I used all the way through and lost well every week so , not sure how things would have been if i hadn't used it, probably wouldn't have gone the distance as I HATE water!!
Perhaps it varies from person to person.. I guess the only way to find out is to go a week or 2 without it and see what happens and then go a week or two with it and then compare - but there will be other factors too I guess... sorry not to be more helpful than that...