What We're Working With.

Ohhhhkaaaay. So I have BOTH of my scales! (very stinky that it took a fellow HCGer's bathroom scale from Haddaway's almost a month to get to her - thank God, mine made it in a mere 3 days!)

So now we've got:

• HCG
• Food Scale
• Bathroom Scale
• Flexible Measuring Tape
• 2 People - I'm speaking for Eddie here - Ready to get this thing GOING!

My supplies from Research Supplies tried to get here on Friday, but since I was running errands all afternoon the UPS guy needs a signature and couldn't deliver. ARGH! I tried to call the 800 number and see if I could pick-up, but it was a no-go. I won't be home all day Monday either, so it will have to be Tuesday. *sigh* All is well, though. We weren't planning on starting until Friday anyhow, and we still have to go shopping for our Phase 2 food! A big thankyouverymuch! to those of you who gave me some great ideas on what to shop for.

May I please ask what the difference is between getting the shots in the morning or evening? Eddie is up for work at 4:45 a.m. and out of the house by 5:30 for work - my alarm doesn't even ring until 6. (Thank you Jesus ... lol I'm not the best morning person.) He asked me if we could just do them at night before we go to bed, which I think is prolly not the best idea, but that's the only time we're home together. I'm pretty sure that's just his way of saying that he wants me to give him his shots (like I know what I'm doing! HA!), but I thought I'd ask anyhow.

Well, things are getting down to the line and I'm getting nervous and excited! I know we can do this ... I know we can do this ... I know we can do this ...

New Blog, New Me!

Well hey - I'm sure you've noticed the new look around here! I know it's kinda dark, but I felt like it represents my personality better. I'm not really a "dark" person, perse, but red IS my favorite color and for some reason the deeper "earthy" tones are comforting to me... and it matches my pictures a lot better! ;)

**Deep Thought Warning!** (I know you thought you smelled smoke! lol)
In case you're curious about the artwork: the Phoenix is a strong symbol for my life right now. I feel like I've been through the fire (anyone else with me there??) and I'm emerging as a stronger, wiser, .. yes, even TRIMMER .. person! The past few years, to different degrees, have been very tumultuous. Upon reflection, those rocky times in my life really served to hone my skills as a self-reliant adult and mother, as the head of my household, and have really shaped my core-self. The more stubborn you are, the hotter the fire must have to be to mold you into the person God wants you to be... I've gotta be one hard lump of clay! Ha!

I know God loves me and that we are all destined for greatness. Above all I've learned to be humble and lean on Him for all things, and to utilize the resources given to me during those "hot" times. This being one, I want to thank God and all of you for your knowledge, generosity and inspiration. It is such a blessing to have a supportive network like you all during my triumphant rise from the ashes.

**End Deep Thought Warning**

I'm off to the Post Office to get my scale! Woo hoo!

One Down... and Food Questions

Well, my first scale arrived... I just have to go pick it up at the Post Office. *sigh* Now, if only my needles, etc. would get here along with the other scale, I'd be set! ;)

OK - I need some advice. Since I'm figuring on starting the protocol within the next week or so, (dependant completely on when my supplies arrive) I need to know what to shop for food-wise now. We'll be loading soon, and then there is the all-important Phase 2 food. What were (or should have been) your essential loading foods? What foods/spices/etc. do you feel are essential and/or do you find yourself returning to the store for during Phase 2?

Scales

I forgot to tell you all (you all = the 2 people that actually read my blog! lol) that the scales I got from Haddaway's on eBay were shipped yesterday from Kentucky. Yay! This is what I got:

Brand-new, in-the-box, WeighMax W-2810 Digital Kitchen/Food/Diet Scale. Description from Haddaways: The W-2810 Kitchen Scale is a versatile, reliable scale that includes a large platform and a large bowl to weigh liquid, powder or small items. The digital LCD with blue backlight makes weights easy to read. Features Include:
- 2000g (4.4lb) Capacity
- Precise 0.1oz / 1g Accuracy
- Runs on 4 AA batteries (included)
- Auto Power Off Function
- Large high contrast Blue Backlit LCD display
- Low Battery Indicator
- Full Range Tare function
- 10 Year Warranty!

Cost: $0.99 plus shipping (with insurance): $14.95 = $15.94

-AND-

A brand-new, in-the-box WeighMax W-3813 Digital Bathroom Scale. Description from Haddaway's: The W-3813 Bathroom Scale offers a sleek, stylish look and is a versatile, reliable scale that includes a thick tempered glass platform, easy power-on (just tap the glass with your foot) and auto shut-off to save on batteries. The large digital LCD makes weights easy to read.
Features Include:
- 330lb (150kg) Capacity
- Precise 0.2lb / 0.1kg Accuracy
- Measures in pounds and kilograms
- Easy-on function (tap the scale)
- Runs on 2 CR2032 batteries (included)
- Auto Power Off Function (shuts off 4 seconds after you step off scale)
- Large (2.5" x 1") high contrast LCD display
- Overload Indicator
- Low Battery Indicator
- 10 Year Warranty!

Cost: $.01 plus shipping (with insurance): $21.95 = $21.96

It looks as though they make the bulk of their $$ on shipping, but the cost of the two scales together is about what you would pay for ONE good scale at all of the stores I checked out. (Plus I live in the sticks, so let's not even TALK about the gas-to-drive-there factor!) So, hopefully I didn't get screwed TOO badly. So now I have my supplies AND my scales coming in the mail ... I'M SO EXCITED!! *happy dance*

P.S. I just realized that the description of the bathroom scale says it has ".02lb/ 1kg accuracy". Does that mean it measures in 0.2lb increments?? I sure hope not :( That would put a lil kink in things.

Bargain Shopper! (supplies)

I was shopping online for supplies and if my calculations are correct, you can get a much better deal from http://www.researchsupplies.net/ vs. http://www.hcgsupplies.com/.

What I did was go to HCG Supplies and click on the link to buy supplies for one 43-day protocol. Their price for use with 5000 IU is $67.95 plus shipping. (from the site: 45--Luer-Lock Sterile Needle/Syringe Combos, 2--30cc sterile capped vials, 2--Large Syringes w/needles, 2--30cc vials of Bacteriostatic Water, 60--Alcohol Wipes) Eddie and I are doing this together, so I needed supplies for both of us. I went to Research Supply, and for:

• (4) 30 mL vials of Bacteriostatic Water
• (4) 30 mL Amber Sealed Sterile Glass vials
• (1) 25-count box Excel 3 mL Luer-lock syringes with 1.5" 18-guage needles
• (1) 100-count box Excel 3 mL Luer-lock syringes with 1" 25-guage needles
• (1) 200-count box Alcohol Prep Pads

I spent $59.35 TOTAL for enough supplies for TWO 40+ day protocols with some left over. We'll wait and see if I get everything as ordered, etc. but I have no reason to believe that there will be any problems. I hope I did that right! ;) If not I guess I'll figure it out soon enough.

An Introduction

Hello!

I'm going to try to keep this first post relatively short. :) We'll see how that works! lol

For those researching hcg and its weight-loss potential, I'd like to think you've come to the right place. I've devoted quite a bit of time to my own research for the past 8+ weeks, and the most important thing I've learned is to get my information from people who actually know. So, my first bit of advice is to consider your source - does this person actually know what they're talking about? Have they followed the protocol correctly and failed, or are they just spouting crap for the sake of hearing themselves talk? (This includes your Doctor. No offense to the medical community, but the only real research that's been done was by Dr. A.T.W. Simeons. Let's all face reality.)

Anyways, if you're considering trying hcg or are just curious, I would highly recommend that you join the Yahoo Group HCG Dieters. They are a great bunch of people who are in every Phase of the hcg process, many of whom are successful veterans and have compiled a great Database of information for your perusal. Within their Database is a copy of Dr. Simeons' original Protocol. He is the original authority on hcg weight loss and successfully treated thousands of people with it. Again, get your information from a reliable source - the FDA will lose a lot of money if millions of people start using a relatively cost-effective weight loss method with actual long-term success. The FDA is not a reliable source.

Just a quick note on Kevin Trudeau: He wrote a book called The Weight Loss Cure. I discovered hcg through his book. He is not a doctor, and I do not trust much about him except that he likes to make money. HowEVER - he happened to be right. I appreciate the fact that he had the guts to bring this to the public, and for that I thank him. Enough said.

I think that's enough info to get most people going. I just received my hcg and just have to order the rest of my supplies before starting the protocol. I'm hoping to put my order in this evening and get the ball rolling... I plan to start injections in 7-10 days.

Exciting! I'll see y'all in the Junior's Department!