
Since this is an anonymous forum, I can admit it. I gained 75 pounds during pregnancy. (And I was not a rail to start with, although I was at a normal healthy weight.) It's my own fault--I stuffed everything that was not nailed down into my face. Now I'm 4 months post-partum and have only gotten rid of the first 30. I haven't lost a single pound in a month. A year ago I was a size 8, now I can barely squeeze into a 16. I still wear maternity clothes every day. I know what I need to do to lose it but I'm having a hard time getting motivated because it seems insurmountable. Anyone else gain this much (or close) and lose it? How long did it take? Any tips??
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One of my close friends gained 70lb (thanks to bed rest). It took about a year, but she did it. A lot of exercise, eating right, and nursing will help. You are only 4 months out, which is about the time that people who gained about 30lb are just losing it, so give yourself a little time. Slow and steady is best. |
It is surmountable. Exercise. But most importantly watch your food, nutrition, calorie intake.
Set a VERY modest goal. 3 pounds a MONTH and you'll be back to your size in about a year. That is very doable, and you are likely to exceed your expectations. Beware: when you stop nursing, your calorie needs will drop. That's where I fell of the wagon! Once the boob-tap was turned off (last call!!!) I plateaued and even gained some weight. Getting everything under control now is important. Not talkin' bout simple aesthetics here. Health-wise, too. YOU CAN DO IT. Slow and steady. Slow and steady. |
Spring is here, making it easier to go for long strolls with the baby if you are home during the day. And I've heard good reviews of Stroller Strides groups. But if you really, really want to lose it, a common way is to join weight watchers and start doing the 30 Day Shred. You can do it! Make a plan, set a goal, and go for it! |
Honestly, 4 months is too soon to expect to have totally bounced back as well. I gained 40 lbs, and didn't lose all of it until my little guy was 9 months old. |
I gained 60-70 pounds mainly b.c I thought I could eat for 2 and anything i wanted, whenever I wanted. ha! I lost it but only after serious food discipline (healthy options and very limited desserts/junk) and exercise. That is the ONLY thing that works long-term. |
I gained 40 lbs and I wasn't thin to begin with -- 10 months PP and I still have about 5 lbs to lose. Most of my weight has come off in the last two months... |
I gained 85 lbs! I went from 120 to 205 but I had PE and alot was water weight. I was down to 145 3 weeks after delivery and then it took me about another 5 months to lose 15-20. I've never been back to 120 but stay around 125-130. |
I was a petite size 4 before my first child and was always under the impression - I have no idea why - that I would be one of those people who would lose all my pregnancy weight no matter I gained and go back to being just what I was. Ha! Not everyone loses the baby weight. I gained about 40 lbs. (a lot when when you are small) and hung onto at least 20 extra lbs. for close to two years after my son was born. Like someone else said, it wasn't until I finally got sick of myself and went on Weight Watchers - and started doing Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred video - that I lost the rest of the weight. Jillian's Shred is great because each one (there are three levels) is short and gives you an awesome workout, so you can pop it in during nap time, etc. vs. trying to get to the gym.
I just had another baby and decided I wasn't going to live with that extra 20+ lbs. for two years again, so I started back on WW at three months PP. I also went back to the Shred, and also bought a couple of her longer videos (50 minutes) - one focused on cardio and one focused on weights, and started a Zumba class once a week. It's been about eight weeks and I've got about 8 lbs. to go but feeling so much better about myself already, and am back in much of old wardrobe now. I'm a huge fan of WW and Jillian Michaels (and this is coming from someone who would have never done a workout video pre-kids...I only went to the gym and thought videos were silly and not "real" workouts). It sucks...there's no doubt but you can lose it if you are motivated. Good luck. |
First of all, congratatulations on losing 30 lbs! That's a big accomplishment.
I second, third, whatever number all the posters who say keep at it, slow and steady, it's still early and it's GREAT you lost 30 already. I would think about what kind of person you are: are you social? If so, I'd sign up for some classes, strollersize for instance. If you're more private, I'd consider signing up for a personal trainer and going for walks in the nice weather. I'd also the try to increase the amount of exercise you get in your life in small ways: can you wear your baby when doing chores, like folding laundry? can you ask your partner to watch the baby while you take out the trash/recycling? You can do it. Take advantage of the nice weather and keep at it. |
FYI, I hate when people say that nursing helps lose the weight! I'm nursing my second baby and SAME as with the first my body hangs onto the fat for DEAR LIFE. With my first, I did not lose the last 10lbs until after I quit nursing at a year. My body is doing the same thing this time. I know MANY women who also find that nursing causes them to hold onto weight as well.
So, just so you know, ladies, this does not work for everyone. |
I gained nearly 70 pounds. I'm only a few weeks post-partum but I lost about 30 pretty quick. I think a lot of it was water weight and birth related because now the weight loss has plateaued. I’ve now started to lose about 2 pounds a week, which I’m ok with. I was very thin pre-pregnancy and never had to watch what I ate, so this has been a real shock to my system. But for the first time in my life I am being UBER-strict about what I eat. And I mean STRICT—I am determined to lose the weight.
I am allowing myself 1 day a week to splurge, but even then I don’t go crazy. When I’m craving a snack, I drink a diet soda or eat fruit or a lowfat/lowcal yogurt. No deserts, sweets, etc. My only downfall so far is that I’ve been having wine and beer here and there—but after 9 dry months, those calories are worth it to me! You can do this. Trust me. If you only knew what I ate for the past 30+ years… I had a great run with my fast metabolism. If I can change my diet and do a 180 like this, ANYONE can. I know how much better I looked (and felt!) when I was thin, so that is enough motivation for me. I keep saying that little mantra that Kate Moss got in so much trouble for, but it’s so true… “Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels!” |
I gained 60 the first time and lost most of it. Gained 50 the second time and lost it again, plus the extra weight from the first time.
Eating smarter and LOTS of regular exercise worked for me. No more fast food, no more refined sugars, artificial sweeteners, etc., and no more eating until I'm full. I gradually transformed my diet without ever starving myself. I am a pastaholic, and always will be, so I've replaced the fatty sauces with low cal ones, enriched pasta to whole wheat. And I drink a crazy amount of water. |
I lost a ton of weight by nursing -- got down to my skinny jeans, actually about 15 pounds lighter than when I got pregnant. But I paid for it when I stopped breastfeeding. I've gained 25 pounds in the last 2 months. It sucks. Everyone's body is different and reacts to the hormone changes with pregnancy/nursing differently.
Hey OP, walking is a great and fairly easy way to start exercising. Do you have someone who you could walk with? Where do you live -- I would walk with you if our schedules match up! |
I would walk with you too! I'm in Bethesda. |