Weight Loss - York,PA

Dear M.,
Before doing anything, I would ask the doctor if there is something hormonally going on which is preventing you from going back close to your original weight. If not, I would highly recommend an easy workout program that you can do in your own space and time. Kathy Smith has a workout tape giving good techniques for cardiovascular exercise...explaining the reasons for the exercise (muscles being used and toned) and the correct form of doing the exercise. I found it to be just the thing at home and I made it my special time.
Or, you might try the library for iniitial resources, then when you find the one tape that you want, purchase it.
Stay away from partially hydrogenated oils, simple sugars and keep a high protein diet, if you are in good health.
I have a home-based business which can also help you in the areas of motovation.
Good luck,
____@____.com
E.

Hey woman, I HEAR ya! I'm sort of in your situation right now, but am totally at ease as I've been through it before and I KNOW the solution. I just had my 3rd baby 3 months ago with c-section and have not yet had the time to do the grind since healing as I am painting for a show I'm having in November as well as watching 3 kids with a dad who is gone all the time for work. I'm nursing, so the weight is supposed to be "falling right off". Luckily I already know that myth to be false (for me and my no-metabolism Irish body) so I'm not at all worried that I'm not budging yet, since I know what it takes. Like you, I am HATING myself when I have to go out and face the world like this in my big dumpy temporary post pregnancy clothes...and the months are starting to drag. Don't WORRY!!!! The human body is amazing, we WILL conquer this and you're only huge and out of it temporarily even after all the medical problems.

Like you, I've always been thin and in shape. However, I've always had to work hard for it, my metabolism doesn't do me any favors AT ALL. I've had to roll with the mysterious weight gains many times before, work like crazy to burn it off, and adjust my health regime afterwords to maintain. At this point, I'm 39, and my diet is practically flawless, healthy and natural, and I have to use weights as well as cardio regularly to lose weight and I exercise very frequently to maintain thin-ness. Whatever sacrifice and time management it takes. The only alternative is being large and tired and out of shape. It takes serious self discipline, but if you embrace the privilege of being able to have control over it, you don't feel like a victim. You also have to give yourself a break during times when you can't "work on it" and understand you can take charge again when you're able.

One day at a time, you will get yourself back. Maybe every day can't be that day where you get an awesome work out, drink tons of water, eat perfect meals and snacks to boost your health and metabolism, and go to bed early for a full calorie burning night of sleep, so you wake up feeling thinner than the day before, but it can be a day where you eat well, and accept that today you'll just "stay the same" on your long descent. Don't give up!

I went through a major mysterious weight gain phase right at age 28. I think that gain for you with your first was a life change in your metabolism as well as a pregnancy issue. I had to start cutting dairy and carbs for the first time in my life-I didnt' know what else to do, I was already active and vegetarian etc. With increased exercise and a diet revamp, I shrank back down and became a yoga enthusiast. However, in my 30's, even that wasn't enough, I needed to do advanced yoga 4 times per week, jog occasionally, and run around NYC working every day barely eating to stay thin. Now that I live in central PA with no yoga studio near by, and have had to battle baby weight, it's ALL ABOUT THE GYM!

After my first, the long cardio walks with the stroller did hardly anything. My plateau wouldn't give. I began weight training for the first time ever at a gym plus cardio three times per week-thank god for daycare there, and the weight fell right off. That is what has worked for me to this day for the last 3 years. I shrank down after my second in just a few months after gaining 60 pounds. Now I'm back up 30 pounds again and the surgery set me back and now I'm busy, so I'm huge and hating life. But in Novemebr, I'm back to the gym, and I know I'll be OK again.

You need the gym. Hate to say it. You need weights as well as cardio in a concentrated segment of time where you are not doing anything else. It's only temporary until you lose the weight, then you can maintain your good health with the walks and the baby time. It's only for a few months, don't think of it as a sad new way of life for your daughter forever. The gym daycare is fun for my kids, and when I'm not in a weight loss crisis, we go a lot less. I don't need to tell you how much happier you'll be when you lose weight, and your daughter will be happier.

Also, you've GOT to eat healthy. NO crash diets, pills, deprivation, fat free engineered food....You need healthy natural food and frequent snacks. No eating at night for 3 hours before bed. Your body will get back in shape as you exercise if you arent' putting hard to process foods into it.

I would tell you to reem your husband about the treadmill, but honestly, the treadmill at your house alone wouldn't do you much good until you're on a maintenance routine. Also, he's feeling his own stress. Get yourself to the gym with a good and thankful attitude. Stay positive. It's the only thing that works for me. Home videos and things that get your muscles and cardio would hypothetically work, it's just so hard at home to do it often enough. You need hard work 3-4 times per week to lose weight quickly. I'm right there with you, starting in Novemeber-we can DO THIS!!

As a side note, I'm shoked at how much my daughter understands about exercise and food just by watching me. You'll be doing her a great service-get thyself to boot camp!

Lots of great ideas here. One other idea, you could run or walk after your daughter goes to bed. Not everyone would like this idea but my husband and I take turns running evenings after the kids are in bed.

Hi M.,
Have you thought about a wii? They have some great exercise "games" for it. My 3 year old loves playing next to us while we do it. There are some really great workouts on it. The best part is you do it at home. You can still spend the quality time with your daughter and work out a 1/2 hour a day. I must confess, it is addicting.
Good luck
L.

M.,
As for the weight, I think all moms have been there. I know I have not found the Magic Fix and my son is 6! LOL Yes, you gained some weight and you will find a way to lose it eventually. Get someone to move that stinkin' treadmill so it's NOT facing a wall--duh! No one would stay motivated that way!

So I have no real answers or suggestions for you as far as your weight and diet. It boils down to eat less and move more. We all know that. It's doing it consistently that counts. Try a 20 minute walk at lunchtime while you're at work. Then add 20 min on the treadmill to start?

The real reason I responded to your post is that it is sad that you are so down on yourself. Look at your daughter and see the wonder that was created and produced by your daughter! I was amazed at what I did during childbirth and I look at my body differently. I'm not saying you need to accept your weight and stop trying, but accept the strong, healthy body that produced an amazing life! Life is too short to go around with your coat on!

I'm amazed by the number of mothers I've heard say they will NOT take their kids to a pool or water park because they don't want to be seen in a bathing suit. Hellllooooo?!

That will be the day when I deny my kid a day at the pool because I'm embarrassed abut my thighs or butt! If people don't like it, they can look somewhere else.

Have you heard the expression "Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving in an attractive, well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, shopping bag in one hand, martini in the other, body thouroughly used up, worn out, and screaming "WOW, what a ride!"?

If that expression doesn't inspire you, my Italian grandmother used to tell us "Oh, not everyone is looking at YOU!" LOL

Cheer up, stop stressing and obsessing and enjoy your family! God Bless!

First of all-weight loss is mostly about diet. Exercise is AMAZING for you-don't get me wrong...but studies are showing more and more that it is not the key to weight loss. Time Magazine ran a huge article about this over the summer-can't remember which issue but your library should have it. So start with diet. Many people have success with Weight Watchers-the online program is really great and makes it super easy. Plus there is a supportive community there for you.

As far as exercise: What I did was get a small TV that had a DVD player in it and put it in front of my treadmill. I then joined Netflix and ordered shows I have always been meaning to watch. I highly suggest "24". SUCH a good show...It is so good and suspenseful that I will work out 45 minutes straight just to watch it. Plus it gets me motivated to do it each day.

Also-if you have On Demand from your cable there is a ton of great exercise options. Everything from 30 Day Shred(which people RAVE about-its only 20 minutes but supposedly gets you in great shape) to yoga and pilates. You could do these while your child plays nearby.

Good luck!

Hi M.,
There are many really great exercise DVD out there. My sister has a "Walking" DVD where you walk 3 miles just in your family room. I also like the 10 minute pilate DVDs. I think exercising at home is so much easier that going to a gym and you never have an excuse not to exercise. Even if I don't want to exercise I just tell myself to do one 10 minute segment on the pilate DVD and once I do the 1st segment I am always up to doing 2 more segments. Next thing I know I have exercised for 30 minutes. The same thing with our exercise bike (which I hate) I tell myself I only have to do 1 mile then can stop but once I am on it I don't mind continuing... I also found that going to the gym requires a much greater time commitment because of the commute, packing the kids in the car, etc. and it is much easier to make excuses of why I can't go to the gym. I also loved the book Body for Life. I found it very motivational.
Good luck to you!

Hi, M.:

There is a 12 step dieting program. I don't know the name.

Go to Co-Dependence Anonymous support group in your local
area.

www.coda.org

Maybe you have co-dependency issues with food.

Hope this helps. Good luck. D.

OH I have had 6 hernias after having my last child at the young age of 42. LOL I was 58 inches around (yes that is almost 5 feet) when i went in to labor with her and she only weighed 7.2 lbs. LOL i had the hernias repaired and because of the weight i gained the kept rupturting so i travel near the cleveland clinic (10 miles from it) to get the hernias repaired. (I live in New Castle, PA) Five years later i am going with in 2 weeks to get a hernia repaired that weighs 10 Lbs and is my whole belly so i have no muscles left in my belly but i had to loose weight to get this surgery done. i lost 46 lbs and i can not work out so i started swimming and walking and when i can't go to the gym i bought leslie sansones walk away the pounds cd and YES it does work and i walk 3 miles with her cd and it doesn't even feel like 3 miles. so you could try that but the bottom line is you have to move your body and once you start to loose weight you will love it and keep doing it.
good luck because i have been there. I am now up to 6-8 miles a day on the treadmill and then i swim with the old ladies at the y. If you have to leave your child in daycare for one hour extra then it would benifit you and your body to do it. Oh and in 6 month i get a tummy tuck (that my insurance will pay for) because of the weight loss and the fat just hangs now. and if your hernia keeps giving you problens look at the web site herniasurgeries.com that is where i go to get reapaired and the dr is great people from all over the U.S. go to him for help. Tell your hubby you want the treadmill in the basement.
T.
if you have any ?'s please feel free to email me. good luck

Hi M.,

Don't be too hard on yourself, having kids does strange things to your body. I was at my biggest when I delivered my second child. I took my kids in the stroller, with the dogs, to the park, to walk the path. I am sure that you have a nearby park, with a path. Find a friend who will walk with you, that helps to keep you motivated. If that is not an option, go to the mall and walk around. All the time I see many people walking the mall just for exercise. Like another poster said, don't think of it as a struggle to get every one into the car. You are worth the effort and you can do this. If you want to walk the treadmill, but don't care for it's current location, decorate. Put a beautiful picture on the wall in front of the treadmill, where you will be staring. At least you can look at something of your choice. Play the radio and tell yourself just walk for two songs, etc. Also watch what you are eating and when. I found that just limiting certain things (like soda) can help. For me it was carbs, once I started watching my carbs and replacing them with yogurt and other foods, the weight started to drop off. Water and exercise can be magical. Kids are great exercise so let your daughter motivate and help you get back to a weight that you are comfortable with. Like other's have said, kick a ball, dance, walk, going up and down the stairs, racing contests, exercise video's, all can help. Think positive and do what you can.

Good Luck

what about wrokout dvds you could do in your home? there are some really fun dance oriented or kick boxing if thats more what youre into. is there any option of buying a small tv to put in your spare room to watch while running?? if you have comcast on demand they have workouts on demand too. and if youre motivated to go to the gym is there any option of going early in the morning before your husband leaves so you dont have to drag your daughter out?? hope some of these ideas help you!

I have a bottom step that i used to step up and down on for exercise. Do you have on demand? (They have programs on there.) Don't be too hard on yourself, we all get into a funk. Turn on your music nice and loud and dance with your daughter :) That i don't consider exercise...lol!

You sound so much like me, i am 32 and at my highest weight. I know that when i beat myself up for it i don't try. I am learning to accept myself first and then start slow. If you would like to email me i would love to talk :) Good luck with your weight loss!

Hi M.,

My first thought is to get the treadmill into the basement, if you feel that you will use it if it is in there, then thats what needs to be done. I'm sure that your husband can recognize that your unhappy right now and if moving the treadmill helps to solve the problem then he needs to be supportive.
I hope all news is good news involving your husbands cancer outcome! Good Luck with the never-ending fight to lose weight, (believe me I know) and try not to be so hard on yourself!!!

L.

Hi M.,

I am so sorry to hear your situation. Just remember, God only gives you what he thinks you can handle.

Otherwise, I have a home based business that involves better nutrition and weight loss. Here is a link that you should watch. If you are interested, please let me know and I'll be in touch.

http://new.leadingincome.com/tabid/912/LeadId/134032/Lead...

Thanks!

Take care,
T.
____@____.com

The hardest part to to start. The next hardest part is to stay the course. BUT, if you make small changes to your lifestyle it is easier to keep them goping and keep on track. I would offer that perhaps a meeting with a dietican and a physician could be a great way to start! Many exercises can be done outside a gym setting and aroubd your home or local area. Walking around a mall in cool or hot weather is a great way to log some steps....have you thought about getting a pedometer? They are very low cost (starting around $5) and can attach to your shoe or the waist of your pants to get an idea of how much moving you are doing in your day :)Self esteem is such a deep, multi angled thing. a simple thing to do is to do a daily affermation on what you DO like about yourself. But stay away from just focusing on one part of yourself. You are more then your physical being. You have so many parts in your life that you should try to honor a small part of each in your self praise. You can do it because you can suceed!!!!

Hi M. ... Walking is absolutely the best thing for you and your family. Instead of viewing the fact that you need to get everyone in the car again as a chore, think of it as a fun outing ... and a way for you to spend some fun time together. Push her in a stroller around a park path, then let her roam around the playground equipment--better yet, get on the equipment with her. When she's mastered the stairs and slide you can let her play while you do some laps around the jungle gym. You can also play active games with her ... kick a ball around, play tag, make up running races. You'll both have fun. And definitely make use of that treadmill even though it's not in an ideal spot for you. Just get on it and go ... tell yourself that you'll stay on for five minutes, then eight minutes, then 10, etc. Good luck, D.

I love love LOVE weight watchers. You can even do it online now. Its such a positive program and all who are involved are very positive.
Do you have a park near by or maybe even load up your daughter and talk a nice walk in town? You have every right to be there as well as anyone else. Don't feel that you dont. You can do this! Do this for your daughter! She may pick up the negitivity and reflect this on herself. YOu can do it!!!

Comcast has free fitness shows on demand that you can tune into any time of the day or night. Pilates is great. you work your core and use your own body weight as resistence so no need for the tredmill or other equipment.

Have you tried weight watchers? I would do that. I know that one of my coworkers did it and lost all of the extra weight she gained after she had her third child. I am also not happy with my current weight but have too many other things going on in my life to drive myself crazy about it.
I would see about putting a tv in the spare room or a radio so you can do the treadmill. May be put your child down for a nap and hop on the treadmill. Another thing you could do is get a exercise tape but it will be hard to do with your three year old running around. I wish you luck. Do not feel bad about yourself,life is too short for that.

I love that last post, Not everyone is looking at YOu! I need to remember that one, we all tend to think the world is focused on us, but it ain't!

anyhow, I really like the Leslie sanstone DVD's Walk away the pounds. You can do them in your living room while your daughter plays, I borrowed a bunch of work out dvd's and VHS's from the library and these were the ones i liked the most. I bet you could find some kid exercise videos that your daughter would like that you could participate in too.

I love the Flylady website if you've never heard of her she is gives encouragement about All of life, housework, taking care of yourself etc and has a whole slew of friends who give aid in more specific areas, the housefairy for teaching kids to clean up after themselves, one that helps with suggesting clothes for your body type and another that has recipies that are healthy etc etc. Check it out and see what you can pick and choose for yourself The biggest Biggest thing i've learned from Flylady is to do 15 mins at a time, and if you can't do 15 break it down to something you can do. Walk on that stinky blank wall treadmill for 5 mins every day, That's 5 mins more than not doing it at all. if you take music down there with you would that help?

Take the time to take care of you, maybe you have a friend you could go walking with around your house, or a park or the mall, that would make it more fun.

buy a pedometer, when you can see how many steps you take in the normal course of a day you can challenge yourself to add a few more.

anyhow take it easy and have fun

I can relate. I too am 31 and I have a 13 month old daughter. Though I've always struggled with weight, it has been especially difficult since having a baby. I gained 50 lbs while I was pregnant (and I was slightly overweight beforehand). Even now, after losing over 30 lbs, I am still at my heaviest weight ever. I ended up with a C-section and my belly is just huge, flabby, and disgusting. The moms that look like they were never even pregnant when coming home from the hospital after giving birth make me nauseous. Most women are not like that! Though I want to look like I did a few years ago (when I was at my skinniest), I also try to realize that my body is changed now (pregnancy does a lot to our bodies!) and that may not be realistic anymore. But I am still trying to lose the weight so I can feel better about myself.

Many people have already suggested this, but I just want to reiterate. I love Weight Watchers. I have battled with weight my entire life. I lost 20 lbs on WW before I got married (though I did eventually gain it back). I have lost 33 lbs on WW since starting back on when my daughter was a few months old, and I have 7 more lbs to go to get to pre-pregnancy weight (27 to get to my ultimate goal, but right now my first goal is pre-preg weight). Every day is a struggle and I slip up a lot. But the great thing about WW is everyone is so supportive and they do not judge you. Everyone is in it together and that supportive atmosphere really helps me- it reminds me that I am not alone.

As far as exercise goes- I am not an exerciser, so this aspect of weight loss is really tough for me. My favorite thing to do is walk. I do pack my daughter up and bring her to a local park with a path. She loves riding in her stroller and looking at everything. If she's not in a fabulous mood, I bring along snacks and toys to keep her busy. I try to do 2 miles when I walk, but even 1/2 mile is better than nothing! Then, I take my daughter to playground after as a treat for her- she loves the swings and the slide! I do have the Wii Fit and try to do some of those "games" when the weather is bad (especially now with winter coming I will probably dust off the Wii again). There is one step game that you can actually watch TV while you are doing it, so I catch up on all my favorite shows while I do steps. Comcast On Demand also has some work-out videos. Most of them are short and the rotate every few weeks, so you can get some variety.

Can you listen to your I-pod while using the treadmill? Music (especially upbeat music) really helps to keep me going. If you don't want to bring your daughter to the gym, can you go early in the morning or late at night when you husband is home? Or even hire a babysitter for an hour a couple days a week.

Hang in there. It is tough journey, but you can do it.

Hi, M.~
I run a Mom and Baby Fitness program called One Fit Mama, and your story sounds similar to the many Momt that we work with! We are a supportive, friendly exercise environment, and we have Moms with varying fitness levels and children of varying ages. The best part about starting now is that your preschooler can exercise with you, and it will become a lifelong healthy habit for her, too! I love to watch our preschoolers (mine included) name the exercises they want to do next, and then demonstrate them. What better gift can we give our children than the gift of health?

I'm not sure where you are located, but I'd love for you to come out and try one of our classes for free with your daughter and see what you think. There is no reason to feel embarassed about how you look, and there is no reason to have to choose between a gym day care or a preschool and exercise!

Hope to meet you soon!

Warmly,
T.
www.onefitmama.com

We all struggle with weight. The good news is, there are lots of tools to help you right in your home. There are lots of great, free online communities to help you with whatever method you choose. I get up an hour before my kids and do some sort of tape, usually a Pilates or something that doesn't require hopping around so I don't wake anyone. (Pilates is great for those stomach muscles you were talking about!) Take you daughter to a park to walk or something if it isn't good around your neighborhood, or run around WITH her at the playground. I often do stretches or something while at the playground with the kids. Kids love to be outside, no reason to feel guilty about that, or for feeling guilty for doing something to take care of your health. You are only setting a good example for her, and a healthy mommy is a happy mommy.

Weight loss is a long road, with many twists, turns, and bumps along the way, don't let that stop you!

The trick is to find something that you enjoy, so that you will be more likely to stick with it, and use those online supports to help you! Better yet, hook up with another like minded person to work out with -- I've been reading studies that show that people who work out with another person are also more likely to stick with it.

Good luck.

Hi M.,
It's wonderful that you are reaching out for ideas and encouragement! Losing weight when you have a little one is not easy. Since you have a treadmill, but are bored due to its location, you could try listening to an MP3 player or walkman. I discovered audiobooks while nursing my now 2 year old and have since listened to them or music on my MP3 player while working out on our elliptical (same situation, I just stare at a wall while on it-boring!). I found a relatively cheap one called the Sansa Clip (which has a clip so you can attach it to your shirt), which has been wonderful. I think it was $39 at WalMart. It holds a ton of books and music, so I have options depending on my mood. Don't give up! Best of luck to you!

I don't want to sound mean, but I can't understand why your husband won't put the treadmill in the basement for you - if this means so much to you - losing weight, etc. I would think he would want to support you.
Also, maybe go to your dr and check your thyroid levels - a very simple blood test, but contributes alot to weight gain.

I am completely in the same boat right now. I am about 40 lbs away from my prepregnancy weight and just got serious about trying to get it off. It has been 2 years now and I have struggled with depression because of it, which made it harder to lose. Most days it feels like I will never reach my goal. But I tell myself I did it before. I am naturally a smaller woman but tend to gain a lot during pregnancy. I am on bedrest for most of it so that doesn't help.

But anyways, I have a few recommendations for you. 1.) My son loved going to the gym daycare. He was 4 when I went. 2.) Taking her to a park with some trails in a jogging stroller (in nice weather) seems like a reasonable idea. You can visit the park afterwards like someone else suggested. 3.) You can use a portable dvd player resting on a table or shelf on the wall infront of the treadmill. I have an elliptical and and in the process of hooking up a tv and dvd player in my "home gym". 4.) You can purchase the Wii Fit. It is working out but doesn't seem intense. It's a start and fun. 5.) There is another Wii game that came out recently, EA Sports Active. My husband just tried it last night. I have heard great things about the 30 day challenge. It seems more intense then the Wii Fit. But doesn start off slow and increase in intensitiy over the 30 days. Gives you a better workout, almost like a personal trainer.

I hope some of this helps. I know that it is hard to get started. Especially on a workout routine. I would start with a proper diet first, then move onto workouts.
Good Luck!!

I have a treadmill also. The motor just recently burnt up because I used it so much. Before it broke, I was walking a half hour or more a day and it really took the weight off. I didn't have to leave home with the kids. I didn't have the option to place mine near a tv, but my solution to that problem, was to strap a portable DVD player right to the treadmill. My portable DVD player is the type made for use in a car, so the straps are already on it. I would watch my favorite movies so I could "lose myself" in them and time would just fly by.
Kristin

Hi M.!

Stress is the problem! Weight gain goes hand in hand with stress. Your husband having cancer must keep you in an constant high stress level. If I were you I would go to the doctor and ask for some medication to keep you relaxed.
Other then that you just HAVE TO watch what you eat. I am a mother of a 10 months old boy who keeps me occupied 24/7 so there is also not much time to work out but there is one thing I do and that is healthy eating, small amounts and I switched dinners to lunches which means I have a nice big lunch and just teeny tiny dinner like vegetables or a piece of cheese and that is it! I have yogurt with cereal for breakfast- but some healthy like Kashi GOLEAN and only a half cup then I snack on fruit and have lunch around 2pm and than around 5pm a small piece of whole grain brad with cheese or lunch meat and then as I said for the rest of the day I only chew on carrots or celery. You also should try the treadmill for 30 minutes at least 3 times a week. M. I went through this myself and it was hard as I gained 60 pounds during my pregnancy but now I am back and weigh even less then before.
I am crossing my fingers for you as I completely understand how miserable you feel and you do not need that in addition to the problems you have in your family.
God bless you and your husband!
M.

HI M.-
no matter what size you are, just remember to always love yourself. no matter what. and i can tell you that when i had my adrenal fatigue several years ago, all i wanted to do was nothing. then i gained weight adn did not want to be around freinds and felt ashamed. but then i realized, that the very thing i needed i was staying away from. i needed exercise and i needed to be around people. so i went to the gym regularly and started to do those group classes. i also found someone to go run or walk with me in teh mornings so i woudl not be alone out there in teh dark even with blinkie lights on me.
and most of all, i realized that my freinds were only happy if i were happy. they did not care if i were heavier or lighter. they just wanted to see me happy.
so my suggestion is to sit down and ask yourself - what makes you truly happy??
then start doing those things. then you will at least be more active and you won't think about eating as much either. and you may want to sit down wiht your husband and see if there is some way of making it work that he takes care of the baby while you are up and out exercising. and if he won't move the treadmill, then you need to move the TV and VCR to the treadmill!

good luck!
and let me know if you need anything else!
J.