Despite what some other sites claim, this is not a cure, you should weigh in daily and follow steps to correct an increase of 2 lbs or more.
There are risk involved with the protocol, MOST are related to the VLCD, but one - OHSS (Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome) is specific to hCG.Though rare at such low doses, someone ultrasensitive may demonstrate symptoms. PLEASE review & know signs related.
Other possible issues :
Gouty arthritis attack due to increase in uric acid levels. (if you have a history of gout you need to consider your risk, if you decide to continue) - courtesy of Dr Johnson - avoid all shellfish while on the VLCD if you have gout.
Gall bladder attack due to absence of fat in diet.
Annoyances you may also experience:
"Brain fog" (feeling spacey) especially during the conversion into ketosis the first few days of the VLCD.
Hot flashes (warm/hot feeling in face or body) typically occurring not long after your dose is taken, duration usually an hour or two.
Temporary hair loss - mild to moderate, is debatable if related to the VLCD or the hCG, should no longer be an issue once your course is concluded.
Breakfast:
Tea or coffee in any quantity without sugar. Only one tablespoonful of milk allowed in 24 hours. Saccharin or Stevia may be used. ** Personal note from delmem - many I've worked with (myself included) used Splenda or Equal type sweeteners, drank limited amounts of diet cola, and had very respectable results.. neither of these artifical sweeteners were commercially prior to Dr Simeons passing
Lunch:
100 grams of veal, beef, chicken breast, fresh white fish, lobster, crab, or shrimp. All visible fat must be carefully removed before cooking, and the meat must be weighed raw. It must be boiled or grilled without additional fat. Salmon, eel, tuna, herring, dried or pickled fish are not allowed.One type of vegetable only to be chosen from the following: spinach, chard, chicory, beet-greens, green salad, tomatoes, celery, fennel, onions, red radishes, cucumbers, asparagus, cabbage.
One breadstick (grissino) or one Melba toast. An apple or a handful of strawberries or one-half grapefruit.
Dinner : The same four choices as lunch.
The juice of one lemon daily is allowed for all purposes. Salt, pepper, vinegar, mustard powder, garlic, sweet basil, parsley, thyme, majoram, etc. may be used for seasoning, but no oil, butter or dressing.
Tea, coffee, plain water, or mineral water are the only drinks allowed, but they may be taken in any quantity and at all times.
In fact, the patient should drink about 2 liters of these fluids per day. Many patients are afraid to drink so much because they fear that this may make them retain more water. This is a wrong notion as the body is more inclined to store water when the intake falls below its normal requirements.
The fruit or the breadstick may be eaten between meals instead of with lunch or dinner, but not more than than four items listed for lunch and dinner may be eaten at one meal. No medicines or cosmetics other than lipstick, eyebrow pencil and powder may be used without special permission
Every item in the list is gone over carefully, continually stressing the point that no variations other than those listed may be introduced. All things not listed are forbidden, and the patient is assured that nothing permissible has been left out. The 100 grams of meat must he scrupulously weighed raw after all visible fat has been removed. To do this accurately the patient must have a letter-scale, as kitchen scales are not sufficiently accurate and the butcher should certainly not be relied upon. Those not uncommon patients who feel that even so little food is too much for them, can omit anything they wish.
There is no objection to breaking up the two meals. For instance having a breadstick and an apple for breakfast or before going to bed, provided they are deducted from the regular meals.
Concluding a Course
(from Pounds & Inches)
When the three days of dieting after the last injection are over, the patients are told that they may now eat anything they please, except sugar and starch provided they faithfully observe one simple rule. This rule is that they must have their own portable bathroom-scale always at hand, particularly while traveling. They must without fail weigh themselves every morning as they get out of bed, having first emptied their bladder. If they are in the habit of having breakfast in bed, they must weigh before breakfast.
It takes about 3 weeks before the weight reached at the end of the treatment becomes stable, i.e. does not show violent fluctuations after an occasional excess. During this period patients must realize that the so-called carbohydrates, that is sugar, rice, bread, potatoes, pastries, etc, are by far the most dangerous. If no carbohydrates whatsoever are eaten, fats can be indulged in somewhat more liberally and even small quantities of alcohol, such as a glass of wine with meals, does no harm, but as soon as fats and starch are combined things are very liable to get out of hand. This has to be observed very carefully during the first 3 weeks after the treatment is ended otherwise disappointments are almost sure to occur.