Losing Weight After Baby - Palm,PA

I gained just under 40 lbs with both of my boys. It definitely took a lot longer to come off the second time. But I breastfed, started watching what I ate (I would actually say out loud, "a Big Mac won't help me lose weight!" or "chips and dip won't help me lose weight" and just hearing it out loud not only helped me, but also my husband, get on track to eating better. Although I work full-time and have a long commute, I tried to squeeze in little mini-work-outs where I can. Might take a 15 minute walk at lunchtime at work, or might go up and down the steps at home a few extra times at a faster pace, or play with my older son by myself (instead of relying on my husband to do all the more active playtime with him). It's been slow, but gradual. Good luck!

After I had my son I lost the weight pretty quickly, but somehow gained it all back. Within 6 months I was the same weight I was when I was 9 months pregnant. It took 2 1/2 years to start losing the weight. I just took a walk for 45 minutes every day. Now I run on the tredmill for 1 1/2 miles, whenever I have a day off. I haven't lost all the weight, but I am working on it. It can take awhile. Especially if you are like me and have always had to work to lose weight or just maintain a good weight.

I can't say enought good things about personal trainers. It forces you to go to the gym, you work muscles you didn't even know that you had and because you are doing the right excersises you will see results a lot faster then if you were going it along.

If you can't afford a trainer try a work out buddy. I know trainers can cost a lot but they are worth every penny.

I was using the trainers at Pottstown Health club, it's a great gym!

I used my kids as weights when they were babys and combined exercise with play. I would put them on my shins, lay on the floor and lift my legs. They loved it and I was exercising. I also used them to do arm exercises too. I basically made myself as active as they were. My son is now in Karate and we practice his moves together at home. Also, I wanted to teach them good eating habits early, so I just stopped buying alot of junk food and ate the things that I wanted them to eat (healthy foods). My kids (4 and 6 now) actually prefer water to koolaid and they love veggies. I was 180 when I got pregnant with my first, 209 when I got pregnant with my second, and now I'm 155. So it had triple benefits, I lost weight, they have good eating habits now and we spend quality time together. Another thing I found is the vitamin RELACORE actually works. It reduces stress and belly fat(it actually works) and gives you a great mood and engergy boost.

Good luck to you.

N.

First, don't be so hard on yourself. Being a mom is a huge responsibility and accomplishment.

The most important thing to start is walking. Work up to 45 minutes per day at 3mph. This works your entire body and will boost your sense of well being.

The second issue is nutrition. The only way to effectively lose weight is to eat less than you burn. To lose 2 pounds per week you need a calorie deficit of 7,000 calories. This means burning 500 calories per day and eating 500 less calories per day. By doing this you may see a bigger weight loss initially and hit plateaus occasionally. But the weight will start to move. As you lose the weight you will need to adjust your calories.

Try to stay away from empty calories that are just stored as fat. You really need to think of your body as a well constructed machine that need certain types of foods to run at its best. You wouldn't put sugar or flour in your car's gas tank, right? Well the same with your body. It runs better with better fuel. Overprocessed foods and sugars sit in the digestive system or spike your blood sugar levels.

Eat frequent, small, highly nutritious meals throughout the day so that your body has a chance to burn it. Big meals just make your body sluggish because all your energy has to go to digestion. The bigger the meal the longer it has to sit in the digestive tract which makes your abdomen swell and bloat. Eating small and frequent keeps binges away and you stay satisfied and energized longer.

I hope this helps.

I gained 65 lbs with my 1st child. I figured " hey i'm pregnant". My son was almost 2yrs old and I still hadn't lost any weight. I tried every thing and was very depressed and uncomfortable with my self. I found out about a program from my OBGYN who started offering services at her office for the program. My OBGYN had tried it and lost 90lbs. So I signed up. Its called "weigh loss by design" I lost 19 lbs my 1st month! it took me 5 months to lose 65lbs. If your interest in more info you can go to their site: www.weightlossbydesign.com
They take your blood work and figure out a menu that will work for you specifically and teach you about how to eat right, and about exercise.They also offer medication to help. It is pretty expensive but I think its worth it cause its educating your self and you can use it for the rest of your life.

Don't be so hard on yourself. I gained nearly 50 lbs with my son and am a lifetime member of weight watchers. Once he got settled into a routine, and I got the ok from both my OB and my PCP, I went back to weight watchers. I have lost all the baby weight (nursing did help with that) plus another 13 lbs...so I am well on my way back to what I was. Weight Watchers has been the only thing that has ever worked for me...I have tried a lot of the fad diets, but with ww, it helps me manage all aspects, because they not only encourage healthy eating habits, but also good lifestyle changes(this opinion was re-enforced by my OB and PCP). Hope this helps and you can do it. Good Luck!! S.

After gaining 50 pounds with my second daughter I was disgusted with my post-baby body. I joined Weight Watchers, lost the 50 pounds in 6 months and now work for them. Weight Watchers is about changing your life, not just dieting. So many people stop eating and consider that "dieting" but you can actually slow, or even stop, your weight loss by not eating enough. Weight Watchers helps you learn how to eat the right amount, how to watch portion size, and how to make choices! You have to be willing to make a change that will last the rest of your life! It is an amazing program that will have you feeling amazing about yourself in no time!

I think this is a common thing. With both my kids, when they were approaching two, I looked in the mirror and said wow! I think the hope is (as it was with me) that just chasing this active little person all day will help you lose weight, in my case I brestfed both my girls till they were 2 and I thought that would help also (it didn't). I was carring around some extra weight before the pregnancies, but I wasn't too overweight and I found I really needed to go on a "program" of diet and exercise to lose the pounds.

With my first child I started back to the gym at least 3 times a week, I know it isn't always possable to afford a gym and with your first it is hard to "give"them to the gym daycare. The gym was easier with my second LOL! I also signed up online to Weight watchers and over a period of months I lost about 40 pounds.

With my 2nd I decided after doing WW again for a month that it wasn't working as well (I had crept back up a little after I stopped the diet the first time around)I found I would "cheat" alot with WW and make bad choices food wise and my doctor suggested South Beach Diet. I read the book and liked that it was a plan that you stuck with after you lost the weight, I have a tendency to slip and have a terrible sweet tooth so I felt it sounded good.

I have lost 20 pounds and am 5 away from my goal. I am also eating better overall, more fruits and veggies. Even though I have had the stress of swithing around my schedule to go back to school nights I am still (overall) eating well.....the adjustment HAS made me reach for some comfort food and I have gained a little back this week but I feel cofident I can lose it quickly :)

Hope this helps you, and don't let anyone tell you it's easy!

I know this is old, but it came up on "in the spotlight" and I'm really surprised no one suggested this yet. Get a full metabolic workup done. It's very likely that you're hypothyroid and/or have insulin problems. Make sure that you at least get a full thyroid panel (not just the TSH) and insulin test (not just blood glucose). If you do have one of these problems, do a lot of reading and make sure you're getting the best care possible. A lot of times thyroid symptoms get brushed off as "just a women's thing" and insulin resistance gets brushed off until you have full-blown diabetes.

My girls are 13 mos apart...and finally after my youngest will soon be 3, I started having a change. I am coming back around to my old self prior to ever being prego. Now its time to get fit and love myself!!!

It takes time, don't be discourage----- U CAN DO IT!!

hey me too i am trying to get off this extra fat plus the fat i had before i had my new critter so all i can say girl if you wanna work out let me know i have a gym in my building and bring your kid with ya for a play date too. ____@____.com

gotta work it out!! eat right fruits veggies, no eating after 8pm maybe even earlier gotta run work out cadio gonna burn that fat and tone ya right up got to think positive and be around positive people like me oh and drink lots of water. LOL
good luck !!!!

B., I'm having the same problem, and always have. I have three kids, my oldest is nineteen, so clearly it's not babyweight anymore. I've just recently been motivated to lose weight because I'm 39 and all this weight is just going to give me a heart problem. I want to be around a long time for my kids.I have a three year old and I want to be able to play with him. I've lost some weght so far, and I'm staying motivated because of my kids. I don't think you have to be a joiner in order to lose weight. You can do it yourself. You should probably have a physical, just to make sure there is no medical reason you are overweight. But if you just make subtle changes in your diet, it makes a big difference. Cut out full sugar sodas. Drink diet sodas. Diet Cherry Vanilla Dr. Pepper is my favorite. Drink lots of water too. It keeps you full. Cut your portion sizes by about half. Put your dinner on a smaller plate. It looks like more then. Try to estimate your caloric intake. It doesn't have to be precise, but if you stay under 1200-1500 calories, and are fairly active, you'll lose a few pounds a week. It seems hard but once you get into the mindset of it, it becomes increasingly easier. And don't deny yourself treats. Just have one peanut butter cup instead of the three pack. You can actually eat all day and still lose weight if you just make the right choices. Good Luck.

Advice I try to use is "Don't get discouraged". I gained 41 pounds with my son (who just turned 1 last month) and I still have another 11 on my medium frame. I have rejoined Weight Watchers and back in 2001 I lost 30 pounds in less than 8 months- so that plan works really well. Exercise is the current key that I am missing- however, working out whenever you can helps a great deal! Try to stay positive and remain encouraged- the weight will disappear a lot faster. Also, a week with no change in weight means a week where there was no weight gain!

The cheapest and easiest way is walking. Put the baby in the stroller and walk,walk,walk. Get an Ipod and download fun music and you will find yourself walking faster with music. Get you husband/partner/friend to go along too. Before you know it the weight will start coming off. Make sure you stretch. Bring water. Do it now while the weather is perfect. Once it's cold out you'll go into hibernation mode. Then you can walk the malls. Looking at all the great clothes will inspire you to lose weight.
Stay away from sugar!!!!

Hi. I feel your frustration. I am currently trying to lose the weight from baby #2. After my first was born, it took a solid year before I was happy with my weight. I did the South Beach diet (I know its not for everyone) and worked out a lot. Now with two kids, its harder to follow a diet with a lot of meal prep and get to the gym regularly. I recently tried a Baby Boot Camp class where you bring your baby and a stroller and workout with other moms. Their website is www.babybootcamp.com and you can search for classes in your area. Their classes can be modified for any fitness level. I also find a workout and diet buddy a good trick, somebody to keeps tabs on you and keep you motivated.
Good luck! And don't be down on yourself, you're beautiful because you are a mother. "Healthy and strong" is my new motto....rather than "skinny" b/c I don't want my daughter to have a weight-obsessed role model!

HEY,
i've had the same issues. i lost most of the baby fat after i had my daughter, (but have gained back due to other issues), but basically, all i did was not eat after 5pm and walk for like 15 min a day! I didnt eat rigerously healthy or anything, just basic 3 meals a day.
hope it helps a little!!
*my daughter will also be 2 in december, how ironic!*

Bobbie Sue-please if someone gives you any suggestions that work, pass them this way, because I too have a son who is close to 2 and I still haven't been able to lose weight. I have actually gained alot instead!

Hi, I'm trying to lose the baby weight too, I never really lost much after the twins, but now after having my baby who is 15 months I've been trying. I go to aerobics 2 nights a week. Those are my nights away from all 3 boys, dh is very supportive. I've also cut out chocolate and caffeinated sodas, not byu choice but because I have suddenly begun having bad stomach problems from drinking or eating anything with caffeine in it. It sucked at first since I used to be a chocoholic, but its become easier. I don't think I could have lost the 20lbs I've lost if I had been able to eat chocolate. I have 35lbs to go to be where I want, 45lbs if I want to look like I did before kids. You just have to do what you feel you can do, and have a great support system to back you. Good Luck.

First and most importantly, you have to be 100% ready to commit to losing your excess weight. I've tried to diet off and on and unless I was really mentally able to take it on, it never worked.

I absolutely loved Weight Watchers the two times I did it. I didn't go to meetings since time never permitted but I did do their online program. The only real differences are that you weigh yourself in the privacy of your own home and that its cheaper. The online message boards are great, you can make awesome friends in your same situation and get support and advice. WW is basically a change of lifestyle, you don't eat special food, you simply count points.

I wish you luck!

L.

First of all, don't be disgusted with yourself, for the past year +, you've had another priority and now that you're ready, you can put some focus on yourself. After my first child, I tried to lose the weight, but when I finally gave up, I joined Weight Watchers. I tell ya, being accountable to someone writing down your weight every week really motivated me - - not only didn't I want to let myself down, I didn't want to let my Weight Watcher coaches down either - - they really want to see you do well. Now almost two years after my 2nd child was born, I find myself back at those weekly meeting, because I've slipped up a little and have to lose some weight again - - the good thing is that I became a lifetime member so I only have to pay once a month until I get back to within two pounds of my goal weight so tha's nice to have. Also, I usually don't watch reality shows that go on for weeks on end, but for some reason I started watching The Biggest Loser a few weeks back and that show has actually started to motivate me - - I figure if they can work out really hard and eat right every day, I could at least try to work out and eat better. It's been working for a few weeks at least. The last advice (and them I'll shut up :-) I found this website called www.nosdiet.com It's means no snacks, no seconds and no sweets except on days that start with "S" i.e. Saturday, Sunday and special days like birthdays and holidays. I do great with the weight loss when I follow that program, but I have to admit that I'm a junk food junkie, so it's a tough program, but the weekends come around pretty quick, so it's not awful. Hope some of my suggestions help.

Fencing. Yes, I said it, fencing. Its a wonderful sport that works not only your body, but your mind as well. My boyfriend and I have lost weight. It works many muscled and can also help relieve stress. As I do not participate in sport fencing, if you would like more info, message me. I fence with a historical group called the Society for Creative Anachronism. Check it out. there is a group near you, I'm sure. Nice people, good times.

The biggest thing for me is being accountable. If there is no one around to make sure that I'm actually doing it I cheat terribly. (My husband is really bad at it) I have 35 lbs to loose. Maybe we can start something on here or some other site to keep track of diets, exersize, and weightloss. I don't know of any sites, but maybe someone else does. Maybe I'll start a page (If I can find the time). I'll let you know if I do, but don't count on it. :) I'm really busy as of late.

I just started this program by Jay robb..the fat burnig diet, and fruit flush...in just 4 days, I lost 4.5 #'s... I LOVE IT!!!!

My son turned 2 this past August. Last year in October I decided to start a medically supervised very low calorie diet. I was in the program for 12 weeks and lost 56 lbs. After that I lost anohter 15 on my own just watching what I eat.

I had a free consultation wtih a trainer at my gym the other day. He said eat more turkey, chicken, veal, etc then hamburger and pork. If you want carbs eat most of them in the morning. Eat about 5 small meals a day.

Workout 3 to 4 days a week. Try strength training because the more muscle you have the more fat you'll burn. He told me if I follow this plan he went over it would take me about 1 year to build 10 lbs of muscle all over. 1 lb of muscle burns 50 calories...so if I build 10 lbs of muscle next year I will burn an extra 500 calories just sitting still.

Good luck with whatever you try!

my daughter will be 10mths old soon and i still have not lost more then like 5lbs since i had her it is so stressful and bothersome i worry about my weight all the time. i am always thinking of something new to try. have you had a luck yet any ideas diets that worked?

I have a 3 month old daughter and gained 65 lbs during pregnancy added to my already overweight body. I had belonged to Weight Watchers before I got married in 2005 and lost 60 lbs in 6 months. So they are a very successfull weight management plan. I have rejoined Weight Watchers November 7th, 2006 and so far to date have lost 13.2 lbs. I also joined a YMCA in westminster, md and work out 4 days a week with 2 of the days being a 60 minute water aerobics class. The great thing about the YMCA is they offer a 1.5 hour child watch free for members. Normally my mother in law spends time with my daughter while I am at the gym but if she is unable I pack Harlie with me and the staff at the YMCA watch her for me. Good Luck with your weight loss. It is a struggle but one that is well worth it. Always remember a quote my Weight Watchers leader says, "Nothing tastes as good as thin feels!!"