Need Help....

Why don't you want to do WW? It's a great program. You eat what you want and the weight will come off. If you follow the program most people see some loss the first week. I did it and it worked well for me. Walking is good.

I know you said you won't do WW, but it really has worked for me...I have lost 12 pounds in 5 weeks! If you find a good meeting with people of all ages, I think it is really good...

Hi K.,

Congrats on the new baby. Take it from someone who gained over 60 and 40 pounds with my two pg's that you can't just drop it and keep it off. I don't diet and I don't take any sort of pills. I think WW is great if you're going to do a plan but not for me. Diets, pills, etc will give you quick results but your body will not keep it off...ask anyone who's tried.

I have sucessfully taken off every pound and then some - ate pretty much whatever I wanted (and I love junk) all by excercising. With my first, I started walking on the treadmil and then moved to running. Within 6 months all of my weight was gone. With my second I ran throughout my pg and still gained over 40 pounds and had over 30 to drop when I was done...same thing...running. Once running became borning I started taking classes at the park district...kickboxing, step classes, circut training. I'm 41 and in the best shape of my life...I weigh less now than before I got married and I'm HEALTHY. Not because a pill or a clense or a diet worked magic...I did the work and it shows. I'm not trying to beat you up or lecture you (I know it sounds like I'm preaching) - I'm trying to save you from spending a lot of time and money on stuff that simply will give you short term results and long term health problems.

Start small...just get moving..walk if that's all your up for. Drink water - I do 3 liters a day. Don't fixate on your weight...you need to focus on how your clothes fit and how you're body feels, not the number on the scale. I only weigh myself a couple times a month. Weight numbers mean very different things...muscle wieghs more. I recently gained 5 pounds and dropped a pant size because I've been really pushing myself and built up muscle...most importantly, do something fun - you won't stick to it if you don't enjoy it. I hated running when I first started but it gave me results so I kept it up...I grew to LOVE it.

Best of luck to you!!!

Nin

Hi K. - You just spent 9 months doing all the right things for your body in order to support your beautiful baby. Please congratulate yourself for that incredible feat! While it can be hard to accept, understand that it took 9 months to put the baby weight on so it might take some time for it to come off. Don't get caught up in the 'celebrity mom sheds the baby weight 6 weeks after birth' garbage either; they have chefs, personal trainers, nannies, night nurses, personal assistants, and other people at their beck and call to whip their bodies back into shape. For normal people like you and me, well we don't have those luxuries...and that's okay; what they're doing is typically not good for the body anyway.

There are lots of quick ways to lose weight, but most of those ways will be dangerous to your health and encourage your body to go into starvation-survival mode and hoard calories, setting yourself up for yo-yo dieting where you put all the lost weight back on and then some.

If you want a healthy way to start adopting a lifestyle you can continue for the rest of your life that allows you to shed the pounds, balance healthy nutrition with exercise.

-Eat 5-6 smaller meals a day, about every 2-3 hours
-Make fruits and vegetables the priority in your diet, with lean cuts of meat as side dishes (if you eat meat)
-Drink plenty of water, at least 64 ounces a day if not more
-Shop the perimeter of the grocery store (naturally occurring foods) and skip the junk in the middle (processed junk foods)
-If you're not exercising, begin. Go to the mall, put your beautiful daughter in a stroller, and take a brisk 30 minute walk

I have a feeling that this is not the advice you are looking for, but if you are interested in healthy ways to lose weight and adopt an eating/nutrition plan that you can sustain for the rest of your life, this is a great start.

Two months?! I'm sorry if this sounds harsh, but you can't be serious about wanting to lose weight two months postpartum. I mean, if you didn't make the nervous breakdown remark I'd just say to trust the process. The fact that your emotional state is contingent upon your body image is a big gigantic red flag, however. I don't know if it's PPD or the stress of parenting a newborn, but I would definitely talk with your OB/GYN. This may be a sign of something more serious.

I speak from experience, by the way. Before I got pregnant, I had a history of dieting and compulsive exercise. After I had my baby, I avoided the scale like the plague. I also realized I had no business trying on my pre-pregnancy clothes for a MINIMUM of six months postpartum. I was back to my regular size within a year...without dieting or over-exercising. Believe it or not, I've maintained my size for the past four years by eating moderate amounts of healthy food. I don't get as much exercise as I used to, although running around after a four year old does help!

Now, go take care of yourself! Good luck.

Sorry to say this but it took me almost a year to loose weight from my 2nd child. then I gained some back last christmas but I recently starting taking off weight by seriously not eating bread (only whole grain if i do) pop and I stopped eating after 6:00 and I also started eating a larger lunch and smaller dinner. I dropped about 20 lbs in about 2 months. I know it gets frustrating and I used to work at WW about 5 years ago but the best thing i learned from that experience is that if u are really consious of what you are putting in your body and watching your portion sizes then it will help dramatically. Now remember u may start losing inches rather than weight which is what you want. Hope it helps a little...

K. -
If you're breastfeeding, it really does help melt off the weight. Otherwise, the best thing you can do is eat healthy and get moving (which, by the way, are two of the basic tenets of WW).

You may want to talk to a professional if you're worried about having a nervous breakdown due to this. You just grew a human being in your body - it's going to take a little while for it to bounce back. Take a breath and talk to your doctor.

Be careful...I lost a whole lot of weight when I first had my final child and I gained that and about 25 more pound back. I was having problems emotionally as well. That is when I found out that I was not dealing with a weight problem at all but post-partum depression. Post-partum depression is a a physical illness that is set off by your changing hormones. So look up symptoms online or make an appointment with your doctor because their may be an underlying problem,

If you are nursing I would advice against quick weight loss. That is a good way for your milk to dry up. I've heard this from more than one mom that tried losing more than a few pounds a month. It is very frustrating and though I could care less about my weight when I'm pregnant, I cry for a year about it after I have my babies.

I don't lose weight easily or quickly. I have to count calories and exercise daily to lose my 2 pounds a month. It is frustrating, but be realistic.

I found Weight Watchers online to be awesome. I didn't have time for meetings, but I lost 45 pounds in about 9 months and after the first few weeks, it didn't seem hard at all. There is no secret to weight loss. It is simply consume less calories and burn more calories. There are no short cuts that work long term. On the other hand, with WW, people typically see a lot of weight loss in the first 3 weeks, so you could very well drop 10 pounds in 3 weeks (it will slow down after that). Good luck!

Hi K., I feel your pain. I experienced similar frustrations after my daughter was born, and am pregnant now with #2, so I am preparing myself mentally for the way my body will look come spring.

As frustrating as it is, you have to start by cutting yourself some slack! You JUST had a baby 2 months ago. It may seem like a long time ago to you right now, but when your baby turns 1 you'll realize how silly you were for worrying about extra weight this quickly after giving birth. Remember, it took you 9 months to gain it - expect it to take about that long to lose it.

In the meantime, EXERCISE!!! There are no quick fixes and no magic ways to lose weight. Get yourself into a routine and make exercising a regular part of your lifestyle. If you are that serious about losing the weight, then this should not seem like a big deal. You'll not only look better but you'll feel better too. You'll have a sense of control over your appearance - and your life. Exercise benefits us in so many ways! It may seem like an impossibility to fit exercise into your life right now, but if it is a priority, you'll find a way. I started using 30 minute Denise Austin videos 4 times a week and I lost all of my baby weight quickly. She has 2 in particular that I love - Blast Away 10 Lbs and Fat Burning Blast. Both have 2 separate 30 min work outs on them, so you never get bored. And you see results as early as 3 weeks! And who doesn't have time for 30 minutes? Even busy moms! When your child goes down for a nap, pop in the video. As soon as my daughter was on a regular schedule of taking that morning nap, which usually lasted about 45 minutes, I utilized that time to exercise. What a difference it made in my dress size and my outlook!

Best of luck! And enjoy this time with your new baby - the weight will come off, I promise you. : )

The quicker you lose it, the harder it is to keep off!
Exercise and a balanced diet is the best way!
In the meantime order some Spanx. I swear by them! Even after you lose the weight you still have bulges and extra skin for a while, Spanx makes your clothes just fit better! I have about 5 different ones and love them. I bought them for the women in my family last year for xmas. Most were put off by it at xmas. within 2 weeks all of them called me and thanked me for real!
Take it easy on you! Exercise will help put some good endorphines back in your system and keep you from feelin the baby blues!

Good Luck!

You aren't going to like what I have to say. Unless you are a supermodel or a movie star you don't HAVE to loose weight right away. And if you are you can afford a personal trainer and nutrition expert. It takes a lot more than two months to get used to a new schedule and take care of that precious baby - who will want a warm soft mom more than a hard muscular one. Take it a day at a time. Exercise is best - but make sure you do exercises that your body can handle safely so soon after giving birth. Nine months up, nine months down - remember that. If you do too much and get hurt or sick you won't be able to enjoy this time with your new baby. Make sure you are eating right (ESPECIALLY if you are nursing), and if it's control over your weight just exercise. Can the number on the scale be that scary that loosing weight is more important than spending time with your baby girl? You've got to take care of yourself so you can take care of her. Wishing you the best.

I am in the same boat as you but I have 30 pounds to lose after my second child. You don't feel like yourself anymore. Let me know if you find a way :)

Congratulations!

You have to remember, it took almost a year to gain the weight so give youself at least as long to lose it. Breastfeeding definately helped me shed the baby weight. I also took long stroller walks. A little difficult when the weather isn't cooperating. In the spring you'll be able to get out more. It 's difficult to have patience but this is only your first hurdle. You'll need it alot to raise your child and be a good, patient mom.

Give yourself time it will happen.

I remember the struggle. I was staying at home with my daughter and when she was only 3 months old I was pregnant again. It was planned but still a burden on my body. After my second daughter was born I made it a point to walk, walk, walk. I took walks around the neighborhood (met my neighbors), walked at the mall, and took all of the conveniences of having a changing station in the downstairs living area away and used the stairs everytime I needed a diaper, bib, blanket, etc. I also realized I had some bad habits from eating for two while I was pregnant. No snacks! I hope this was helpful. Best of luck to you. Remember, the weight took nine months to put on and will take at least nine months to take off.

I have .. since last January..lost 30 lbs. I plan to lose another 10 to 15.. I have carried this wieght around with me for over 20 years.. since I had my kids. My solution turned out to be simpler that I would have thought. I went to a local gym to find out how.. and carried the lessons home.
1. I learned to eat different foods in better portions.I eat 6 times a day .. not 3-4. It stops you from feeling so hungry that at meal times you feel the need to over do. I gave up soda, chips, most if not all bread, and sugary treats. I do not eat fried foods or breaded foods for the most part. I went to white meats..fish, poultry ( white skinless pieces mostly)and turkey is the best .. I steam veggies...or eat them raw...and eat salads (low cal type dressing on the side). I stopped over doing the dairy too.VERY little if at all cheese, and just milk on the cereal. Fruits are ok in moderation.. but they too have sugar. Whole grains cereals..again not the sugar coated kinds. Eggs are ok too.
2. I excersize.. I walk. I walked and trained for the Susan G. Komen breast cancer 3-day. That's a 60 mile walk.@ 20 miles per day. I began on treadmills..then to walks in the nieghborhood..ever increasing my mileage.I learned the drink and pee..no I V slogan..was no joke. Oh and to walk this kind of distance.. wear really good walking shoes, a size too big so when the feet swell you won't blister as easily..AND GOOD walking socks ( a well fitting type.. not cotton.. ) Cotton tends to stay wet when you sweat.. so stay away from that fabric when you work out. Pick something that will breathe and wick the sweat away.
3. You are a new mom.. one easy way to start your excersize.. do everything your baby does. If she's on her back with her feet in the air.. you do it.. If she's rocking on her tummy like pre scooting.. you do it too. You'd be shocked at how fast you can get back into shape !And your baby will love the time you share with her. Try starting with and hour at first.
4. I used NO pills ( other than a multivitamin One-A-Day type). But ALWAYS ask your doctor if it's ok to diet first. I nursed my kids.. I know a diet isn't always a great idea if your body needs to produce. But the excersizeing .. I doubt your doc will disagree with that.. Good luck. Happy Thanksgiving.. ( oh ..meat portions.. about palm size..and stay away from red meats if you can.. Pork is ok.. but do it lean..and bake , grill, or boil..stay away from frying )

P.S. I do cheat ..just a bit so I don't go on any binges.. like 1 hershy kiss will do me, per day.. I don't eat whole candy bars. B-day cake.. I have a VERY thin piece not much if any frosting. With all the other foods.. I don't crave it like I used too. I am 53 years old now. I used to believe that after 40.. I'd need a doctor's aid to lose the pounds. I don't believe that anymore. My daughter is 27 with a 2 month old also. She gained a lot withthe pregnancy. She's nursing.. and dropping the wieght..faster that she originally thought. Take heart.. If you want it.. you can do it in a healthy way.

I did Atkins and lost 25 pounds in about 6 weeks. I also did a lot of walking as well. I tried Weight Watchers and a few others but I too was desperate to drop the weight and decided to go this route. It worked well for me and I have kept the weight off for 6 years now. I bought the book and read it and followed the Induction period and the pounds fell off.

Good luck and if you need help email me and I will support you 100%! ____@____.com

How about heading to the gym. I know the Woodstock Recreation Center has boot camps and trainers that can get you back into shape. Everything takes time but you have to work for it. There is no magic pill you can take if you a nursing your baby and even if you are not.

Hello

I do Body Trim. It is a powder that you put in water and drink. It tastes good. It cost about a dollar a day, two if you want to lose faster. I went down 2 clothes sizes and lost 10 pounds. I didn't eat different or exercise. Let me know if you would like more info or you can go check it out. www.drinkactweb.com/dawndavidson

Hi K.,
I have a two month old daughter right now as well- my second daughter. I feel similar to you in that I want the extra weight off already also. I am used to being thin. But I remember after my first pregnancy that although I wasn't even eating much at all (because she was extremely colicky and cried all day and night- I could never put her down) that it took time for the weight to come off. But once a few months passed, say 4 months or so, then I was back to my normal size, without too much trying even. I think our hormones are still just different. I dont' know the real reason. But please allow your body some time to continue to adapt to not being pregnant and it will get back to normal. But eating healthy and exercise will help too. Dont' be too hard on yourself. I will also tell you that even when my weight got back down to my pre-pregnancy weight that I still did not fit into my pre-pregnancy pants. I think my hips were still wider. But with time I was able to fit back into them. So just know this is normal, and just enjoy your baby girl and don't focus on your weight too much. I will be thinking of you!

You have to be patient, it takes time to lose baby weight. I had my 1st daughter at the end of November and I didn't get my pre-baby body back until that summer. Now with my second, she is 15 months old, and I STILL do not have my pre-baby body back. Stress will definitely make it harder to lose the weight. (which is why I haven't yet, 5 months of colic and just not as easy as my 1st was). Walking is very good for losing weight and watching what you eat. Alli does help a little, but there are some unpleasant side effects. I stopped taking it due to them. Weight Watchers does work too, but it will take time, you only had your baby 2 months ago, it will come off.

K.,

I just recently lost almost 50lbs. I started when my daughter was about 11 months old. What I did was eat smaller portions and count your calorie intake. I was allowed 1700 a day. Small breakfast, snack, Lunch, snack, Dinner, and snack. I basically ate the same thing but cut out a few of my bad habits for a couple of months. Then slowly I would give myself those bad habits as treats to myself. My weakness was French Fries. When I started letting myself have them again I would just get a small order and no more then 2 times a month. I knew if I would deprive myself of something I would end up where I was again. That is the biggest thing to make sure you don't deprive yourself and drink lots of water. In no time you will see it come off. I never excersied (even though I probably should of). Hope that helps! I am going to have to start again in a year because I am going to be having my second chid at the end of April.