Ground hog day is over. I have finally lost a pound! I know, I know, big whoop, but when you do not lose one single pound in over three months after gaining over 60 pounds during pregnancy, trust me, this is great news! I was not one of those women who lost a lot of weight after giving birth. I only lost 15 pounds and this includes the 10 pounds combined birth weights of my little boys. The first 2 1/2 months the weight literally fell off of me. All I had to do was breathe and woo hoo I lost a little more.
Then the weight loss stopped — came to a screeching halt, would be a more accurate description. Since I was cleared to work out by my doctor I started doing some light exercises and stretching. I have never dieted before, mainly because I never needed to. I was always a healthy eater, plenty of veggies, fruits, water and a disdain for processed foods and beverages. I enjoyed working out and have been involved in some sort of sport or dance since I was 6 years old. This was new territory for me.
Four months after giving birth, I looked like I was 5 months pregnant (with a single baby, not with twins at least- still I looked pregnant). I did not experience post partum depression but I absolutely hated my new body. I would cry when I looked in the mirror, which I avoided like the plague. The lack of change in my body was especially frustrating because I was working out 5 days a week with exercise programs on t.v. and online exercise plans. I started a portion control eating plan. Since I was breastfeeding (still am) I could not diet using appetite suppressants and such. I was diligent in all of my efforts for 2 months which is no small feat with two little ones. Every week sometimes sever times a week I would step on the scale and it was the same. Then I gave up for a week and ate what I wanted to in whatever quantities I felt like, and guess what – nothing happened. My weight was stuck hard at 162 pounds.
After two weeks of eating recklessly I did manage to see a change on the scale, obviously, in the wrong direction. I gained two pounds which I lost right away when I resumed my portion control diet.
Message boards on the Bump listed tons of women who claim that after they lost weight, they a) were either back in their pre-pregnancy clothes within 2 weeks, b) had nurses and doctors alike exclaim how they had never seen someone snap back to their pre-pregnancy body while STILL IN THE HOSPITAL AFTER DELIVERY (For real, I kid you not) or c) had definitely lost all but 5 pounds of the baby weight within 4 months after birthing their little ones.
Four months after I gave birth all I had was consolation from my mom and my hubby. Mommy said, “It takes 9 months to have a baby and it will take 9 months to get back.” Hubby said, “Listen to your mother,” and, “You look beautiful.” See why I love them so much! At this point the weight did not bother me so much as the shape of my body did. I hate, hate, HATE having a belly!!!!
Five months after giving birth I became convinced that I had some rare condition that caused my uterus to swell unnaturally. I can laugh now, but I was dead serious then. Hubby even cosigned me getting a tummy tuck if I wanted one. To make matters even worse, I had to select a travel wardrobe for a trip that we are taking later this summer. Everything that I ordered or tried on looked terrible or was not available in the larger size that I need.
Two weeks ago I got my first iPhone. I also got the My Fitness Pal App (My Fitness Pal is free and has a website also) and downloaded Jillian Michael’s 30 day Shred to my phone. My goal is to lose 1/2 pound a week. I can’t do anything too drastic because I am still breastfeeding. I take the boys on a 45 -60 minute walk at a brisk pace 2 – 3 times a week and I do at least 2 of Jillian Michael’s work outs a week. I have finally lost weight. My scale registered at 160.8 and I am so pleased! Even more than the weight loss is the fact that I am losing inches in my waist!!!
My boys will be 6 months old next weekend. I can’t wait to see how much I weigh then! I have to return a dress that I got in the mail because it is too big!!! One pound is just a start but it means that I am on my way! A little hunger, a lot of sweat and tons of patience are steps in the right direction toward being the Hot Mom On The Block.
I hope that this helps new moms struggling to lose weight. You are not alone. There is hope. You just have to find what works for you — this includes getting a wardrobe that will fit you right now. I will post pics of my new self once I get to my goal weight!
(Wanna Be) Hot Mom On The Block 