she wasn't hungry or tired or losing muscle.  So I talked to her alot more about what she was doing and I started looking up information on the program.

What I found was that many people both in the medical community and in the general public have reservations about the HCG Diet.  And just as many people, both medical professionals and laypeople, are strong advocates for this program.  I decided to make my own decision; I decided to try it.

Google "Pounds and Inches" by Dr. Simeon for basic plan information on the HCG Diet.   His plan was developed using injections of the HCG hormone, however I'm using an over-the-counter homeopathic version that I buy at CVS.  I'll go into the particulars of my experience with the HCG Diet in future posts.  But for now, my post title sums up my opinion on the HCG Diet so far.... I lost 18 lbs in three weeks!  Wahoo!

FTC disclaimer: Since I am blogging about the experience, the Gastric Mind Band service was provided at no charge.  I receive no compensation from Weight Watchers, HCG companies or Atkin's, I'm merely recounting my own experiences.

Oh Yeah, I’m Gonna Get Hypnotized!

If you’ve been around my blog for a while you’ve probably figured out that if I don’t post for over a week, odds are I am off-plan and getting fatter. Which is what is happening right now.

I’ve been struggling with this weight gain for about 5 years. I’ll try something, lose some weight, stick with it for a while, then I’ll let something throw me off track. Then I get discouraged. Then I get lazy. Then I get fatter. The lesson? Maybe I need some help.

I saw something online a while back about Gastric Mind Band Therapy. My understanding is that you’re hypnotized into thinking you’ve had gastric band surgery, and so are able to experience the help it can give you in weight loss, without the risk inherent in any surgical procedure. There are several different kinds of therapy involved: Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Neuro Linguistic Programming, Hypnotherapy and Guided Imagery. The treatment consists of four sessions, and during the fourth session you are hypnotized into thinking you’ve had the surgery.

The treatment originated in a clinic in Spain and has since spread. Now there are six therapists in the United States who are licensed to perform the therapy, and one happens to be in Kansas City: Julie Gibson. I told her I wanted to be her Gastric Mind Band poster-girl. She said “Great!” I will be blogging about the experience and results, and the service will be provided to me for free (hello, FTC). So everyone give a big hand for Julie! And check out her website at http://www.julietherapy.com/. Julie is a licensed clinical social worker. Per her website she specializes in individual, couples and family therapy, play therapy, and Gastric Mind Band Therapy.

I know there is no magic pill for weight loss. I know it takes time and dedication. I just want some help. And I think I’ve found it! My first session is this Sunday, and I can’t wait to get started.