In an attempt to answer as many of your questions as possible, we assembled a list of frequently asked questions and answers. Although each of these questions has been asked in the past, many may apply to you and many may not. This is not a comprehensive list of every unique situation a patient may experience while on the HCG protocol.

While the requirements of the HCG protocol are detailed and we receive many questions from every patient, we believe the majority of your questions will be answered on this page. Please read through these questions before your initial appointment so that we can keep our commitment to you of a 20-30 minute appointment.

Dietary Questions | Program Questions | Health Questions | Cost Questions | Approved Product List

Dietary Questions:

Q: Can I complete the HCG protocol if I am a vegetarian or vegan?
A: Yes.

Q: Can I complete the HCG protocol if I am lactose intolerant?
A: Yes.

Q: How much salt would you recommend using?
A: There is no restriction on the use of salt. On the other hand, an increase in salt can be one of the most common causes for inconsistencies in weight, due to water retention.

Q: The diet states that tap water is not preferred. Why?
A: Tap water contains chlorine, which affects the thyroid.

Q: Why do I “gorge” for the first 3 days of the protocol?
A: It takes 3 days for HCG to completely enter your system; gorging helps with hunger feelings while on the program.

Q: What are the best foods on which to gorge?
A: High fat calorie foods such as full fat dairy products, nuts, oils, avocados, etc.

Q: Are frozen veggies okay instead of fresh?
A: Fresh vegetables are preferred, but frozen vegetables will work.

Q: May I eat pickles with any meal on the diet?
A: Cucumbers and vinegar are on the protocol so pickles are permitted. If you find that you are not losing weight, stop eating the pickles.

Q: What can I eat while I’m completing the HCG protocol?
A: The complete diet is covered in the initial 2-hour orientation. However, here is a basic overview:
• Drink two quarts of water each day.
• Breakfast: herbal teas, black teas, or coffee.
• Lunch/dinner: 500 calories of food each day from the following: 100 grams of beef, veal, chicken, white fish, lobster, shrimp, or tuna. Two vegetables from the approved list with each meal (includes broccoli, cabbage, cucumbers, green beans, zucchini, tomatoes, and others). One fruit from the approved list with each meal (includes apple, orange, strawberries, grapefruit, peach, apricot, cherries, and others). In place of fruit, ¾ cup of non-fat yogurt can be eaten once per day. Finally, one serving of crackers or bread sticks from the approved list with each meal.

Q: Won’t I starve if I only consume 500 calories per day?
A: No. Because HCG releases your fat reserves, your body begins to “consume” the fat, which acts as a source of energy in place of food. In essence, you burn about one pound of fat each day (one pound is 3,500 calories). Therefore, your total consumption each day will be about 4,000 calories – 500 from food and 3,500 from fat. That is why most patients do not experience extreme hunger while using HCG.

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Program Questions:

Q: Will I lose exactly one pound every day while on the program?
A: No. Most patients on the 23-day program tend to lose about 18-23 pounds; however, the weight loss does not always happen evenly over 23-day period. Some patients may notice a “lull” or a span of a few days where little to no weight loss occurs. Some patients often notice quick weight loss after a “lull” period.

Q: If I live out of state, how do I participate in the program?
A: Out-of-state patients will need to attend the orientation, physical, and first injection. After they start the protocol we will conduct follow-up phone consultations and will overnight the HCG serum and supplies at the patient’s cost.

Q: If I only want to lose 10-15 lbs. can I still complete the program?
A: We do not recommend it. If you only need to lose a small amount of weight, there aren’t as many “abnormal fat reserves” available and the hunger experienced throughout the program may be intense. However, we have had several patients participate who only needed to lose 15 pounds.

Q: Can I complete the protocol if I am nursing a baby?
A: No, when you are nursing you produce prolactin, which interferes with HCG.

Q: Why are the injections “intramuscular”?
A: The HCG needs to be metabolized in the muscle.

Q: Why do I skip a day in the week when I am completing the 40-day protocol?
A: This prevents your body from building immunity to HCG.

Q: What makeup can I use during the protocol?
A: You can use Makeup that does not include fats, oils, creams and ointments.

Q: What lip products can I use?
A: All products on the lips are permitted. The small amount of oil contained in most lip products does not interfere with weight loss. If you experience a lull in weight loss, discontinue use of chapstick and lipstick.

Q: What deodorant can I use?
A: All deodorants that do not contain oil are permitted. We carry a natural, oil-free deodorant in our office, which you can purchase.

Q: What lotion and makeup can I use?
A: We recommend pure jojoba oil, which can be purchased in our office, which can be used a lotion. But all lotions and make-up that are oil-free are permitted.

Q: Are shampoos and conditioners okay?
A: Yes, as long as they are rinsed out immediately.

Q: When is the latest I can have my post labs drawn?
A: One week after the last injection.

Q: Can I color my hair while I’m completing the program?
A: No.

Q: Can I use Crest white strips for whitening my teeth while on HCG?
A: Yes.

Q: Can I do an “apple day” once a week to lose more weight?
A: An apple day acts as a diuretic, to help you lose water weight, but has no effect on fat loss..

Q: Will the lotions and diaper creams I put on my children have an effect on me, even if I wash my hands immediately after applying?
A: The lotions and creams can have a small effect. We recommend you wear gloves to prevent penetration of any lotions or creams.

Q: Am I alright if I administered my shot on a “no-shot day” and then skipped my shot on the following day?
A: Yes, that is fine. But in the future make sure you do “6 days on, 1 day off” in that sequence.

Q: Can I go tanning while I am on the program?
A: Yes, but do not use tanning lotion or oil.

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Health Questions:

Q: Can I still complete the HCG protocol if I’ve had a hysterectomy?
A: Yes.

Q: How does a diabetic benefit from the program?
A: When a diabetic follows the protocol the HCG naturally stabilizes the blood sugar. We often see an overall drop in fasting blood sugar after completing the program.

Q: Can I still take my medications while on HCG?
A: Most all medications are permitted but this will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis during your physical.

Q: How does HCG affect cholesterol levels?
A: We have seen cholesterol levels fluctuate while on the HCG program. For the majority of patients the cholesterol levels drop and improve.

Q: Will I be able to stop using my anti-diabetes medications after I complete the HCG protocol?
A: While discontinuance of diabetes medication is possible, it should not be expected as a result of the protocol. Often it depends on how long you’ve been diabetic, how many medications you are currently using, your fasting blood sugar levels, your blood sugar range, etc.

Q: Will HCG help my high blood pressure?
A: Many patients have experienced a decrease in blood pressure. Some patients have been able to stop taking their medications, but this should not be done without medical advice.

Q: Can I continue using my anti-depressant medications?
A: Yes.

Q: Can I continue using my anxiety medications?
A: Yes

Q: Why does HCG interfere with Gout?
A: The HCG increases uric acid levels which may cause a severe attack. If you have an elevated uric acid level, you can be prescribed a preventative medication while on HCG.

Q: If I don’t have a regular menstrual cycle will the HCG affect that?
A: Some patients have experienced changes in their menstrual cycle while on the HCG. These irregularities are resolved with the completion of the program.

Q: Should I run and exercise while completing the protocol?
A: We do not recommend strenuous exercise while completing the protocol. However, we do recommend walking and other light exercise.

Q: Will I be hungry if I don’t take the injections while on my period?
A: This varies; some women report they are hungrier when on their menstrual cycle and not injecting, and many report that they are unaffected.

Q: What should I do if I get constipated?
A: In our office you can purchase an herbal laxative supplement called Inner Clean. You can also find herbal laxative teas at your grocery store.

Q: What are the negative side effects of the HCG program?
A: Fortunately, very few negative side effects have been noticed or reported. The most frequent complaint we receive from patients is hunger.

Q: If I am really hungry while on HCG can I use an appetite suppressant? For instance, Hoodia?
A: No, a better idea is to graze on vegetables throughout the day. Choose vegetables that are approved on the protocol as “unlimited.”

Q: Is cold medicine okay?
A: Yes, as long as it does not contain sugar.

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Cost Questions:

Q: What is the cost of the program?
A: We offer a Basic, Premium and VIP package. Prices vary. Please call our office for details.

Q: Will I receive a discount on a multiple cycle?
A: For multiple cycles, we offer the Basic package.

Q: Is there a charge if I break a bottle of HCG?
A: Yes, there is a $15.00 charge per day of serum lost.

Q: What if I don’t lose weight, will I receive a refund?
A: Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee results of the program. Much of the success of the program is based on your willingness to follow the strict protocol. By “taking days off” or cutting corners on meals, the effectiveness of the program is greatly reduced. We encourage you to follow the protocol with strict heed, however, each body is unique and the program offers no guarantee.

Q: Is there a charge if I break a bottle of HCG?
A: Yes, there is a $15.00 charge per day of serum lost.

Q: Do you offer financing?
A: We do not offer in-house financing but we work with a company called Care Credit. You can apply for a credit line at www.carecredit.com.

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Approved Product List:

During the HCG protocol, it is critical that you eliminate the intake of oils, which includes oils applied externally in the form of lotions, cleansers, and cosmetics. You will be able to purchase natural make-up, jojoba oil, deodorant and supplements in our office, which are approved while on the HCG Protocol.

DISCLAIMER: The following products/ingredients should be used with caution: lanolin, glycerin, petrolatum, petroleum jelly, Carmex, mineral oil, beeswax. Many patients have used these products for the relief of symptoms of dry skin and chapped lips, without a negative effect on their weight loss. However, if you notice a slowing or drop off in your weight loss while using any of the above products, we recommend discontinuing use. All listed prices are subject to change.