It is possible to undertake the HCG program on your own, and many people do. However, others feel more comfortable going through one of the several licensed HCG Weight Loss Clinics around the country. While this can be more expensive than doing it on your own, it offers the advantage of medical supervision and ready consultation with a qualified physician if necessary.
Convenient Locations
There are approximately 44 HCG clinics located around the United States, primarily in major cities. Most people residing in the Southeast or western states are within a three-hour drive of these clinics.
Who Can Attend a Clinic
Virtually anyone who is in reasonably good health but needing to drop weight is a good candidate for an HCG. When you check into such a clinic, the physician will most likely want to run a full physical exam, including blood tests. Once the patient has a clean bill of health, there is little preparation involved and HCG injections can start right away.
It is important to understand that pregnant and nursing women are not suitable candidates for the HCG diet and will not be allowed to start until the child has been weaned. HCG is also not recommended for children, as use of the hormone may trigger premature puberty.
What To Expect
Those who go through the program on their own at home generally use HCG drops rather than injections. Legal possession of needle syringes by an individual requires a physician’s prescription. At clinics, HCG injections are standard. It is likely that your physician will send a kit home with you and have you administer your own injections, much like insulin-dependent diabetics.
Administering injections to one’s self is not difficult, although there is a certain amount of discomfort involved. There is however a number of things you can do to minimize the discomfort:
- pinching the injection site
- numb the injection site with ice
- bring HCG that has been refrigerated up to room temperature prior to injection
- apply isopropyl alcohol to the site before injecting then allow to dry
You may experience minor bleeding after an injection. There is no cause for alarm. This is normal for many individuals. Simply apply pressure until the bleeding has stopped as you would any other cut or scratch.
Please note that the foregoing instructions are of a general nature. Every individual is different, so it is important to follow all instructions provided by your physician. There are additional steps when it comes to mixing HCG (if it is not provided to you in a pre-mixed form) as well as loading your syringe with the correct amount. Again, your doctor will demonstrate these techniques and assist you in learning how to do it correctly and safely.
If There Are Side Effects
A very small percentage of those who use HCG injections may experience side effects. Usually, these are minor and may include:
- mood changes
- headache
- diarrhea or constipation
- pain or itching at the injection site
If these symptoms become serious, discontinue the HCG program immediately and contact the HCG weight loss clinic.
Tags: HCG clinic, HCG Diet, HCG injections, HCG weight loss clinics
