Any moms who havent lost the baby weight? or moms who did and can help---long

Its going to be almost 2 years since DD#2 and I havent lost all the pregnancy weight I know I have health issues that make me retain water but I am feeling so down. I went from a size 6 to a 8/10 and on a petite body barely 5ft) its alot. DH is no help--he loves me all the same and tells me I need to realize that my health is the issue and not ME personally but I cant let go. I see all these moms who look FABULOUS and I feel like frumpy dumpy.

What do you ladies do/did to lose the weight..I want to exercise but one of my symptoms is water retention and sometimes it hurts to even walk too much which makes my feet swell even more...ughhh I am so frustrated.

Message edited 6/15/2009 12:19:55 AM.

Re: Any moms who havent lost the baby weight? or moms who did and can help---long

It took me a long time to lose all the weight too.. I have exactly the same body as you.. VERY SHORT.. it's so crazy how just a few pounds make such a dramatic difference when your so short

DS is 3 1/2 and I just lost 15-20 lbs within the last year. (I gain a few back.. lose a few but generally in that range)

I went to the gym and stopped eating so much crap. I wouldn't say I actually "counted calories" but I took notice of them.. and realized how bad some things I ate often were.

In your situation with not being able to work out too much.. I would say maybe try weight watchers or an online weighloss program?

You'll get there

Re: Any moms who havent lost the baby weight? or moms who did and can help---long

Like you I'm also about 5' and gained almost 40 lbs. during my pregnancy.

Luckily I lost all the weight in the first 3 months after the delivery.

There were several reasons why I lost the weight so quickly and I hope some can help you:

1. breastfeeding - I took in alot less calories than I needed to make milk

2. motivation - find someone to motivate you; my husband is very fit and really inspired me

3. prepregancy picture - post a picture of what you look like prepregnancy on the fridge, helps you keep focus when you're reaching for the late night snack ;)

4. eat healthy - don't keep junk food at home!

5. keep busy - you really don't need to exercise, just try to do alot of physical activity with your kids like going to the park, etc.

Hope that helps!

Re: Any moms who havent lost the baby weight? or moms who did and can help---long

I'm 2 months pp and getting a little depressed about not having my prepreganncy body back yet. I can't fit into any of my old clothes and yesterday I had to endure bathing suit shopping :(
I just starting weight watchers - the point system. I am not 100% committed to it since it's so new and I don't want to feel overwhelmed. I like it b/c it just keeps me in check and really educates you on how to make better choices for yourself on a day-to-day basis. I have a few friends that lost a ton of weight on it and look fantastic. I would like to lose 10 pounds. I was a 6 like you and now an 8. It really is all about portion control. I can eat whatever foods I want as long as I watch how much. I agree about keeping junk out of the house. My biggest issue is eating out, which I do 2-3 times a week.
Good luck to you!

Re: Any moms who havent lost the baby weight? or moms who did and can help---long

I was 5 lbs. from my pre baby weight for a long time, and could not lose it. I wasn't oh so careful about my eating habits though, and this became apparent as DS started noticing everything I ate. I wanted him to see me eating more fruit and veggies so he would want them. I also didn't want him begging me for cookies or ice cream frequently, so I eat much less of those things. Just not fair to eat a cookie in front of him and not let him have a bit as well. So while my meals are healthy, I realized my snacks were not so great, but they are better now.

I also started to exercise again. I have lupus and frequently have joint aches, but weight training has helped a lot. You can use weights at home also, no need to join a gym. Also, riding a bicycle or swimming are great on my joints--can you do any of those activities? They might not be as painful.

I got back to my prebaby weight around 16-17 months.

Message edited 6/15/2009 8:13:25 AM.

Re: Any moms who havent lost the baby weight? or moms who did and can help---long

I finally joined and go 4 days a week, sometimes 5. They have babysitting there so I have no excuses and they kids enjoy going. It really helps me relax knowing I am going to go. I have 10 more pounds to loose to get to my ideal weight and pre-pg weight. I think if I ate more and better it would come off.

My DH belongs to the gym too but has yet to go. He changed his eating habits completely and has lost 25lbs in about 3 months. He doesn't eat any carbs. at night except once in a while and that is if I make any with dinner. He only has carbs. durning the day and he trys to limit them. His portions are half the size and we eat A LOT of chicken and fish. I actually alternate between fish and chicken durning the week.

My MIL has health issues that doesn't allow her to work out either, but she is able to do the elliciptal for about 10 minutes a day. She has to watch what she eats so no salty foods, dessert, lots of fish and vegggies and fruit for her. If she eats what she isn't suppose to she feels it in the morning when she wakes up. One thing that does help her a lot is in the summer she does go swimming. Maybe join a gym that has a pool. That would be excellent exercise for you and you wouldn't be putting any pressure on your joints.

In the meantime I would dress the body you have now the way you did when you were a size 6. If your clothes fit properly and you accentuate your assets you will feel a lot better about yourself (at least that worked for me)

Re: Any moms who havent lost the baby weight? or moms who did and can help---long

I am short as well and feel frumpy dumpy. I got so down last year that I actually cut six inches of my hair and hated it. I have natuarally curly hair and all this did was make my hair grow big. I have also had trouble losing the weight and accepting it. One day dh walked in on me sobbing on our bed. When I told him the problem he said "I love you and think you look amazing. You need to embrace what you have now." And that is what I've done believe it or not once I stopped stressing and just started eating really clean (salmon organic veggies water) it started to melt off. When you are feeling good talk a walk or do some sit ups. Hope this helps.

Re: Any moms who havent lost the baby weight? or moms who did and can help---long

You ladies are the absolute best. Sometimes I feel likes its only me (I know its not).

I am going to try to make changes somehow. I am scared to admit that I even thought of doing a restrictive diet but I have enough sense to know that it would only make things worse in the long run.

Re: Any moms who havent lost the baby weight? or moms who did and can help---long

I lost most...if not all of my pregnancy weight only to gain it all back again. It was quite frustrating and took away tons of self esteem..I never had this issue before. I was always thin.

I was diagnosed in December with Hashimoto's which has caused hypothyroid. I kind of expected my weight gain to taper off some once I started the synthroid. Instead Ive gained weight.. ...talking to my doctors hasnt helped much. When I try explaining my issues to them I get a lesson in portion control...

Added to this I was diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome...which is a connective tissue disorder. My joints are flexible and as I get older its getting worse. The weight isnt helping...Example I over did it on Saturday and now Im having extreme hip pain. But Im hoping that as I keep at it that it will help in the long run...but for now I have to deal with the pain and take out stock in Ibuprofin..

I got some blood work back from my doctor the end of April....After doing some research online I chose to treat myself as though I was insulin resistant. I started following the Glycemic Index...eating lean meat, chicken, and fish..with vegetables, limited carbs...my calories are the same..what Im eating is different. I still eat carbs I just limit them or eat "good" carbs. I allow myself a cheat day too...(I follow the diet to the letter during the week but I'll cheat and maybe have pizza or sushi on the weekends...)

It can be very frustrating...very very frustrating. One thing that I just did was to go out and buy clothes that fit. Rather than make do with what i had. I kept refusing to buy clothes with the thought that I was going to lose weight and my old clothes would fit me. But what happened was that I found that I never felt good about myself. So I promised myself that either way I was going to buy myself some summer clothes that were comfortable and fit me. Fortunitely I hit up one of the thrift stores (huge one) and got BRAND NEW capris, shorts, and jeans...8 pairs for $60. I then hit up Sears for a ton of tops. I made a point of trying on things that I normally wouldnt and found a ton of stuff that I liked. $200 later I have some clothes that fit...My new goal is that, by the end of the season, instead of putting them away for next year, I'll be putting them all in the donation bin!!!!

Re: Any moms who havent lost the baby weight? or moms who did and can help---long

I took me a long time also, Im 2 years PP too and while Ive lost the weight, Im still a mess bc I need to exercise, so youd never know I actually lost it bc its doesnt look that way. I did Weight Watchers online......it was the ONLY thing that worked for me. I know how you feel!

Re: Any moms who havent lost the baby weight? or moms who did and can help---long

Posted by hbugal

I lost most...if not all of my pregnancy weight only to gain it all back again. It was quite frustrating and took away tons of self esteem..I never had this issue before. I was always thin.

I was diagnosed in December with Hashimoto's which has caused hypothyroid. I kind of expected my weight gain to taper off some once I started the synthroid. Instead Ive gained weight.. ...talking to my doctors hasnt helped much. When I try explaining my issues to them I get a lesson in portion control...

Added to this I was diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome...which is a connective tissue disorder. My joints are flexible and as I get older its getting worse. The weight isnt helping...Example I over did it on Saturday and now Im having extreme hip pain. But Im hoping that as I keep at it that it will help in the long run...but for now I have to deal with the pain and take out stock in Ibuprofin..

I got some blood work back from my doctor the end of April....After doing some research online I chose to treat myself as though I was insulin resistant. I started following the Glycemic Index...eating lean meat, chicken, and fish..with vegetables, limited carbs...my calories are the same..what Im eating is different. I still eat carbs I just limit them or eat "good" carbs. I allow myself a cheat day too...(I follow the diet to the letter during the week but I'll cheat and maybe have pizza or sushi on the weekends...)

It can be very frustrating...very very frustrating. One thing that I just did was to go out and buy clothes that fit. Rather than make do with what i had. I kept refusing to buy clothes with the thought that I was going to lose weight and my old clothes would fit me. But what happened was that I found that I never felt good about myself. So I promised myself that either way I was going to buy myself some summer clothes that were comfortable and fit me. Fortunitely I hit up one of the thrift stores (huge one) and got BRAND NEW capris, shorts, and jeans...8 pairs for $60. I then hit up Sears for a ton of tops. I made a point of trying on things that I normally wouldnt and found a ton of stuff that I liked. $200 later I have some clothes that fit...My new goal is that, by the end of the season, instead of putting them away for next year, I'll be putting them all in the donation bin!!!!

Message edited 6/15/2009 9:58:25 AM.

Re: Any moms who havent lost the baby weight? or moms who did and can help---long

It took me almost 7 months to go back to my pre-pregnancy weight...and that was just by eating sensible. In the beginning with kids you eat whatever is on hand..I had to stop doing that and it got easier as my kids got older.

I am now down past my pre-pregnancy weight but only because I run now at least three days a week (about 15-20 miles a week). I find running is the only thing that allows me to eat what I want and also not have those 10 extra pounds.

Maybe there is an exercise you can do that won't bother your feet. Like bicycling. It sounds like your DH would be willing to help you out too. My DH lets me go running whenever i ask him if its okay. He always tells me he is never going to say no to me being healthy.

Please don't let it get you too down as well. When i use to do that, I also remembered how much my body did for me to produce my two (i have twins) beautiful children. It made me feel better.

Re: Any moms who havent lost the baby weight? or moms who did and can help---long

I gained 40 to 50 lbs with both pgs and lost it all both times.

My advice-WALK WALK WALK, drink lots of water, and eat 1/2 of what you would normally eat at each meal.
I also don't eat 3 meals a day, I eat small mini meals all day long, people dont' get how i eat so much and stay thin, but i really don't eat quantity, i eat little things all day long and i eat whatever i want in moderation-i never deprive myself so i never feel like i'm dieting. Yes i'm that annoying person that can eat 1 oreo cookie, a tiny bowl of ice cream and a couple chips and be satisfied.

Also weigh yourself once a week at the same time everyday.

I also in no way have a speedy metabolism, i come from an overweight italian family, so believe me we know how to eat!

My mom does weight watchers and she always gets good results with that too.
Set little attainable goals for yourself so it doesn't seem so overwhelming.

Good luck!

Re: Any moms who havent lost the baby weight? or moms who did and can help---long

My DD is 2 1/2 and DS turned 1 last weekend and I'm still up 15 - 20 lbs.

Re: Any moms who havent lost the baby weight? or moms who did and can help---long

I know exactly how you feel. I'm the same size as you pre & postpartum. Everyone keeps telling me it looks like I lost all the weight but I feel like my stomach is huge.

Since you can't do typical workouts, you should def try swimming. It would be a great workout for you.

Re: Any moms who havent lost the baby weight? or moms who did and can help---long

I gained most of my weight during maternity leave.... DS wouldn't let me get off the couch EVER. I haven't lost one pound of it yet

That being said, I'm now beginning to exercise again.... I know it will work, and I will feel better.

Since you have water retension issues, let me suggest the following:

low salt diet
drink lots of water
get an exercise bike (getting the blood flowing helps prevent granny ankle, and a bike means not a lot of pounding on your feet )

Re: Any moms who havent lost the baby weight? or moms who did and can help---long

I am 4 months pp and gained 60lbs with my ds. I am 10 lbs away from my goal weight.

Along with weight watchers, i have found that a high protein, low carb, low fat diet works- you can do this while still maintaing your weight watchers.

also- take your vitamins- co enzyme q10, b complex, etc..

if you can fit in exercise- the jillian michaels 20 min dvd WORKs believe me!

Re: Any moms who havent lost the baby weight? or moms who did and can help---long

I am only 4 weeks PP but, this weight thing is getting me down so much. I was a size 6 and 5 foot tall too. I was always the thinest person in my family, by far. Well, as I got pregnant everyone in my family started to lose a TON of weight. Now I wear the largest size of all them! I got a pair of jeans today in a size 10 because I couldn't stand the maternity jeans anymore.

But, when I look at myself I think I look thinner than them, although my Mom tells me that I'm not. Nice right? I am just having such a hard time even though I am losing weight. It's just that it only takes a few pounds to go up a size when you are so short. I gained 35 pounds and I have lost 28-ish. But, That is so far to go. I plan to ramp up my walking, which has been tough in the past few weeks with the weather and I need to hit up the food store to get some healthy food!

Re: Any moms who havent lost the baby weight? or moms who did and can help---long

Like Heather, I lost weight after delivery and then gained it all back. The clothes I wore last summer don't fit me for this summer. I'm having a really hard time with this b/c those clothes are pre-wedding and pre-Weight Watchers and even pre-DH!! They are the largest size clothes I have ever owned in my life and the mere purchase of them is what motivated me to start WW in the first place back in 2004.

While I don't have Hashimoto's I am hypothroid and my synthroid level is not correct yet, so the weight isn't coming off despite my best efforts. The only thing I can say is that I haven't gained weight in the last three weeks (for the first time in a year).

Maybe I'll try Heather's route and just buy some clothes that fit and not look at the label for the size.

Re: Any moms who havent lost the baby weight? or moms who did and can help---long

I too am "vertically challenged" (5-1)
...After my DS I went on Jenny Craig and stuck to it like glue...Lost all the baby weight and almost 20 additional lbs w/ littl;e to no excercise...Then when we were trying for DD. I was on a ton of fertility meds and gained a bunch of weight, then when I got pg. I gained another 40 lbs ...I'm back on Jenny Craig, but am not having as easy a time w/ the weight coming off...Don't know if its age, lack of will power, or what but the weight is coming off so slow this time ...I am trying not to obsess over it too much when it comes to clothing size and I agree w/ PP, wearing things that "fit" make me feel better overall...
I was always super super thin so my new "shape" is a big adjustment for me, and I'm hoping I get back to feeling good about myself soon ! Good Luck