Postpartum Weight Loss - August! - Page 2

[ihugtrees]

I haven't participated in awhile as I haven't been on MDC much lately!

I'm sad to say things got worse before they got better. When I joined this thread I was a little over a year post partum, weighing 165 and aiming for 130. Unfortunately I went up to 172. When I saw that number on the scale, I literally got tears in my eyes. That is only 5 lbs less than I was the day I gave birth to my daughter. How could I have lost 20 lbs right after the birth, and not lost any more, but actually GAINED more?! Well, that was sort of the final straw for me...this was in June. I've been trying to eat healthier since then and even have actually exercised a few times. I'm down to 156! I can't even describe how happy it makes me to be in the 150's again...

I have a visit (and possibly move) home in November, and I REALLY want to lose a lot more weight by then. I'm going to try to get a more consistent workout routine going (I want to start doing 30 minutes of strength + 20 minutes of cardio at least 3 times a week.) Unfortunately my gym has inconvenient childcare hours so the only time I can make it at all is in the late afternoon...just when I'm feeling the laziest and least motivated! However, since I almost never have time away from DD (she even comes to work with me! and her dad is in another country) my motivation is mostly that I get to shower ALL BY MYSELF!!! after I work out. If I try *really* hard, I think I can lose at least another 20 before the trip in November..but even another 11 lbs to get me to my pre-preg weight would thrill me.

So, to update my stats...I was 172, lost 16 lbs. Goal weight is still 130. Also, I hope I'm not too far PP to join this thread...my daughter just turned 2! We've had LOT happen in the last few years (cross country move, ending of marriage, exdh moving to Japan, etc) so I haven't been on the ball about losing the weight I gained from pregnancy. Hopefully this thread will help motivate me.

[pacificbliss]

ihugtrees that is awesome! Impressive with all that you have had going on too. As far as I am concerned people can stay on this thread as long as they want. There is life before kids and there is life postpartum. KWIM?

[trekkingirl]

I agree the more the merier. As many people are posting that just means all the more support.

[Amy@STL]

For some reason, I seem to have been mistaken as the owner of this thread and getting PMs from members. I am not the one to PM! Its pacifibliss

[Snapdragon]

So far my weight loss thing is NOT working out!  I am holding steady here at 148.  On a good day 146.  It is so strange for me that I am still this much heavier 16 months after giving birth!! I realized today that I way about the same much more than I did pre pregnancy as my 16 month old weighs- he weighs 23 and a 1/2 or so pounds and I am about that much over my previous weight.

I am not sure how to achieve this goal but it is starting to really get to me.  I am starting a weekly yoga class in the fall. The best exercise I used to do pre baby was simply lots of walking, some biking, and lots of gardening. I haven't done any gardening this year (we moved a lot and I didn't have a garden this year). I try to walk some every day but it doesn't end up being that long. I do have a bike- haven't used it since I got pregnant- but I am planning to get it (it is still at my old house and need sto be pumped up and cleaned up) and that will probably help a lot.

 I read some celebrity quote where a new mom said every time her baby napped she went to the gym!! I thought that was cool- I would love to work out (outside though- not a gym person) when ds sleeps- but I need to stay home as I don't have a nanny or sitter or anything. So I stay in when he naps! The only exercise time I get is if I am carrying him or pushing him in the stroller or when dh is home (evenings and weekends). And I am still eating too much I guess- In a past time when I needed to lose about 10 lbs I cut out carbs and much fat and exercised a ton. But I can't seem to motivate to do that now. I don't have enough child free time to exercise, and I am not that motivated to totally diet- I keep thinkng I should I go for a couple days on a lower fat diet but then I just say screw it.

Any ideas? I am tired of feeling over weight and I am really eager to shed some of this already. It is so much hareder to lose than I thought it owuld be I don't even get it!! I welcome any ideas- I am 146-148, I used to be 120-125 pre pregnancy, and at this point I would be thrilled ot be 130. How do I do it?!!!

[trekkingirl]

I'm right there with you...except that I'm teetering 200 pounds. I just don't feel like doing it again. After my first pregnancy I lost 80lbs and 70lbs after my second, now with the third I'm just tired of doing it! I hate my double chin and my butt and my muffin top but when it comes to diet and excersize I'm just bleh. I have so much more important things to focus on right now. Like my bad back, needing to move to be sitting better financially, and the baby of course. I'm a bit stressed too because after getting my first PPAF I had an oops right around my fertile time                

 

That would be so hard in sooooo many ways besides the fact that I am just way too fat to be pregnant again. I just really hope that I'm not.

[pacificbliss]

Originally Posted by Amy@STL 

For some reason, I seem to have been mistaken as the owner of this thread and getting PMs from members. I am not the one to PM! Its pacifibliss

Oh no, I have been PMing to my limit every day to see who still wants to be here. Some of the ladies must be hitting reply to that and it's going to you instead? Sorry about that!

Originally Posted by Snapdragon 

So far my weight loss thing is NOT working out!  I am holding steady here at 148.  On a good day 146.  It is so strange for me that I am still this much heavier 16 months after giving birth!! I realized today that I way about the same much more than I did pre pregnancy as my 16 month old weighs- he weighs 23 and a 1/2 or so pounds and I am about that much over my previous weight.

 I read some celebrity quote where a new mom said every time her baby napped she went to the gym!! I thought that was cool- I would love to work out (outside though- not a gym person) when ds sleeps- but I need to stay home as I don't have a nanny or sitter or anything. So I stay in when he naps! The only exercise time I get is if I am carrying him or pushing him in the stroller or when dh is home (evenings and weekends). And I am still eating too much I guess- In a past time when I needed to lose about 10 lbs I cut out carbs and much fat and exercised a ton. But I can't seem to motivate to do that now. I don't have enough child free time to exercise, and I am not that motivated to totally diet- I keep thinkng I should I go for a couple days on a lower fat diet but then I just say screw it.

Any ideas? I am tired of feeling over weight and I am really eager to shed some of this already. It is so much hareder to lose than I thought it owuld be I don't even get it!! I welcome any ideas- I am 146-148, I used to be 120-125 pre pregnancy, and at this point I would be thrilled ot be 130. How do I do it?!!!

I love the celebrity quote, yes, if I had 3 nannies, a personal trainer and chef I would be skinny too. I think a big part of the struggle with pp weight loss is the fact we don't ever get enough sleep. Not only does this make it hard to find the energy but it stresses the body and that makes it hold on to fat. I have found that designated workout time is not happening and I have to just sneak things in here and there. I chase my 4 year old, do squats when I brush my teeth, hold a plank as long as I can. Seems to be working for now. Things are toning up and muscle burns more calories than fat.

Originally Posted by trekkingirl 

I'm right there with you...except that I'm teetering 200 pounds. I just don't feel like doing it again. After my first pregnancy I lost 80lbs and 70lbs after my second, now with the third I'm just tired of doing it! I hate my double chin and my butt and my muffin top but when it comes to diet and excersize I'm just bleh. I have so much more important things to focus on right now. Like my bad back, needing to move to be sitting better financially, and the baby of course. I'm a bit stressed too because after getting my first PPAF I had an oops right around my fertile time                

 

That would be so hard in sooooo many ways besides the fact that I am just way too fat to be pregnant again. I just really hope that I'm not.

Oooh, keep us posted. How long did it take you to lose all the weight before? Maybe pull out some pics from that time and see if it helps motivate you?

[ibusymomto5]

Originally Posted by ihugtrees 

I haven't participated in awhile as I haven't been on MDC much lately!

I'm sad to say things got worse before they got better. When I joined this thread I was a little over a year post partum, weighing 165 and aiming for 130. Unfortunately I went up to 172. When I saw that number on the scale, I literally got tears in my eyes. That is only 5 lbs less than I was the day I gave birth to my daughter. How could I have lost 20 lbs right after the birth, and not lost any more, but actually GAINED more?! Well, that was sort of the final straw for me...this was in June. I've been trying to eat healthier since then and even have actually exercised a few times. I'm down to 156! I can't even describe how happy it makes me to be in the 150's again...

I have a visit (and possibly move) home in November, and I REALLY want to lose a lot more weight by then. I'm going to try to get a more consistent workout routine going (I want to start doing 30 minutes of strength + 20 minutes of cardio at least 3 times a week.) Unfortunately my gym has inconvenient childcare hours so the only time I can make it at all is in the late afternoon...just when I'm feeling the laziest and least motivated! However, since I almost never have time away from DD (she even comes to work with me! and her dad is in another country) my motivation is mostly that I get to shower ALL BY MYSELF!!! after I work out. If I try *really* hard, I think I can lose at least another 20 before the trip in November..but even another 11 lbs to get me to my pre-preg weight would thrill me.

So, to update my stats...I was 172, lost 16 lbs. Goal weight is still 130. Also, I hope I'm not too far PP to join this thread...my daughter just turned 2! We've had LOT happen in the last few years (cross country move, ending of marriage, exdh moving to Japan, etc) so I haven't been on the ball about losing the weight I gained from pregnancy. Hopefully this thread will help motivate me.

I did the same thing with initially losing 20lbs early pp and then gaining some of it back. Good for you for getting to the 150s! November is sort of my goal too, because I want to look and feel better for the holidays.

Originally Posted by Snapdragon 

So far my weight loss thing is NOT working out!  I am holding steady here at 148.  On a good day 146.  It is so strange for me that I am still this much heavier 16 months after giving birth!! I realized today that I way about the same much more than I did pre pregnancy as my 16 month old weighs- he weighs 23 and a 1/2 or so pounds and I am about that much over my previous weight.

I am not sure how to achieve this goal but it is starting to really get to me.  I am starting a weekly yoga class in the fall. The best exercise I used to do pre baby was simply lots of walking, some biking, and lots of gardening. I haven't done any gardening this year (we moved a lot and I didn't have a garden this year). I try to walk some every day but it doesn't end up being that long. I do have a bike- haven't used it since I got pregnant- but I am planning to get it (it is still at my old house and need sto be pumped up and cleaned up) and that will probably help a lot.

 I read some celebrity quote where a new mom said every time her baby napped she went to the gym!! I thought that was cool- I would love to work out (outside though- not a gym person) when ds sleeps- but I need to stay home as I don't have a nanny or sitter or anything. So I stay in when he naps! The only exercise time I get is if I am carrying him or pushing him in the stroller or when dh is home (evenings and weekends). And I am still eating too much I guess- In a past time when I needed to lose about 10 lbs I cut out carbs and much fat and exercised a ton. But I can't seem to motivate to do that now. I don't have enough child free time to exercise, and I am not that motivated to totally diet- I keep thinkng I should I go for a couple days on a lower fat diet but then I just say screw it.

Any ideas? I am tired of feeling over weight and I am really eager to shed some of this already. It is so much hareder to lose than I thought it owuld be I don't even get it!! I welcome any ideas- I am 146-148, I used to be 120-125 pre pregnancy, and at this point I would be thrilled ot be 130. How do I do it?!!!

We weigh the same, and I'd also love to get to 130, though my shorter goal is just getting to my pre-preg weight of 138. Have you tried Weight Watchers? I've lost 8lbs in the last 4 weeks and haven't felt deprived at all. The online version is nice, since you don't have to get out and go anywhere.

Originally Posted by trekkingirl 

I'm right there with you...except that I'm teetering 200 pounds. I just don't feel like doing it again. After my first pregnancy I lost 80lbs and 70lbs after my second, now with the third I'm just tired of doing it! I hate my double chin and my butt and my muffin top but when it comes to diet and excersize I'm just bleh. I have so much more important things to focus on right now. Like my bad back, needing to move to be sitting better financially, and the baby of course. I'm a bit stressed too because after getting my first PPAF I had an oops right around my fertile time                

 

That would be so hard in sooooo many ways besides the fact that I am just way too fat to be pregnant again. I just really hope that I'm not.

Wow, that's great that you were able to lose such a good amount in the past. You know you can do it! Hope things turn out like you want.

Originally Posted by pacificbliss 

Oh no, I have been PMing to my limit every day to see who still wants to be here. Some of the ladies must be hitting reply to that and it's going to you instead? Sorry about that!

I love the celebrity quote, yes, if I had 3 nannies, a personal trainer and chef I would be skinny too. I think a big part of the struggle with pp weight loss is the fact we don't ever get enough sleep. Not only does this make it hard to find the energy but it stresses the body and that makes it hold on to fat. I have found that designated workout time is not happening and I have to just sneak things in here and there. I chase my 4 year old, do squats when I brush my teeth, hold a plank as long as I can. Seems to be working for now. Things are toning up and muscle burns more calories than fat.

Oooh, keep us posted. How long did it take you to lose all the weight before? Maybe pull out some pics from that time and see if it helps motivate you?

I think that is so true!

[pacificbliss]

I seem to be getting my groove back. Even though DD is still nursing (mostly at night) I dropped the nursing mother points on weight watchers. As long as I drink a lot of water it does not seem to have affected milk supply and it looks like I will push through a plateau this week. Even though I have far to go still I am starting to like what I see in the mirror.

[tracymom1]

Oh Mamas! The motivation thing is so hard. You know what keeps me on track - seriously - the ONLY thing that keeps me on track???!!!

MY 20 YEAR HIGH SCHOOL REUNION!!!

It is happening in December and I'll be damned if I don't kick some of this weight before then. I am going to look good. Period. I also have 3 (possibly 4) weddings to attend next year and I really want to be able to buy or make some pretty new dresses. I have spent several years now being a frumpy mom and I will not tolerate that any longer!

I think the most important thing to remember is that exercise does not only get you to a good weight, it also feels good and helps you achieve longevity and healthfulness. I want to be around for my babies when they start having babies, and I am by no means a young mom so I have to work hard to stay healthy.

I also decided I am going to run the Chicago marathon next year. I am signing up and paying the fee the first day that I can so look out world! Here I come a-runnin'!!

Update: 136. Yay!

[ibusymomto5]

Originally Posted by pacificbliss 

I seem to be getting my groove back. Even though DD is still nursing (mostly at night) I dropped the nursing mother points on weight watchers. As long as I drink a lot of water it does not seem to have affected milk supply and it looks like I will push through a plateau this week. Even though I have far to go still I am starting to like what I see in the mirror.

Yeah! Plateaus can mess with your mind. Good for you for breaking through it.

Originally Posted by tracymom1 

Oh Mamas! The motivation thing is so hard. You know what keeps me on track - seriously - the ONLY thing that keeps me on track???!!!

MY 20 YEAR HIGH SCHOOL REUNION!!!

It is happening in December and I'll be damned if I don't kick some of this weight before then. I am going to look good. Period. I also have 3 (possibly 4) weddings to attend next year and I really want to be able to buy or make some pretty new dresses. I have spent several years now being a frumpy mom and I will not tolerate that any longer!

I think the most important thing to remember is that exercise does not only get you to a good weight, it also feels good and helps you achieve longevity and healthfulness. I want to be around for my babies when they start having babies, and I am by no means a young mom so I have to work hard to stay healthy.

I also decided I am going to run the Chicago marathon next year. I am signing up and paying the fee the first day that I can so look out world! Here I come a-runnin'!!

Update: 136. Yay!

This was a motivational post. I'm not a young mother either(my 20yr reunion has come and gone), and I totally here you on having to work hard just to stay healthy. While I'd love to look good, my main motivator is to feel good and have tons of energy, low blood pressure & cholesterol, etc. It's true about exercise. I honestly can't imagine my life without it.

Good for you on the marathon & the 136!



AFM - I'm doing good trucking right along with WW and exercising 5-6 days a week. Weight is very slowly coming off, but it is coming off and I'm starting to feel a difference in my clothes. I'm in a good place mentally and feel like I will be able to stick with this lifestyle for the long haul.

Update on my weight: 146lbs

Hope everyone else is doing good too!

[mamapigeon]

Wow, congratulations to all the mamas losing weight!   I need to come to this thread more often to get motivated.

[ihugtrees]

Blech. Hurt my shoulder working out this week, AND got my period, both of which have slowed me down a bit. I worked my abs and ran this week while resting my shoulder, and plan to hit up the gym tomorrow morning for a solid leg workout + run. My shoulder is feeling better, but I'm going to build back up slowly...need to warm up better!! I've been doing pretty well with eating, minus my special mom's night out at the movies which led to candy and soda...but moderation is key! I've been able to turn down bad foods several times just by imagining what I'd feel like *after* I ate them...physically, I mean. Sugar and carbs just make me feel so icky physically and that icky feeling is finally starting to overcome the craving feeling. Another good motivating factor: My boyfriend is coming home from pre-deployment training in about 2 weeks, and I really want to lose a few more lbs before then. We will have been apart about 5 weeks and I know I've already lost a few lbs and built a little muscle since he left. He is the perfect balance of encouraging me towards my goals, yet also accepting of me exactly how I am <3

I know I've heard you retain water when you're menstruating...anyone know if that's true? I've been holding steady at 158-159 the last few days and I'm hoping that that's my uterus' fault since I was at 156 just 8 days ago :(

[pacificbliss]

ihugtrees- I hope you got your workouts in. I think it is true that you retain water while menstruating. Sorry your shoulder hurts, hope it gets better soon.

I did in fact get through that plateau and saw 169.0 on the scale Sunday. This morning it was even lower bu I think I will leave it at 169.

I have done a major overhaul of the first page so please check your info and make sure it's still correct.

[mylilmonkeys]

Well, I'm out.  Baby #9 is on the way.  Sometime in April or May, I don't know as there was no AF, no fertile signs.  Starting to get over the shock of last Sat. test result even though my body had been telling me I'm pregnant for a week before.  What a wild adventure!

[trekkingirl]

wow mylilmonkeys how old is your newest lil one? I wanna say I remember you from the DDCs ? Is that going to throw a monkeywrench (pun intended) in your physical and financial fitness goals? I was reading NEVER SAY DIET by Chantel Hobbs. In the book she gets to the point where she's 110% commited to her weightloss and then surprisingly becomes pregnant. It's a good weightloss read. I got my first PPAF a little over a month ago and we had an oops mid month. I really thought I had a chance to be pregnant again. took about ten tests and they all say no even though AF is yet to show up. I am nursing a lot more though. I'm home on disability right now.

Had my MRI yesterday and am waiting on the results to see if I need surgery. I'm back on the pain meds and having a really hard time. A lot of the time I feel dizzy and sick to my stomach. The only thing that really helps is food in my stomach. I spoke to the pediatrician and he says the meds are a catch 22. I need to be physically able to be there for the kids but the medicine does go through my milk. So I am dealing with a bit of guilt an anger about my health. I really need to be active and excersize too but I'm just not well enough.

[tracymom1]

Originally Posted by mylilmonkeys 

Well, I'm out.  Baby #9 is on the way.  Sometime in April or May, I don't know as there was no AF, no fertile signs.  Starting to get over the shock of last Sat. test result even though my body had been telling me I'm pregnant for a week before.  What a wild adventure!

Congrats mama!! Wow - I am sure this news is pretty shocking. Best of luck with your pregnancy and expanding family!

[mylilmonkeys]

The twins are only 5 mo old!!!  Poof, I'm pregnant.  No warning, nada.  But, I decided I'm happy, and I am.  I'm honestly too exhausted to spend any time at all worrying about 3 little ones 13 mo and younger.  Crazy, but as with all hard things, it will get better.  I am NOT looking forward to telling family.  I'm thinking about composing an email which demonstrates that we have accepted this little one with JOY and they better too, and not give us grief about it.  

Fitness goals...well at least I took all the weight off from the twin pregnancy already.  I'm several pounds under where I started with them.  Not where I'd like to be by a long shot, but it beats doing all that hard work only to get preggo again. LOL  

Financial goals... we may end up dipping into the EF for midwife fees.  We'll see.  I have the luxury of being able to wait to pay her until close to the end if necessary.  Since I apprenticed with my midwife for over a year and am on my fourth pregnancy with her, we know each other real well.  I can wait and see what the tax return brings, hopefully find a vehicle that we can squeeze three buckets, two boosters and a 5 pt. harness seat, as well as the three that are not in a seat.  We probably could squeeze another bucket in our current van, but we've been planning on an upgrade to a newish 15 passenger anyway.  Then we'll decide if we need to dip into the EF.  Dh may have a good leftover on his student grants, too.  And, if it turns out to be another set of twins, I'll just go the hospital route and actually use our insurance for a change.  Yippee.  We are THAT close to BS3, so that really helps.  Dh will be graduating just about the time this new one arrives, and pray to God he provides a new job with growth potential. 

[mamapigeon]

Congratulations mylilmonkeys! That's exciting!

Trekkingirl- I'm sorry you're going through so much. I hope you won't need surgery.

No weight loss here, but last night I bought a bunch of fruit so I can make smoothies. I think I'm eating too much junk. What really honks me off is that my husband just dropped about 15 pounds without trying.

[pacificbliss]

mylilmonkeys- Congratulations!! Oh my goodness. I think I am a little bit in shock for you. I would definitely send out an email indicating surprise but joy. Save yourself the immediate reaction of at least some people.

trekkingirl- I m sorry you're in pain and hope you don't need surgery. I do wish companies would do more investigation into how much of a drug passes through the breastmilk. Try not to feel guilty, we all do what we can.

mamapigeon- I so hear you. My DH has been doing WW for like 2 months now and lost as much weight as I have in 9 months. It's infuriating.