The Rest of the Story

Well, I am almost through with my 2nd round of HCG.  Its been an interesting ride.  First of all.. some things I've learned along the way:

1) FOLLOW THE MAINTENANCE DIET METICULOUSLY!
I didn't the first time and, boy, was I sorry!  How foolish to spend so many weeks being so strictly compliant and then blow it!  DUH  This time I have promised myself to be as strict with the maintenance as I am during the diet.  I don't ever want to be in the situation of having to re-lose weight again!!
2) NEVER, EVER SCHEDULE YOUR DIET TO END TOO CLOSE TO A MAJOR HOLIDAY
I think my biggest mistake was finishing up 2 weeks before Christmas.  That is just too much temptation after weeks of strict dieting.  I totally lost my focus and ended up gaining back 1/3 of what I had worked so hard to lose. 
3) CHANGE UP YOUR MEALS- ESPECIALLY THE MEAT
This time I made the mistake of settling into a routine of two meals that I enjoyed... both with ground turkey.  I couldn't figure out why my weight loss has been slower this time around.  (It is very discouraging).  My daughter, who is also on the diet, pointed out that she broke a plateau by changing up her meat and meals.  She has lost 30 pounds to my  20.  I followed her advice and have started losing again.
4) TELL DR BIRD IF YOU'RE NOT LOSING AS FAST AS YOU THINK YOU SHOULD
I finally told him how frustrated I was and he had some great ideas.. up your protein by about  50 calories a day (staying within 500 calories by reducing the fruit and veggies).  And getting some ketone strips to make sure you really are burning fat.  I just got this info so I haven't tried it yet, but, I certainly felt foolish for not having asked him earlier.  That's what he's there for!
5) THIS DIET WORKS!
After going thru this twice I am convinced that this is a great way to lose weight.  I am not convinced, however, that it is a magic bullet.  Maintaining a healthy weight is a life-long struggle, not a once in a lifetime push.  I've come to think of HCG as 'emergency surgery'. Its lovely to lose a bunch of weight fast but its what happens next that is the real story.  I do love the 'weigh once a day and if you're up two pounds, fast for two meals' idea.  Its nice to have a Plan B rather than simply becoming discouraged, throwing up your hands, and eating everything in sight because 'what difference does it make, I've already blown it anyway?!' (my usual MO).
       Bottom line is that if a 60 year old diabetic can have success with this diet, anyone can!