Need Help Losing Baby Weight!!!

I have 3 small boys and with the first two the weight came off easily but with the 3rd one, he is 14 months old and in the last year I have gained 10lbs. Originally I did lose but not down to my pre-pregnancy weight. It takes time, it's a realization that I have made. I used to be a member of Weight Watchers and found them very helpful. What I am using today is a website called www.sparkpeople.com (my username is wyndesnow). The website is free to use and it has a nutrition tracker, exercise tracker, teams to join, chat boards for support. They also do a meal plan and exercise plan based on the information that you provide to them. Good luck!

Hi A.,

I have had great success with theWeight Watchers program. It teaches sensible food choices, portion control, but, best of all, no food is really "forbidden", you just make allowances elsewhere. And you lose from week 1!! I go to the wheaton meetings, and have a great leader. Have lost just over 13lbs already.
After the birth of my first son (now 2) I trained for the chicago marathon with the national AIDS marathon program....did wonders for my butt and thighs. As I am now a mother of 2, can't quitesee myself doing it thisyear....but had a great time doing it.
Whatever you do, good luck, and have fun with it!!!

L.

Hi A.,

I agree with one of the other women, that initially, you need lots of cardio to burn the fat. Then, move into strength training to build lean muscle mass which will help burn calories at a higher rate. If you are having trouble finding time to get that 'cardio' in, I suggest to all my clients to get a pedometer. Day 1, just record the normal amount of steps you take. Day 2 and beyond, keep challenging yourself to take more steps. you can get your steps in a number of ways and don't need to necessarily go to the gym to do this. The bottom line is you want to get at least 10,000 steps in a day. Anyhow, once you start doing this it can be fun...you can keep challenging yourself each day and it feels good to reach your goal. Also, it keeps your mind off the number on the scale and helps you focus on a different number instead. Anyhow, I'm personal trainer and have a bunch of tips if you want some more free advice email me at ____@____.com. I also can help with nutrition and diet advice that has worked for others in the past!

First, congrads on working towards your RN -- it's a highly rewarding job. I work with many RN's and admire their dedication.

Also, mother nature changes your body after delivery. The body tends to retain fat more stubbornly. Because in the olden, caveman days, if food ran out, the mother can still survive for her children because of the retained fat. Unfortunately, it's no longer the case in this day and age, but our bodies still have that 'programmed' in there to do that after delivery.

I also gained after I had my little girl. I found it impossible to go to the health club, being that I work full time and sooo tired when I get home. And, with the weather being so dreary 9 months out of the year, it's hard to get outside and take a walk, or hop in a car and drive to the health club.

So, we changed our basement den to a work-out room. We got a used elliptical, some dumbbells for weight training, and a bench to do the weight training on. And a TV to keep us entertained as we sweated it out. Now, I can go downstairs and excercise after she goes to bed.

If you are limited for space, then u can get Tae-Bo videos. They are fun and really tone u fast, esp your butt and thighs. I had used them when we were in an apartment, and saw results in 2 weeks already. Their "boot camp" version is really good. If you use excercise bands along with it, it even makes it tougher.

So basically, like the others said, you need to burn, burn burn. U can eat salad all day, but if you are not burning the calories, you won't lose anything. And, if you eat very little, your body will go in 'starvation mode' where it will retain ALL the calories you eat, and u'll gain weight. Eat sensibly, like with Weight Watchers. So start doing any cardio exercise, at leat 30 minutes 3-5 days a week. Eventually, try to do cardio up to 45 minutes. U need to rev up your metabolism. Good luck.

Hi A.- I am a mom of 4 and my son is 5 monthes today. I have lost all but 3 pounds ( I was 140 before him)I am still within 5 pounds of the weight I was before I had any of the kids. I make time to work out whether before the kids get up at 6 or put the baby in the bouncy seat and run on the treadmill. You have to make your health and time for yourself a priority even if it is only 30 minutes! Runnin/walking and ab work!
Good Luck
B.

A.,
I used slimfast after I gave birth - it was simple and since you dont have time to eat or make breakfast or lunch it worked great.
If you like to cook or if you like to have cookies or brownies - there is a new fat replacement called Z Trim - website is ztrim.com it is great - it is all natural - made from oats and corn - made by the USDA - I have been using it for about 3 weeks - I have lost two pound without doing anything different.

A.,
My daughter will be 3 months next week and I totally know how you feel. Take a look at www.VFL.COM. When you start with them, there's a 90 day challenge. You pay $108 and everyday that you log your meals, you get $1 back [90 days = 90.00 back to you]. After that, the monthly fee is $6.00. My husband and I share the same account and I started using VFL last month. I've already lost 7lbs.

M.

Most doctors say it takes up to a year to three years to get down to your pregnancy weight, depending on how much you gained. With my daughter I gained 40 pounds over all and lost 30 within two months, but my body still looked like I weighed 30 pounds more. It took my body to get to normal two years, I know seems like a long time to wait. Try to walk a lot, that will help, do lots of squats for your butt and thighs to get them into a slimmer shape, and watch the amount of salt you consume, because that can make you look and feel a lot heavier than you really are. Good luck.

Hello A.,
I have a 5 month old, so I understand your issue. I am using a great weight loss plan by Shaklee called CINCH. It helps you shed fat while keeping lean muscle!

I have found that it costs less than weight watchers and jenny craig and a lot of the big commercial weight loss programs.

Let me know if you are interested in hearing more!!
You can check out a website to learn more if you'd like:
www.cinchplan.com/maximumwellnes
B.

Do you want to lose it savely and naturally?
This program helps you keep the muscle you have, burn the fat you don't need, and lose the inches you don't want.
This web site gives you the clinical studies, personal testimonies and a Dr's explanation on why it works so darn well

I lost 14 lbs, 15 inches 4% body fat, 2 pant sizes in a little over 3 months. ( very safe) Went on vacation last week and lost another pound. I now have more muscle to burn more fat.
I feel it is very reasonable in cost too!

A Year ago..........
I did a program with a personal trainer.... in 5 months I lost 3 lbs and 1.5% body fat. This program was easiest thing I have ever done. Didn't know I would ever be able to lose the weight I wanted to. My husband says I have my high school butt again!!

check it out: www.comejoinustoday.com

Listen, it took you nine months to put the weight on, don't get too down on yourself for not loosing it all in four months. You should be proud of yourself and celebrating your accomplishments. Forty pounds in four months is nothing to sneeze at, and being a first time mom to a four month old is a draining, difficult task. It sounds like your doing great! Don't let your family fill your head with negative thoughts, everyone is different, genes only play part of the role in our lives. And even if you don't lose all the weight you gained with your pregnancy (some of us never do, your body definately changes after having a baby) look what your body has done. You created another little person who is more than likely your whole world right now. I say good for you and to hell with size 7 jeans!

best of luck,
jessi

Dear A.,
The same thing happened to me. I was 130 lbs. but was 210 two weeks before my twins were born (they gave up on me and stopped weighing me!). I joined weight watchers and although it took commitment, I lost it all. Actually I weigh about 125 lbs. now. I had to join again after the birth of my third child and it worked again. It was hard the second time because with three little kids my only real pleasure was food. Hang in there. Don't let anyone tell you it can't be done. They are wrong.

L.

At the end of my pregnancy, I had gained 27 pounds and weighed 152, but believe me, I'm in the same position! The only thing is, I love my booty! And it seems men are becoming more aware of a girl who has something to sit on! I've always had somewhat a round butt, but since having my daughter it's ROUND! And, yes, my thighs are a little larger. And then there's the excess skin and stretch marks on my tummy that won't go away. That's what bothers me. Do I fit in my size 5/7s? No, and I would LOVE to! But only if it means I get to keep the junk in the trunk! I say, embrace the junk! Too bad I can't embrace my stretch marks and loose skin! And if you don't have that, then I'd gladly trade you! But, if you're bent on losing the booty and thighs, then any kind of aeorbic exercise would help (step aerobics--The Firm, walking, running, dancing, etc). Good luck! Now, if someone can tell me how to get rid of my skin (not fat) and stretch marks without laying down the money for some plastic surgery...

Hi,
You aren't doomed to be fat after having a baby. You may not have the body you had before a baby and have to work at getting back to normal but not fat. If you are nursing, I seemed to keep 10extra pounds until I stopped nursing. I only nursed my third child 6wks and he is four months old and I am back to my prepregnant weight. The way I have done it is cutting bad carbs out and lowering my calorie intake. I have also been working out alot. I won't say my body looks like it did before but I look alright for just having my third baby in 31/2 years. Good luck!

I feel you! I gained 70-75 lbs (so 25 over what I should have with twins) and I have lost 50 of it but pretty much only 8 since the initial month or two. My twins are 8 months old next week and I haven't dropped anymore weight although I am really to blame. I don't eat very well at all and the only exercise I get is taking care of them. I am hoping once I stop nursing I can go on Weight Watchers (only formal program that ever seemed to work for me), finally use my treadmill and maybe at least get CLOSE to fitting into my Ann Taylor Loft size 8 pants! Oh, to dream. Stroller Strides might be an option for you. But I do feel that my hips/legs/butt and even my stomach will just never been the same... and I have been told that more than once. Good luck!!!! :)

Hey there,
Baby weight only stays with you if you let it. You don't stay fat forever. I too was 200lbs when I had my baby. He is now 14mos. and I have lost all the weight plus some! BUT, it did take time. It did not just fall off and it definately took more than 4 months to lose it. Just think, it took 9 months to put it on, so it is going to take at least that to get it off. I walked/ran in the summer, but it is alot harder to work out for me in the winter. Keep a positive attitude.

Find something that works for you. I do weight watchers and I love it. It has helped me feel better about myself and my weight loss.

Good luck, it takes time, but it will come off if you work at it.

Hi A.,
It's SO frustrating to lose that baby weight. It can be stubborn. I lost 26 lbs and 13 inches in 6 weeks while nursing - and got down to prepregnancy weight without affecting milk supply, eating small frequent meals, plenty of good protein and fruits, veggies, etc. I was on a program and it helped SO much! I am also a Tupler Technique instructor also to help women close their split stomach muscles after being pregnant (they don't go back on their own) for the park district in H-F. AFter #2 my stomach was still jello - but the techniques helped my belly go from a 32" waist to a 25" waist by month five. Not SUPER quick by some standards - but I was able to close my diastises (the split) and get nice muscle tone and tighter skin after JELL-O tummy. There is also a book on the technique "How to Lose your Mummy Tummy." Best of Luck!!!

Hi A.,

Congradlations on your new baby Paige. I live in between Hickory Hills and Chicago, are u anywhere near? If so, I can use an exercise partner 2 days per week....

Lauren

Hi A. Z,
i found that running did the trick for me after i had my second child. make sure to pace yourself by beginning with walking first about 1 mile 3 days a week for about 2 weeks. using a track like maybe at a nearby school, gym, or park was good for me. that way once you feel that you're comfortable enough move up to walking a couple of laps then run/jog a couple until you work your way up to strickly running. after about 1 1/2 months you'll see a difference, just remember not to overdo it and drink water and hold back on the sweets and chips. in the spring, summer, and fall months you and little Paige can enjoy the track together. i hope running works for you too.
T.

Hi when I had my 1st 2 1/2yrs ago it took me almost 7mo to loose almost all the baby weight I had gaind 57lb I ____@____.com that's with out exercising. I was always told that ur 1st preg is the easiestweight to loose. So hang in there...I had my 2nd almost 16mo ago n I'm still tring 2 loose this weight. I'm goining the oakpark ymca (they have a gym) looking for a gymbuddy I'd you live near...I'm a 24yr sahm of 2 very active n wonderful boys.

A.,

Before I was pregnant, I used Weight Watchers to successfully lose 20 pounds before my wedding. I love WW. And because it's not a diet, but a philosophy and a reassessment of your eating lifestyle, I applied the same approach after my pregnancy and lost the 50 pounds (!!!) of baby weight I had gained before the first year was over. It's a commitment that takes self-discipline, but it sounds like you really want to lose the weight. I highly recommend going to a meeting to try it out, or at least looking online if you don't have a lot of time.

Also, I credit a lot of my weight loss to the long (2-3 mile) walks I took almost every day with my son during the spring and summer. Now that the weather is starting to warm up, bundle up your daughter and go outside each day. My son was four months this time last year, and he'd just sleep and let me walk until he got hungry, so take advantage of those nap times and get moving! Plus, it really makes a difference each day to feel like you've gotten outside and had some fresh air.

Good luck to you!

Hi-
I know where you're coming from. I have a 3 yr old & a 1 yr old. I gained 60 lbs with both kids. The best thing for me was to give it some time, starting walking & I used Weight Watchers. I went to one meeting then signed up online. Was very helpful in helping counting what I ate. I was surprised at how well it worked. I lost 20 lbs using the program. I recomm checking it out.
Congrats on the baby. Don't be so h*** o* yourself. Four months isn't very long. It took me much longer to get back to my normal weight.
Take Care-

You don't mention whether you're breastfeeding or not, but breastfeeding burns about 500 calories per day. I think it's the best weight loss method, if you're lucky enough to be successful at it. I gained 40lbs. while pregnant and lost it all w/in 7 months by simply breastfeeding. Also, the only way to get your tummy back to its pre-pregnancy shape is to strengthen the muscle. I've been doing crunches most days of the week since the new year, and I have really noticed a difference. I read that if you don't strenghten your ab muscles by working them, they will never tighten back up. Good luck!

I know it's frustrating, but just keep in mind that it took you 9 months to put that weight on - it will probably take you 9 months to take it off again too. You are NOT doomed to be fat - probably most of that weight will drop off all by itself. Are you breastfeeding? If you are, this will speed things along GREATLY (it's about 500 calories/day flowing straight out your boobs). I am back to my original weight (my son turns 9 months on Monday) but I foudn that my weightloss went in fits and starts. I dropped a lot right around 4-5 months (my pants were suddenly loose) and then my weight held steady for another 4 months, and just recently I dropped the last 10 lbs (again, my pants were suddenly loose). Unfortunately, I still don't get as much exercise as I used to. I do eat a healthy diet, though, and I think that helps a lot.

Hang in there - your body wants to go back to it's "set point" but you may need to give it a little nudge in the right direction with some exercise and healthy eating.

ps - even when you get back to 130, chances are you'll be shaped differently. Unfortunately, there's nothing to be done about this.

Hi A.,

I feel for you, I too have some baby weight to lose. Pre-pregnancy I was 120 lbs, a slim and fit yoga teacher. I gained 40-45 lbs during my pregnancy. My son is just about 6 months old and I still have a stubborn 15-20 lbs that is tough to get rid of.

Nursing helped some of the weight come off, and I have been doing pilates to tone my tummy and back and hot yoga to really sweat, I go to a studio called Niyama in Wilmette. You sweat buckets at the hot yoga classes and it's mostly standing poses so, your butt and thighs get a really good work out, it's fun and beginners can do it.

Also just getting out your stroller and walking a mile or two is great exercise and getting out of the house is key. Hang in there, 4 months isn't that long, you'll get there, no one is doomed to be fat unless you don't try. You can do it. You've lost 42 pounds in 4 months and that is really great. Take care of yourself.

Congratulations on your new baby. You can do it. I found a great website www.sparkpeople.com It is TOTALLY FREE. They have all of the features the paid sites have like personalized meal plans, a fitness planner, message boards, etc... I was so happy when I found it. I have about 40-50lbs to loose after having my baby 10mths ago. You should check it out.

It took you 10 mo to gain the weight, so give yourself a break! You already lost quite a bit! Once summer is here and you're out and about it will come off!

Relax!
K.

A. don't feel discouraged about not losing the baby weight. I was in your shoes as all mommy's are. Some lose the weight fast and others can't seem to lose any. I weighed 120 when I was first pregnant with my first son Michael and when I gave birth I weighed 155. I had no idea how I was going to lose the weight. But if took me a good 6 plus months of eating right especially if you are breastfeeding they say you lose weight faster. Exercising, even if it's just taking a walk with your baby in the mall going around the mall a few times or when it gets nice out go to the park. I usually play with my little guy Dominic my second son I had 11 months ago I put him on my legs lay on my back on the couch and make if fun for him or use my arms and play with him. I know your little one is still small, but anything helps. I know I'm probably not helping, but just take one day at a time and before you know it you will lose the weight. I know this great website I've been using for a while it's www.sparkspeople.com. Go on this website and join it's free there are a lot of good things on here to use. There are a lot of good exercises to do and if you want to lose like 20lbs it tells you how many calories to eat and what to do. If you can't do cardio or weights right now it's okay you don't have to. You do what you can, and follow there recommendations and you should lose the weight. I've been doing this for a while and have lost weight too. Well I hope I've been some help. If you ever want to talk or need a friend to listen just send me and email at ____@____.com. I'm new to Chicago moved here in Sept and don't really have any friends. I'm also going to school online at home for Medical Coding. Do you know anything about this? Hope to hear from you soon. Later!
liz

As a personal trainer who has been through this personally and has worked with many post-pregnant women, I can guarantee you that is possible to lose the weight and get back to your prepregnancy weight. I can not guarantee that you will be able to fit back into a size 7 because sometimes after pregnancy, your body does change and never goes back to completely to what it was before. But I have worked with women who have had twins and actually got into better shape after having the babies. The one thing that you do have on your side is your age. The younger you are, it is definitely easier to get back into shape. Remember it took 9 months to gain the weight, give yourself at least 9 months to lose it. The most important thing is to start an exercise program, start eating healthy and stick to it. Be patient with yoursef, but if you are consistent, you will be successful. Don't listen to your family, even though genetics does play a part it does not control everything. You control what you put into your mouth and you control how much you move. Good luck! If you have any questions about fitness or nutition, feel free to email me. Don't think about it anymore, get started today!!! Good luck! K.

You are so not doomed!!!! Diet and exercise!! I have lost 57 pounds since middle of August. I have about 20 more to go.
Stay within a certain calorie range (and I recomend having a food journal...keeps ya honest) and work out as much as you can. Try to include weights in your work out too. Lifting weight helps you burn more fat.

Good luck, and if you want anymore advice or help you can email me at ____@____.com

Have you ever tried Weight Watchers Flex Plan? You can do it online which I think makes it easier to keep track of your points. I am doing it now and I've lost 12 pounds so far. I am not trying to lose baby weight, just some weight gain I put on after going on anti-depressants, but so far I am happy with WW. It's even better if you have someone else doing the plan with you. Good luck! You'll lose it eventually.

Cardio...cardio...cardio. You need to watch your food intake. Be sure to eat plenty of fruits, veggies, and whole grain as well as protein. After that nothing beats good old fashioned exercise. Good Luck!

First of all .. it takes nine months to gain the weight so you should expect to spend at least that long on losing it.. don't expect it all just to melt off in a day... A question though.. are you breastfeeding? If you are breastfeeding then dieting is not recommended.. but remember.. you only need about 200 to 300 more calories than normal to sustain your milk supply...I personally am not a very active person so after i had my youngest son i started eating about 1300-1500 calories a day .. and my milk supply was fine....and I lost my weight rather quickly .. my son is now a little over a year old.. i was 165 when i had him and i am now 126 .. so i was able to get all of the weight off and then some because when i got pregnant i was 135... like i said just don't expect it to all melt off in a day.. take your time.. and don't listen to people who tell you that you are doomed to be big for the rest of your life just because you have kids...
good luck and god bless
P.

I had a friend that joined weight watchers and it was very successful for her. Good luck.

Some people it just takes longer. I was the same way because my family is overweight. I only gained 35 pounds, but it did take me more than four months. I did weight watchers and that helped quite a bit. But my body will still never be the same. You just have to give it sometime. When the summer comes, you will be more active outside with your girl and that will help also. Good Luck

A.,

I had my first at 21 and it took me about two years to get back down to my target weight. I had my second two years ago and I have finally started to lose the weight. I tried the hoodia and the slimquick and it didn't work for me. I have been on a low calorie diet for the last two months and have lost about 20 pounds. I eat what I want, just in moderation. If you are nursing this might not work for you. However, I just wanted to share my success story. Good luck and let me know how it goes. Congrats on your new baby girl!

K.