Hey all!
This has been some of the most dramatic stuff over the last 2 weeks here. That was part of what has made posting very difficult. As you can see, our last post was on the 3rd. The end of this current phase was scheduled for the 22nd. We have had to make an executive decision to halt the phase as of today.
There have been several factors that contribute to this. The first is that Vanessa continues to battle a chest cold that refuses to relinquish control. That has consistently placed her immune system and her metabolism at a disadvantage.
The second factor that we took into consideration is that both of us appear to be building up a tolerance to the HCG. This could be due to the fact that our maintenance period between cycles was only 3 weeks. In the nearly 2 weeks of this second phase, both of us have struggled to lose 5 pounds - and that was with increasing our daily dosage 5 days in.
While this has been frustrating, we are also committed to listening to our bodies. A long view of this process is a must. If we only lose 20 pounds, then that is it. If only 10, so be it.
Our weights as of today are:
Scott 249.0
Vanessa 189.2
We are ecstatic about the loss, but realize we have to be honest in approaching each phase. Scott lost a total of 18.2 pounds and Vanessa lost 14 pounds. From the beginning of the entire thing:
Scott has lost 48.8 POUNDS!!!!!
Vanessa lost 41 POUNDS!!!!!!
Another aspect to this whole thing has been a tremendous amount of stress we have been under. Obligations, studies, and family have always been first - and of late have demanded more attention. But since we survived our first TORNADO this past Monday, our systems are shot. We are going to begin our maintenance as of tomorrow and begin the 3rd Cycle right after the 4th of July. That will give us roughly seven weeks to be free of the HCG and for its efficacy to be optimal.
Thank you all for your continued prayers and support. We will keep you abreast of our progress. Love to you all!!
S & V
Friday, May 14, 2010
Monday, May 3, 2010
UPDATE (C2P2) - Day 2
Hey everyone!
Today is the second day after our loading day break. Our weight bumped as expected, but much more moderately than the first cycle we did. Our weights today are:
Scott 253.0
Vanessa 192.2
Both of us went up about a pound and a half, but that will come off probably by tomorrow. We have lots ahead of us in the next 2 weeks getting ready for the trip to CA, so hopefully the time will fly. No matter what, we will keep you all updated. As always, thank you for all the support.
S & V
Today is the second day after our loading day break. Our weight bumped as expected, but much more moderately than the first cycle we did. Our weights today are:
Scott 253.0
Vanessa 192.2
Both of us went up about a pound and a half, but that will come off probably by tomorrow. We have lots ahead of us in the next 2 weeks getting ready for the trip to CA, so hopefully the time will fly. No matter what, we will keep you all updated. As always, thank you for all the support.
S & V
Saturday, May 1, 2010
UPDATE - Day 21
Wowzers! Time sure has flown - and we completely bailed on updates this time, didn't we? LOL
Things were extremely hectic for us, and quite frankly this was kinda the last thing we felt like posting on. But now, the piper must be paid (so to speak). Today is actually the second of 2 loading days for us between the phases. Thursday was the 21st day of the first phase. I'll quickly account for our weights on that day:
Scott 251.4 (-16 lbs)
Vanessa 190.4 (-12.6 lbs)
In looking back on the initial cycle that we did back in February, we are a little behind on the weight loss in comparison. There is a simple reason for that:
We miscalculated. :0)
As in we operated for about a week into this cycle under the assumption that the latitude we enjoyed during the maintenace phase could be eek-ed into this diet phase. Guess what we found? NOPE!
Both of us would fudge a little here and there on portion size or simply having grilled onions instead of varying into the greens. We found that there is a tried and true formula to losing weight on the HCG diet: FOLLOW IT. Lol
After that first frustrating week where we found our weight loss stalled out, we both admitted we couldn't fudge anymore. Back on track we went. As it stands, we still lost weight and are continuing onto our ultimate goal. But the lesson that was re-learned was the most basic of all - the goal can only be reached by being honest with ourselves and by doing now what needs to be done, not putting it off.
Vanessa has been shrinking away like crazy, and is ecstatic at being on the cusp of breaking into the 180's. While she has noticed a decrease in her bust size, she is still amazed at what has remained and how things have kept proportionate scale. Apparently previous weight loss attempts resulted in unfavorable bosom compression.
Scott has noticed that clothes he once yearned to just fit into again now are too large on him. Whereas he was having to dip into the 44 jeans prior to February, now he is in his only pair of 38's. Gonna have to go shopping soon. LOL.
While the weight loss has been SO wonderful, both of us realize that there will still be toning to do once the third, and final, cycle is done this summer. But we feel amazing! The improvement to our health, and energy levels, has been astonishing. It is odd for us to be asked everywhere we go for our "secret" when it seemed that for years WE were the ones asking others. God is so good, and we are thankful to Him for the strength and will to be able to do this! Philippians 4:13
Love you guys! Promise to be better about posting. Tomorrow is the first day of Phase 2 on this cycle. Will post then.
S & V
Things were extremely hectic for us, and quite frankly this was kinda the last thing we felt like posting on. But now, the piper must be paid (so to speak). Today is actually the second of 2 loading days for us between the phases. Thursday was the 21st day of the first phase. I'll quickly account for our weights on that day:
Scott 251.4 (-16 lbs)
Vanessa 190.4 (-12.6 lbs)
In looking back on the initial cycle that we did back in February, we are a little behind on the weight loss in comparison. There is a simple reason for that:
We miscalculated. :0)
As in we operated for about a week into this cycle under the assumption that the latitude we enjoyed during the maintenace phase could be eek-ed into this diet phase. Guess what we found? NOPE!
Both of us would fudge a little here and there on portion size or simply having grilled onions instead of varying into the greens. We found that there is a tried and true formula to losing weight on the HCG diet: FOLLOW IT. Lol
After that first frustrating week where we found our weight loss stalled out, we both admitted we couldn't fudge anymore. Back on track we went. As it stands, we still lost weight and are continuing onto our ultimate goal. But the lesson that was re-learned was the most basic of all - the goal can only be reached by being honest with ourselves and by doing now what needs to be done, not putting it off.
Vanessa has been shrinking away like crazy, and is ecstatic at being on the cusp of breaking into the 180's. While she has noticed a decrease in her bust size, she is still amazed at what has remained and how things have kept proportionate scale. Apparently previous weight loss attempts resulted in unfavorable bosom compression.
Scott has noticed that clothes he once yearned to just fit into again now are too large on him. Whereas he was having to dip into the 44 jeans prior to February, now he is in his only pair of 38's. Gonna have to go shopping soon. LOL.
While the weight loss has been SO wonderful, both of us realize that there will still be toning to do once the third, and final, cycle is done this summer. But we feel amazing! The improvement to our health, and energy levels, has been astonishing. It is odd for us to be asked everywhere we go for our "secret" when it seemed that for years WE were the ones asking others. God is so good, and we are thankful to Him for the strength and will to be able to do this! Philippians 4:13
Love you guys! Promise to be better about posting. Tomorrow is the first day of Phase 2 on this cycle. Will post then.
S & V
Friday, April 16, 2010
UPDATE (C2P1) - Day 8
Hey everyone!
Quick post today. Getting ready for the kids this weekend. Here are our numbers:
Scott 260.4 (-7 lbs)
Vanessa 198.0 (-5 lbs)
Love ya!
S & V
Quick post today. Getting ready for the kids this weekend. Here are our numbers:
Scott 260.4 (-7 lbs)
Vanessa 198.0 (-5 lbs)
Love ya!
S & V
Monday, April 12, 2010
CYCLE 2 Begins!
Hey everyone!
Wow, time sure flies. The maintenance period between the end of Cycle 1 and starting this next one was a blur. However, it was a terrific time for us to implement the healthy decision-making habits that stemmed from our first cycle. As a result, both Scott and Vanessa started the 2nd Cycle at the same weight we finished the first! Woo hoo!
Our current cycle began on Friday the 9th, so we are now on day 4 of this go around. Scott began with a weight of 267.4 and Vanessa began with a weight of 203.0 pounds. Friday and Saturday were our loading days, but it was funny to see how ambivalent we were about it. Another benefit of the diet has been a diminished pull toward food.
Anyway - here are today's numbers
Scott 263.8 (-3.6 lbs)
Vanessa 200.2 (-2.8 lbs)
We'll put up some pics soon. Love you all!
S & V
Wow, time sure flies. The maintenance period between the end of Cycle 1 and starting this next one was a blur. However, it was a terrific time for us to implement the healthy decision-making habits that stemmed from our first cycle. As a result, both Scott and Vanessa started the 2nd Cycle at the same weight we finished the first! Woo hoo!
Our current cycle began on Friday the 9th, so we are now on day 4 of this go around. Scott began with a weight of 267.4 and Vanessa began with a weight of 203.0 pounds. Friday and Saturday were our loading days, but it was funny to see how ambivalent we were about it. Another benefit of the diet has been a diminished pull toward food.
Anyway - here are today's numbers
Scott 263.8 (-3.6 lbs)
Vanessa 200.2 (-2.8 lbs)
We'll put up some pics soon. Love you all!
S & V
Monday, March 22, 2010
UPDATE - PHASE II LAST DAY!
Hey everyone!
Sorry it has been a long spell since our last post. This last week the kids were off on Spring Break and our attention was focused there. Well, we did it! We finished the second phase of the cycle! Both of us agreed to end on the 18th day instead of the 21st since Vanessa was coming down with a nasty cold. It made the recovery that much better to have the HCG done with and taking meds.
I want to put the final pics up now. Both of us were SO excited to see the difference from the beginning pictures of ourselves. Here you go:
Wowzers! Scott lost a total of 30.8 lbs in the 6 weeks of the cycle, and Vanessa lost 27.8 lbs! What a motivation for us - seeing the results is quite dramatic. We'll post another set that have the beginning and ending pics side by side for you.
Now we are on to the maintenance phase that will last about 4 weeks. We will start the next cycle up again afterward, but are monitoring our weights throughout the maintenance. Our plan is to keep our weights to within 2 pounds of our current ending weight. That way our bodies "reboot" to record these as our new base weights.
Thank you all for your continued support. We will post things during the maintenance also, but with a little less frequency. Love to you all. Can't wait for the next round! Woo hoo!
S & V
Sorry it has been a long spell since our last post. This last week the kids were off on Spring Break and our attention was focused there. Well, we did it! We finished the second phase of the cycle! Both of us agreed to end on the 18th day instead of the 21st since Vanessa was coming down with a nasty cold. It made the recovery that much better to have the HCG done with and taking meds.
I want to put the final pics up now. Both of us were SO excited to see the difference from the beginning pictures of ourselves. Here you go:
Wowzers! Scott lost a total of 30.8 lbs in the 6 weeks of the cycle, and Vanessa lost 27.8 lbs! What a motivation for us - seeing the results is quite dramatic. We'll post another set that have the beginning and ending pics side by side for you.
Now we are on to the maintenance phase that will last about 4 weeks. We will start the next cycle up again afterward, but are monitoring our weights throughout the maintenance. Our plan is to keep our weights to within 2 pounds of our current ending weight. That way our bodies "reboot" to record these as our new base weights.
Thank you all for your continued support. We will post things during the maintenance also, but with a little less frequency. Love to you all. Can't wait for the next round! Woo hoo!
S & V
Saturday, March 13, 2010
UPDATE - PHASE II Day 13
Hey everybody!
It has been quite a hectic week for us both, but doing good. Vanessa and Scott continue to march along with the HCG protocol, and are glad to be seeing the results. Now that we are over halfway done with the second phase of this initial round, the pattern and habit of our meals has stabilized. Both of us have noticed the automatic nature with which we turn to our tea, apple, or refilling our water canteens. The fun will obviously be translating these habits into a similar cycle during the maintenance phase.
Not all of our moments have been easy. We are simply becoming more comfortable in dealing with temptations. On Tuesday, while Scott was in his graduate class, Vanessa was on the phone with a relative around dinner time. The conversation dealt with some stressful issues and put her in an agitated mood. When the call was over, she ate dinner but found an old Snickers bar in the cupboard while looking for the tea. Scott got a text from her lamenting that she had "fallen off the wagon" and binged. The funny thing is what she now considered a binge. That one candy bar represented a major downfall to her. Scott had had visions of spaghetti mounded up on a plate and a loaf of bread that would constitute a binge. :0)
Needless to say, Vanessa's body quickly moved the foreign chocolate along(sped-up processing - LOL) and we were both back on the game. Scott had a hilarious moment last weekend while making dinner for the kids. It is so startling when seemingly innocent, routine things pop up to tease you. While making a pot of rice for the meal, Scott was blowing on a small spoonful to test if it was done. Vanessa sat transfixed as the spoon edged closer to his mouth. She began thinking, "If he takes a taste, it is SO on! Gonna have ME some!" Right when the spoon was about to touch Scott's lips, he jerked it away as he realized what he was about to do. Like I said, routine things that sneak up on ya. LOL
The great thing about this protocol for us is that we have approached it as a long term process with reasonable goals. This last week we had a small "cheat" meal and went to a Mexican restaurant in town for tortilla-less fajitas. Both of our weight loss amounts stalled for a day, but we anticipated it. This was probably the second "cheat" meal for us since we began the HCG protocol, but this was the first deliberate one. The first was when we were out with the kids and got delayed and needed to feed them dinner. We took them out to RibCrib. However, in both cases, when we ordered for ourselves we kept to a meat and veggie selection. No breads or starches. It was helpful to experience the ability to make healthy choices when our routine was altered.
Okay, here's what y'all have been waiting for - our numbers today:
Vanessa 204.4 (-25.8 lbs)
Scott 270.4 (-27.4 lbs)
Thank you all for so much love and support as we do this. You are the best!
S & V
It has been quite a hectic week for us both, but doing good. Vanessa and Scott continue to march along with the HCG protocol, and are glad to be seeing the results. Now that we are over halfway done with the second phase of this initial round, the pattern and habit of our meals has stabilized. Both of us have noticed the automatic nature with which we turn to our tea, apple, or refilling our water canteens. The fun will obviously be translating these habits into a similar cycle during the maintenance phase.
Not all of our moments have been easy. We are simply becoming more comfortable in dealing with temptations. On Tuesday, while Scott was in his graduate class, Vanessa was on the phone with a relative around dinner time. The conversation dealt with some stressful issues and put her in an agitated mood. When the call was over, she ate dinner but found an old Snickers bar in the cupboard while looking for the tea. Scott got a text from her lamenting that she had "fallen off the wagon" and binged. The funny thing is what she now considered a binge. That one candy bar represented a major downfall to her. Scott had had visions of spaghetti mounded up on a plate and a loaf of bread that would constitute a binge. :0)
Needless to say, Vanessa's body quickly moved the foreign chocolate along(sped-up processing - LOL) and we were both back on the game. Scott had a hilarious moment last weekend while making dinner for the kids. It is so startling when seemingly innocent, routine things pop up to tease you. While making a pot of rice for the meal, Scott was blowing on a small spoonful to test if it was done. Vanessa sat transfixed as the spoon edged closer to his mouth. She began thinking, "If he takes a taste, it is SO on! Gonna have ME some!" Right when the spoon was about to touch Scott's lips, he jerked it away as he realized what he was about to do. Like I said, routine things that sneak up on ya. LOL
The great thing about this protocol for us is that we have approached it as a long term process with reasonable goals. This last week we had a small "cheat" meal and went to a Mexican restaurant in town for tortilla-less fajitas. Both of our weight loss amounts stalled for a day, but we anticipated it. This was probably the second "cheat" meal for us since we began the HCG protocol, but this was the first deliberate one. The first was when we were out with the kids and got delayed and needed to feed them dinner. We took them out to RibCrib. However, in both cases, when we ordered for ourselves we kept to a meat and veggie selection. No breads or starches. It was helpful to experience the ability to make healthy choices when our routine was altered.
Okay, here's what y'all have been waiting for - our numbers today:
Vanessa 204.4 (-25.8 lbs)
Scott 270.4 (-27.4 lbs)
Thank you all for so much love and support as we do this. You are the best!
S & V
Thursday, March 11, 2010
UPDATE - Some pics
Hey everyone!
We've gotten a few requests for pictures of us in normal clothing and without the mugshot faces. LOL. So - here are some contrast pictures of us both. First is from December 2009 and the second is from today. :0)
Wowzers! Love ya all. Will post stats and more thoughts tomorrow.
S & V
We've gotten a few requests for pictures of us in normal clothing and without the mugshot faces. LOL. So - here are some contrast pictures of us both. First is from December 2009 and the second is from today. :0)
Wowzers! Love ya all. Will post stats and more thoughts tomorrow.
S & V
Monday, March 8, 2010
UPDATE - PHASE II Day 8
Hello all!
It's been a few days since our last post, with many different things making the last week quite hectic. However, we are on track with this second phase and keeping on keepin on. :0) There were a few days where Scott stalled out, and so he made the decision to up his dose from 175 to 200 for the remaining 13 days of the phase. Given that both of us have been fighting colds and taking medicine, that may have affected our weight-loss. No matter - it has been a consistent march toward better health. In fact, both of us have noticed a much stronger ability to manage cravings and dealing with temptations. That in itself has been terrific.
And with that, here are the numbers!
Vanessa 206.2 (-24 lbs)
Scott 273.4 (-24.4 lbs)
We are really excited to be on track to lose at least 30 pounds on this first 43 day cycle! Thanks for all the support! Love ya.
S & V
It's been a few days since our last post, with many different things making the last week quite hectic. However, we are on track with this second phase and keeping on keepin on. :0) There were a few days where Scott stalled out, and so he made the decision to up his dose from 175 to 200 for the remaining 13 days of the phase. Given that both of us have been fighting colds and taking medicine, that may have affected our weight-loss. No matter - it has been a consistent march toward better health. In fact, both of us have noticed a much stronger ability to manage cravings and dealing with temptations. That in itself has been terrific.
And with that, here are the numbers!
Vanessa 206.2 (-24 lbs)
Scott 273.4 (-24.4 lbs)
We are really excited to be on track to lose at least 30 pounds on this first 43 day cycle! Thanks for all the support! Love ya.
S & V
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
UPDATE - PHASE II Day 3
Hey everyone!
Well, we are back on the schedule after our loading days. Unfortunately both of us caught a sinus cold (Scott first, and now Vanessa). Trying to keep energy up while fighting the yuckies isn't fun. Oh well, we shall carry on. LOL
For our loading days, we were able to indulge in unrestricted portions of meats, fats, butter, veggies and dairy. Sat morning Scott made cheesy scrambled eggs and sausage, lunch was tortilla-less fajitas covered in cheese, and dinner was broccoli and ribeye steaks at the Saltgrass. It was fun for the first day - but Sunday became a chore. LOL. It was much more subdued on the 2nd day because the novelty had worn off and our bodies didn't want to eat. But we managed to do so. The loading days caused our weights to fluctuate which was expected. Now that the second phase is underway our loss has begun to stabilize. It was shocking to see Scott's weight jump 7 pounds during the loading days, and Vanessa saw hers pop up 6. But it's all a part of the plan. And with that, here are today's numbers:
Vanessa 210.4 (-19.8 lbs)
Scott 275.8 (-22 lbs)
Glad to be back on track. Love you all. Looking forward to seeing the end of this phase show some amazing results!
S & V
Well, we are back on the schedule after our loading days. Unfortunately both of us caught a sinus cold (Scott first, and now Vanessa). Trying to keep energy up while fighting the yuckies isn't fun. Oh well, we shall carry on. LOL
For our loading days, we were able to indulge in unrestricted portions of meats, fats, butter, veggies and dairy. Sat morning Scott made cheesy scrambled eggs and sausage, lunch was tortilla-less fajitas covered in cheese, and dinner was broccoli and ribeye steaks at the Saltgrass. It was fun for the first day - but Sunday became a chore. LOL. It was much more subdued on the 2nd day because the novelty had worn off and our bodies didn't want to eat. But we managed to do so. The loading days caused our weights to fluctuate which was expected. Now that the second phase is underway our loss has begun to stabilize. It was shocking to see Scott's weight jump 7 pounds during the loading days, and Vanessa saw hers pop up 6. But it's all a part of the plan. And with that, here are today's numbers:
Vanessa 210.4 (-19.8 lbs)
Scott 275.8 (-22 lbs)
Glad to be back on track. Love you all. Looking forward to seeing the end of this phase show some amazing results!
S & V
Saturday, February 27, 2010
LOADING DAYS
Hey everyone!
Just a quick "hiya" as we are running around doing stuff this weekend. Vanessa wanted to make sure we posted pics of us from this morning (our official 21st day weigh-in). So, here are the pics for the end of Phase One in our first HCG cycle. Woo hoo!
S & V
Just a quick "hiya" as we are running around doing stuff this weekend. Vanessa wanted to make sure we posted pics of us from this morning (our official 21st day weigh-in). So, here are the pics for the end of Phase One in our first HCG cycle. Woo hoo!
S & V
Friday, February 26, 2010
UPDATE - Day 21
Woooooo Hooooo!
The first half of the cycle is over today. Hard to believe it's been 3 weeks already. Here are the numbers for us:
Vanessa 210.4 (-19.8 lbs)
Scott 276.8 (-21 lbs)
So, tomorrow and Sunday we are not taking the HCG and will be using them as loading days. Basically, our portions are not restricted only that the same ban on starches and sugars remains. We are gonna have cheese (hallelujah!) steak, eggs, butter, etc. Mixing a salad again will be like heaven. LOL. Naturally, the purpose of these loading days is to boost the ready fats in our system for the next 21 day phase. Our weights might bump a pound or two up, but should come off just as quickly given the nature of the program.
Yesterday, we went out to a comedy concert in OKC for Vanessa's pre-birthday celebration. Our George Foreman grill had gone kaput so we bought one while we were out. As we were already celebrating the evening, we decided to go to Applebees. This was a very good experience.
We ordered coffee to drink, the 7oz steak which we each cut in half to save for later, and ordered broccoli. We had specified with the waitress NO mashed potatoes. However, somehow that was not remembered and the plates came with them. But, we didn't really crave it and they sat untouched. It was SUCH a vindicating moment to be in the "den of temptation" and come through without suffering. For Vanessa, overcoming the desire to not waste food was tremendous - a real breakthrough. Great trick is to bring your Stevia (substitute sugar) with you at all times. Both for the meal, and after the show it helped to get coffee.
So, we will update again as we start the next phase (Monday) and let you know what the starting weights are. Thank you all for your wonderful support and prayers. :0)
S & V
p.s. Scott looked ROCKIN hot! And I felt so sexy now that my jeans aren't cutting off circulation. LOL
The first half of the cycle is over today. Hard to believe it's been 3 weeks already. Here are the numbers for us:
Vanessa 210.4 (-19.8 lbs)
Scott 276.8 (-21 lbs)
So, tomorrow and Sunday we are not taking the HCG and will be using them as loading days. Basically, our portions are not restricted only that the same ban on starches and sugars remains. We are gonna have cheese (hallelujah!) steak, eggs, butter, etc. Mixing a salad again will be like heaven. LOL. Naturally, the purpose of these loading days is to boost the ready fats in our system for the next 21 day phase. Our weights might bump a pound or two up, but should come off just as quickly given the nature of the program.
Yesterday, we went out to a comedy concert in OKC for Vanessa's pre-birthday celebration. Our George Foreman grill had gone kaput so we bought one while we were out. As we were already celebrating the evening, we decided to go to Applebees. This was a very good experience.
We ordered coffee to drink, the 7oz steak which we each cut in half to save for later, and ordered broccoli. We had specified with the waitress NO mashed potatoes. However, somehow that was not remembered and the plates came with them. But, we didn't really crave it and they sat untouched. It was SUCH a vindicating moment to be in the "den of temptation" and come through without suffering. For Vanessa, overcoming the desire to not waste food was tremendous - a real breakthrough. Great trick is to bring your Stevia (substitute sugar) with you at all times. Both for the meal, and after the show it helped to get coffee.
So, we will update again as we start the next phase (Monday) and let you know what the starting weights are. Thank you all for your wonderful support and prayers. :0)
S & V
p.s. Scott looked ROCKIN hot! And I felt so sexy now that my jeans aren't cutting off circulation. LOL
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
UPDATE - Day 18
Hey everyone!
Only a few more days until our mini-break for 2 loading days. These small goals are so very important because they keep the initiative engaged for both of us. Speaking of goals, here are our numbers for today:
Vanessa 212.4 (-17.8 lbs)
Scott 279.8 (-18 lbs)
Woo hoo!
S & V
Only a few more days until our mini-break for 2 loading days. These small goals are so very important because they keep the initiative engaged for both of us. Speaking of goals, here are our numbers for today:
Vanessa 212.4 (-17.8 lbs)
Scott 279.8 (-18 lbs)
Woo hoo!
S & V
Saturday, February 20, 2010
UPDATE - Day 15
Good morning!
With little less than a week to go before our first 21 day cycle is over, it has been quite a ride. Yesterday represented one of the first really trying moments of self-control. The kiddos came over for the weekend, and we bought food for them separately from our menu items.
It was a learning moment for us. Having pizza in the house is not a good idea. Neither is pudding. Vanessa's resolve was seriously tested, but she held on. The emotions that came on were rage, tears, anger, frustration, and deep sadness. Partly due to the feeling of restriction, but on a deeper level the way she had come to rely on food over the years. And that it finally ended up requiring such a drastic action as this protocol. Scott had a moment where the cravings almost won out. And it wasn't a slow, insidious feeling but an intense shock. When cooking the pizza for the boys, and seeing a cold beer in the back of the fridge - autopilot almost went on. It was as though a cold wave of water hit him when he realized the depth to which the food and habit had grabbed him. -sigh-
It is very illuminating, and humbling, to experience such a keen pang regarding food. It had nothing to do with hunger, as we had both just eaten and felt full. How in the world do we let ourselves place food on such a high emotional pedestal? While we won the battle, the war continues on. We have had numerous talks and mini-moments where we take time to support each other and vent. Flash-points can hit either of us in the most unexpected ways and it is SO difficult to work through sometimes. This is truly a journey made up of moment to moment decisions with a longterm view in mind. Both of us are looking forward to next weekend - they're the loading days for the 2nd phase. It represents a mini-goal for us. Keeping on keepin on.
So, today's number are:
Vanessa 215.0 (-15.2 lbs)
Scott 282.4 (-15.4 lbs)
Love you all. :0)
S & V
With little less than a week to go before our first 21 day cycle is over, it has been quite a ride. Yesterday represented one of the first really trying moments of self-control. The kiddos came over for the weekend, and we bought food for them separately from our menu items.
It was a learning moment for us. Having pizza in the house is not a good idea. Neither is pudding. Vanessa's resolve was seriously tested, but she held on. The emotions that came on were rage, tears, anger, frustration, and deep sadness. Partly due to the feeling of restriction, but on a deeper level the way she had come to rely on food over the years. And that it finally ended up requiring such a drastic action as this protocol. Scott had a moment where the cravings almost won out. And it wasn't a slow, insidious feeling but an intense shock. When cooking the pizza for the boys, and seeing a cold beer in the back of the fridge - autopilot almost went on. It was as though a cold wave of water hit him when he realized the depth to which the food and habit had grabbed him. -sigh-
It is very illuminating, and humbling, to experience such a keen pang regarding food. It had nothing to do with hunger, as we had both just eaten and felt full. How in the world do we let ourselves place food on such a high emotional pedestal? While we won the battle, the war continues on. We have had numerous talks and mini-moments where we take time to support each other and vent. Flash-points can hit either of us in the most unexpected ways and it is SO difficult to work through sometimes. This is truly a journey made up of moment to moment decisions with a longterm view in mind. Both of us are looking forward to next weekend - they're the loading days for the 2nd phase. It represents a mini-goal for us. Keeping on keepin on.
So, today's number are:
Vanessa 215.0 (-15.2 lbs)
Scott 282.4 (-15.4 lbs)
Love you all. :0)
S & V
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
UPDATE - Day 12
Hey there!
Okay, so we have been trucking along on the plan and keeping to the process. Both of us are feeling good physically, and the energy level we are experiencing is not diminished. Both of us have experienced the expected stalls in loss, as was explained in the program outline. Scott had it two days ago, Vanessa had hers this morning. This is why the outlook must always be on the longview - discouragement on fluctuations need not derail you. :0)
Okay, so here are our numbers as of this morning:
Vanessa 217.2 (-13 lbs)
Scott 284.4 (-13.4 lbs)
Yeah! Keeping on keepin on! See y'all in a couple days. :0)
Okay, so we have been trucking along on the plan and keeping to the process. Both of us are feeling good physically, and the energy level we are experiencing is not diminished. Both of us have experienced the expected stalls in loss, as was explained in the program outline. Scott had it two days ago, Vanessa had hers this morning. This is why the outlook must always be on the longview - discouragement on fluctuations need not derail you. :0)
Okay, so here are our numbers as of this morning:
Vanessa 217.2 (-13 lbs)
Scott 284.4 (-13.4 lbs)
Yeah! Keeping on keepin on! See y'all in a couple days. :0)
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Update - Day 9
Well, it is the continuing adventures of the HCG journey. Here are today's numbers:
Vanessa 218.6 (-11.6 lbs)
Scott 286.4 (-11.4 lbs)
Vanessa 218.6 (-11.6 lbs)
Scott 286.4 (-11.4 lbs)
Thursday, February 11, 2010
UPDATE - 5 Days In
Hello everyone!
Well, it's early in the day and we wanted to post some numbers to keep you updated. We started the loading days on Feb 6 (Sat) and experienced the expect bump up in weight that the diet predicts. Scott went up 3 lbs, it was SuperBowl weekend afterall - LOL, and Vanessa went up 1.3 pounds. The actual VLCD (Very Low Calorie Diet) of 500 calories began on Feb 8. Regardless of the bump, the beginning weight will still be the marker from which we gauge our progress.
So, as of this morning our numbers are:
Vanessa 221.2 (-9 lbs)
Scott 289.8 (-8 lbs)
Woo hoo! :0)
Well, it's early in the day and we wanted to post some numbers to keep you updated. We started the loading days on Feb 6 (Sat) and experienced the expect bump up in weight that the diet predicts. Scott went up 3 lbs, it was SuperBowl weekend afterall - LOL, and Vanessa went up 1.3 pounds. The actual VLCD (Very Low Calorie Diet) of 500 calories began on Feb 8. Regardless of the bump, the beginning weight will still be the marker from which we gauge our progress.
So, as of this morning our numbers are:
Vanessa 221.2 (-9 lbs)
Scott 289.8 (-8 lbs)
Woo hoo! :0)
Monday, February 8, 2010
Let's Get It Started!
Hello!
Well, we finally got everything together. All of our supplies and schedules are at last in sync. Vanessa came home from a long family trip and we were able to spend some time together mentally preparing for the first phase of the diet. Of course, since it was SuperBowl weekend (go Saints!) we timed our start-up in order to use Saturday and Sunday as the loading days. The first 2 doses of HCG were on those days, and now the 500 calorie diet is in effect. Both of us are feeling really great, though the injection sites on Vanessa's leg are a little sore (think normal injection tenderness). Nothing that would keep her from continuing or worrying about it. Found it really funny that we both had to force ourselves to eat on the loading days. It's been quite some time since I (Scott) have felt so "blah" about SuperBowl snacks. LOL
Each of us determined to use an appropriate dose for our body size. V is beginning the first phase on 150 I.U.'s per day, and S is using 175 I.U.'s of HCG. After the initial two days, this seems to have been a good gauge for us. V feels a little warmer, as though her metabolism has kicked in. Scott has felt that too, and both of us have noticed an intense craving for water. So remember to hydrate!!! Vanessa is a notorious snacker, and was very surprised to find that the cravings (physical and mental) were greatly diminished during the SuperBowl party. Brownies that sat on the counter were picked at, instead of scarfed by both of us. You have to realise how huge that is for us - snacking and sweets have been a constant. :0)
We decided to commit ourselves to this process fully, even though it is going to mean a lot of vulnerability and exposure. This is not a comfortable thing to do - showcasing your physical failings. However, for this to be as cathartic as it can be, we have decided to share everything in relation to the program. Our weight, struggles, photos, joys, pains, and triumphs.
So, with that being said, here are the starting pics of us and our stats:
We are very excited about this decision in our lives, and the positive direction it will lead us. Every couple of days we will post more thoughts and information, with the hope that it can be an encouragement to others. Words cannot convey the amount of hope and anticipation that fill us, along with a good dose of anxiety. No matter what, we are determined to be healthier, choose wiser, and live fuller lives as God intended for us. :0)
Off we go!
S & V
Well, we finally got everything together. All of our supplies and schedules are at last in sync. Vanessa came home from a long family trip and we were able to spend some time together mentally preparing for the first phase of the diet. Of course, since it was SuperBowl weekend (go Saints!) we timed our start-up in order to use Saturday and Sunday as the loading days. The first 2 doses of HCG were on those days, and now the 500 calorie diet is in effect. Both of us are feeling really great, though the injection sites on Vanessa's leg are a little sore (think normal injection tenderness). Nothing that would keep her from continuing or worrying about it. Found it really funny that we both had to force ourselves to eat on the loading days. It's been quite some time since I (Scott) have felt so "blah" about SuperBowl snacks. LOL
Each of us determined to use an appropriate dose for our body size. V is beginning the first phase on 150 I.U.'s per day, and S is using 175 I.U.'s of HCG. After the initial two days, this seems to have been a good gauge for us. V feels a little warmer, as though her metabolism has kicked in. Scott has felt that too, and both of us have noticed an intense craving for water. So remember to hydrate!!! Vanessa is a notorious snacker, and was very surprised to find that the cravings (physical and mental) were greatly diminished during the SuperBowl party. Brownies that sat on the counter were picked at, instead of scarfed by both of us. You have to realise how huge that is for us - snacking and sweets have been a constant. :0)
We decided to commit ourselves to this process fully, even though it is going to mean a lot of vulnerability and exposure. This is not a comfortable thing to do - showcasing your physical failings. However, for this to be as cathartic as it can be, we have decided to share everything in relation to the program. Our weight, struggles, photos, joys, pains, and triumphs.
So, with that being said, here are the starting pics of us and our stats:
We are very excited about this decision in our lives, and the positive direction it will lead us. Every couple of days we will post more thoughts and information, with the hope that it can be an encouragement to others. Words cannot convey the amount of hope and anticipation that fill us, along with a good dose of anxiety. No matter what, we are determined to be healthier, choose wiser, and live fuller lives as God intended for us. :0)
Off we go!
S & V
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Getting ready
Hello everyone!
First of all, we are both really excited to finally be doing this - and really scared. LOL. Regardless, this is going to be one of the best experiences either of us has gone through. Like many people, we found ourselves having slowly allowed our weight to increase over the last 20 years. After reaching our current weights, it was painfully obvious that not only weightloss but an entirely new way of living was needed. Thus we chose to research various options for ourselves. We have been going to the gym, eating sensibly and are fairly active but have still experienced difficulty in losing weight. Through friends and family that have been through the program with tremendous success, we chose Dr. Simeon's Pounds and Inches system.
We are going to document our progress and post pictures along the way. This is really a tool for us for accountability with each of you, but also as an encouragement for others searching for success. Lord knows that all of the blogs, youtube videos, and websites that had actual pictures with success measurements did wonders for motivating us.
Love you all and you'll be seing us soon!
S & V
First of all, we are both really excited to finally be doing this - and really scared. LOL. Regardless, this is going to be one of the best experiences either of us has gone through. Like many people, we found ourselves having slowly allowed our weight to increase over the last 20 years. After reaching our current weights, it was painfully obvious that not only weightloss but an entirely new way of living was needed. Thus we chose to research various options for ourselves. We have been going to the gym, eating sensibly and are fairly active but have still experienced difficulty in losing weight. Through friends and family that have been through the program with tremendous success, we chose Dr. Simeon's Pounds and Inches system.
We are going to document our progress and post pictures along the way. This is really a tool for us for accountability with each of you, but also as an encouragement for others searching for success. Lord knows that all of the blogs, youtube videos, and websites that had actual pictures with success measurements did wonders for motivating us.
Love you all and you'll be seing us soon!
S & V
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