[XGoFivk7]

I have been doing the protocol for about seven days (three load, this is my 5th VLCD). I have really havent' lost anything other than some of my load weight. Although I've quite good at following protocol in terms of food, and I think my dosage is OK because I'm not hungry.

But I just had a fight with my husband about doing HCG, which he thinks is excessive force to lose 15 to 20 pounds. (When I did the protocol in 2010 and it worked, we were both on it. He's kept his weight off, I haven't.)

So my husband is the wine business, and so drinking wine is a part of our life. I learned in my other round that for me, even a half glass of wine for me throws off weight loss (and I also worry it screws up the hormones involved with the process).

But here's what we argued about:

Last night, knowing that I can't drink or really eat out, I turned down going out with our friends when they went out. So I followed the protocol all day, lost a fun night out and yet gained half a pound. We are in Seattle for the summer, so people hike. This morning, I turned down doing a six-mile hike with a friend. Which I really, really wanted to do. I had to turn down going on a fun cycling trip because I can't exercise on protocol.

My husband's issue: If I just went and did all this exercise instead of doing HCG, I would be better off in terms of my overall health.

So even though I believe in the protocol and I *thought* I was ready to give up everything to do it, I'm thinking that this is not the right time.

But what happens if I quit early? I"ve never done that. Are there side effects?

I also wonder if I am turning to HCG for what is really not a huge weight loss. I am 25.4 BMI so not exactly obese and, really, if i lost 10 or 12 pounds, I would be happy.

Thoughts on this?

"Is it worth it?" I think you are asking us a question that only you can answer. It iS kind of like going into hiding for a while. Or at least I had to. But a 19 pound loss in 40 days was TOTALLY worth it to me. Good luck with your decision!

mEoW