Bittersweetie Posted January 7, 2013 Share Posted January 7, 2013 I am in the process of trying to lose my pregnancy weight. I only gained about 35 pounds, but I am petite, so it shows. I was active during my pregnancy (I even trained for and did the two-day Avon Walk at six months) but the last two months my baby's growth started to slow so I was advised by the doctors to rest as much as possible and eat more. I consulted a nutritionist to make sure I wasn't just eating empty calories. At my 6-week post partum appointment my doc told me I could exercise. I started walking again and doing my routine with weights. While I haven't gained anything since then, I haven't lost anything either (baby is four months). I was doing the same routine as before I was pregnant, and wonder if maybe that was more of a "maintenance" routine rather than a "lose" routine. As for food, I'm watching what I eat and my calories (I'm not nursing). Also, I'm 40. I realize my body may be different now but I don't think it's unreasonable to return to my pre-baby weight...right??? Any thoughts or encouragement would be helpful. Thanks! Link to post Share on other sites
monicaelise Posted January 7, 2013 Share Posted January 7, 2013 If you're not breast feeding, you're going to have to step things up a bit for a little while. Your body has been laying down fat stores in preparation for the nutritional demands of a baby. If they don't get used nursing, you will have to increase your energy expenditure to get yourself back to where you want to be. Since you're already in shape enough to walk and lift weights, you might want to consider adding brief, slightly more intense bouts of cardio to your routine. For instance, you could try 10 minutes of intervals on the elliptical or step mill. Also, since you're not breast feeding, you do have the option of dieting a little more stringently than if you'd chosen to nurse. You can definitely get back to within a few pounds of, if not down to, your pre-baby weight if you'd like to. Additionally, keep in mind your hormones, and by extension water levels, are a mess. You will likely be retaining fluid at least until your menstrual cycle firmly reestablishes itself. Link to post Share on other sites
FitChick Posted January 8, 2013 Share Posted January 8, 2013 Get some Tracey Mallett DVDs. She seems to gear a lot of her workouts to pregnancy and post pregnancy and uses "real" women in those workouts. Sexy in 6 is a good DVD series and book. You can probably find it used and at a discount on amazon.com. Google her forum as well. Link to post Share on other sites
Author Bittersweetie Posted January 8, 2013 Author Share Posted January 8, 2013 Thank you Monica for your thoughts. I used to do some interval work (jog, walk, run, walk, etc) and was going to start that up again for some more cardio. And it didn't occur to me about the water weight! I was wondering why my rings still don't fit. And thanks FitChick for the DVD suggestion...it looks like my library has the Sexy in 6 DVD! I will check it out. Link to post Share on other sites
amaysngrace Posted January 8, 2013 Share Posted January 8, 2013 Give yourself time. It took ten months to get that way and it will take the better part of ten months to go back. If all else fails wait about eight more months until your baby starts walking. Once they do you'll get thin just by chasing them around. Just be sure not to finish whatever they haven't eaten. Throw out the rest of their food rather than cleaning their plate. Those calories add up. 2 Link to post Share on other sites
Author Bittersweetie Posted January 8, 2013 Author Share Posted January 8, 2013 Thanks, amaysngrace. My hope was to get back to my pp weight by this summer...like you said, I figured 9 months to put it on, 9 months to take it off. And if I'm not walking enough then...I will be chasing the little one around! Link to post Share on other sites
rys Posted January 9, 2013 Share Posted January 9, 2013 i was heavier before i had a baby. the weight loss was unintentional - lack of sleep, hungry little boy , and i was carrying him all the time. Link to post Share on other sites
Lauriebell82 Posted January 13, 2013 Share Posted January 13, 2013 I went through the same thing. I think it has to do with metabolism changes. I didnt really see a difference until my son was like 6 months. I would suggest doing something more then walking, perhaps jogging? I think you need to do more intense workouts. Link to post Share on other sites
Author Bittersweetie Posted October 23, 2013 Author Share Posted October 23, 2013 I just wanted to thank everyone again for their advice. Today I officially hit my pre-pregnancy weight! I ended up spending the winter months doing Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred and incline walking, then once the weather turned warmer baby and I walked outside every day, a lot. It took a while to get those last five pounds though! I feel really positive about the loss because even though the fact it took 14 months was frustrating, I feel that was a healthy way to do it and it will stay off. Now I need to work more on toning, so that's my goal for the next year. Thanks again! 4 Link to post Share on other sites
mea_M Posted October 27, 2013 Share Posted October 27, 2013 Hi. I've been where you are so I get ya. What did it for me after my third was born, was daily power walking. Omg. I can't believe how walking 4-5 miles a day helped me drop 20 pounds, it worked wonders. Now keep in mind, that was coupled with drinking a ton of water and watching my carb intake. Whatever way you choose, know it does take some time. But with a little effort, its a very realistic accomplishment. My best to you. Mea:) Link to post Share on other sites
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