OT- Anyone have a shoulder I could cry on?

[Not so Dumbo]

I'm starting to go out of my mind trying to loose weight again. 2 years ago I lost 60 pounds by excercising and taking a perscription med called Meridia. Last year I put 50 pounds of it back on while I was pregnant. I've been trying to take it back off for the last 4 months just by watching what I eat and it hasn't been working so I stepped it up and started taking the Merida again and started excercising 40 min. a day.

The first week I was on it I lost 8 pounds but since then, nothing is working. In fact, I've gained a couple of pounds. I don't know what to do anymore. I keep going over what I could be doing differently, and I'm doing exactly what I did the last time. I just want to cry. I feel so hopeless.

Thanks everyone for letting me vent.

 

[Luv Bunnies]

Trying to lose weight is one of the most frustrating, all-encompassing things a person can do! You definitely have my compassion. I never really had a weight problem until my 2nd son was born 8 years ago. After I had him, I lost over 60 pounds on Weight Watchers. Over the years, the weight has crept on and off. I gain some, lose some but never really get to where I want to be. I've tried doing the program over and over but always end up feeling deprived or frustrated because I feel like I'm working so hard and nothing is happening.

I've finally tried to take a new approach. I'm watching what I eat but not obessing over every calorie and fat gram. I'm trying to be more active but I'll admit that an exercise program is just not for me. Instead, I try to walk faster when going places, park a little further away at work, when picking up the kids, etc. I'm trying to do things that I can fit into my life and not feel like I'm on a "program." Is it working? I don't really know for sure because I'm also not obessessing over the scale everyday. I'm finally getting through my head that I've gotten nowhere with "dieting" and I need a general lifestyle change that I can live with.

Good luck in whatever you try! I'm on your side!

 

[Our2Girls&Disney]

I feel your pain! I did not have a baby so I don't have an excuse. I started having gall bladder attacks in Dec of 05. I refused to have surgery so I just put myself on a non-fat diet. I would not eat anything with fat because I knew I would suffer the consequences. The good news is I lost about 20 lbs just on the non fat diet without exercise. Eventually even carbs would put gall bladder into spasms so, I scheduled the surgery. After the surgery the doc gave me the stamp of approval to eat what I wanted. Well, since then I have put most of the weight back and now I exercise. I have been taking this kickboxing class for about 6 months, I should be in the best shape of my life, but nope I have the added weight. I think I need to start following that non-fat diet again, it really was not that bad. If I had a craving for something sweet, I would open a container of sorbet, WOW is that good! I would also eat those fat free frozen pretzels if I wanted a snack like chips or something. In sort, I recommend to try cutting almost all fat from your diet because it worked for me with fast results. If you need any advice for meals let me know.

 

[Deesknee]

I feel for you. I am much the same boat. I am in my mid 40's. I was never happy with my weight. Even as a teen I always needed to loose about 10-20lbs. Then as I got older it got more weight to loose. Then when I delivered my triplets at 28yrs I had actually lost some weight. Everyone kept saying how I would get "skinny chasing those 3 around". Well, unfortunately, I believed that and gained. I was probably about 50lbs over weight. Then finally at the age of about 36 I lost about 35lbs. I was thrilled. I felt pretty good about myself all things considered. Then I got pregnant at 40. At this time I quit smoking. I gained so much weight. I am having such a tough time loosing it. I try not to beat myself up too much. I realize I am middle age, have a 3yo and quit smoking, all of which is certainly worth gaining a few pounds over. I just want to feel good in my clothes again. Like I did before. I just don't eat right, and exercise seems to consist of chasing the baby, and cleaning, then off to work. When I get a chance to sit I enjoy being on the disboards, or reading, or watching tv.
Your thread has motivated me to go back to a "diet" I was doing well on before. It consists of drinking a whole glass of water before I do ANYTHING in the a.m. Then another at lunch, one during the afternoon, one with dinner, then one more early evening (very early so I don't get up during the night). I sit for every meal. Try not to snack. and walk 2 miles as often as possible (I try every day, but was making it every other). I also was taking a multi vitamin. That "diet" seemed easy, I felt better, had noticable more energy, and I must have been loosing because my clothes seemed more comfortable. Come to think of it I don't know when or why I stopped. (probably craving pepsi)
Sorry for the long reply. Please know I do sympathize and if it would help you can pm me. Maybe we can do this together.

 

[mrsltg]

Oh boy do I feel for you. Unfortunately I think you're going to be disappointed with what I am going to say. You're post-partum - you're a hormonal train-wreck. It's difficult to loose weight this way. After each of my babies it took me about a year to get into a rhythm again. My body just clung to EVERYTHING. It was so disheartening. The only advice I have is to maybe switch things up a little. Maybe some strength training mixed with cardio? Also, more protein less carbs. Good luck - you will get there it's just difficult!!!!

(ps - this is why I hate the celebrities who look perfect 4 weeks post-partum - I guess it's not too difficult if you've got a chef, a nanny, a personal trainer, and 6 hours per day to exercise.... )

 

[Not so Dumbo]

Thanks for the encouragement guys. I'm going to keep trying. My other choice is to give up and I can't and won't be alright with being this size for the rest of my life, so I'll keep plucking away at it. I just feel like I'm running in place, it takes all the energy that I have and yet I'm not getting anywhere. It's especially hard to see my DH eat icecream, chips and whatever else I can't have and actually loose weight while not excerising.

 

[Mouse House Mama]

Okay- first off here's a hug! You need one. Second off- STOP BEATING YOURSELF UP!!! You have a beautiful healthy child. Your body is amazing as it created this miracle!!! Now I know how frustrating it can be to not be able to lose weight. I have always had weight issues and some major food issues when I was younger because of it. The thing is- as a pp mentioned- it is a lifestyle change. There is no magic pill or potion. Maybe the Meridia worked for you in the past, but your body changes. Also- I noticed that your baby is 5 months old. It took 10 months to gain those 50lbs so don't make yourself crazy trying to lose it all in a day. It will not happen. You lost 8lbs in one week, but I hate to tell you that most of that is water which is why you gained some back. The only way to really lose weight is to watch your portions and exercise. Don't deprive yourself of things, just eat less of it. I know that sounds like obvious advice but it really is the truth. I have tried many ways to lose weight in the past and many were not very healthy at all. Maybe you need a program like Weight Watchers where you learn how to balance your diet and you get support through meetings. It is an easy program to follow and they are very encouraging. I wish you much success but you need to ease up on yourself. Don't focus so much on it, enjoy your baby. The time goes by so quickly.

 

[alloyd1170]

Dont give up hope. Remember, you spent almost 10 months gaining that weight. They say it takes at least a year or more for your body to recover from pregnancy. Age is also a factor (your metabolism slows down the older you get). Try not to weigh yourself more than once a week (a month is even better). The weight gain you see after exercising might be water retention or even the rebuilding of your muscle mass (muscle weighs more than fat). The true test there is to see how you clothes fit. The scale may say youre heavier, but do your clothes fit better and do you look toner? Also, do you feel more energetic since exercising (if thats possible with a 5 mos old)? Im still trying to loose weight from my last pregnancy and its been almost a year and a half. Im lucky if I get to the gym at all!

Just keep up the exercising, watching what you eat (but do allow yourself a treat now and then), and maybe look into Weight Watchers or TOPS program where you can find some additional support. Congrats on your baby, and best of luck!

alison

 

[DisNae]

The only way to really lose weight is to watch your portions and exercise.

Yes, yes, yes, and I say again, YES! This is so very true. This is a subject near and dear to my heart--I am a fitness fanatic who never had a weight problem until I had babies. I successfully lost the weight after #1, and am still losing after having #2 9 months ago--only 5 lbs left to go!!

Anyway, my point is that it's true--there is no quick fix or easy way, but then you knew that already, of course! It's HARD work losing weight. If it weren't, there wouldn't be so many overweight people in the world. You're doing great. One thing I noticed after both my babies, is that no matter what I did, it seemed the weight just would not come off in earnest until I was at least 6 months post partum. Something about that timeframe made a big difference in the amount of effort I had to put forth in order to see results. I don't know if it's hormones or just being exhausted, but once I made it past the 6 month mark, the weight seemed to come off much quicker and easier than before that.

I used Weight Watchers (still using as I'm still losing from second baby) both times. It works great for me. I used the online program the first time around, no meetings--not my cuppa tea. Now I know the program and don't even have to use the online features, I just track my points myself. Anyway I find it to be a very convenient way of eating--no calorie counting, and nothing's really off limits, although you quickly learn to eat high fiber, low fat foods because you can eat MORE of them than any other type of food.

Anyway--hang in there. Post partum is an especially tough time to lose weight, I believe, because you're dealing with hormones and exhaustion and just being a mommy to a young baby! That makes everything more difficult. Keep plugging away, and you'll get there. And remember that losing weight slowly really is more effective for long-term weight loss. You want it to be fat that you lose, not just water, and definitely not muscle!

Oh yeah--and EXERCISE!! It's so important. Not just cardio, either. Weight lifting will build lean muscle mass, and muscles burn more calories at rest than fat and other body tissue. You don't have to look like a bodybuilder to get the benefits from it. As far as cardio, even if it's only 20 minutes, 3 times a week, DO IT. It'll make such a difference in your energy levels, and it helps SO much when trying to lose weight. I think trying to lose weight through diet alone is really, really difficult. Add in a little exercise and it increases your results dramatically. Plus it just makes me feel so much better, personally.

Good luck, and hang in there. Try not to be too hard on yourself--it's tough enough being a new mom as it is.

 

[jennifer293]

The greatest diet is the Diabetic Diet, but it sucks to be diabetic. I found out last December that I had Type 2 (had gestational and it never went away)..Since then I have lost close to 30 lbs just by taking the medicine, and by of course watching my carbs and eating NO SUGAR!!! (I have tried and it makes my head feel like it is going to explode) I did eat some cheesecake at WDW and I paid for it dearly , but OMG it was GOOD!!!! Anyway there are several menus on the net, and books you can buy that have a regimen you can follow and it is pretty easy if you are willing to give up the high carbs and sugar!! This is not the route I would have gone if I were dieting, but I had no choice!!

 

[Not so Dumbo]

Yes, yes, yes, and I say again, YES! This is so very true. This is a subject near and dear to my heart--I am a fitness fanatic who never had a weight problem until I had babies. I successfully lost the weight after #1, and am still losing after having #2 9 months ago--only 5 lbs left to go!!

Anyway, my point is that it's true--there is no quick fix or easy way, but then you knew that already, of course! It's HARD work losing weight. If it weren't, there wouldn't be so many overweight people in the world. You're doing great. One thing I noticed after both my babies, is that no matter what I did, it seemed the weight just would not come off in earnest until I was at least 6 months post partum. Something about that timeframe made a big difference in the amount of effort I had to put forth in order to see results. I don't know if it's hormones or just being exhausted, but once I made it past the 6 month mark, the weight seemed to come off much quicker and easier than before that.

I used Weight Watchers (still using as I'm still losing from second baby) both times. It works great for me. I used the online program the first time around, no meetings--not my cuppa tea. Now I know the program and don't even have to use the online features, I just track my points myself. Anyway I find it to be a very convenient way of eating--no calorie counting, and nothing's really off limits, although you quickly learn to eat high fiber, low fat foods because you can eat MORE of them than any other type of food.

Anyway--hang in there. Post partum is an especially tough time to lose weight, I believe, because you're dealing with hormones and exhaustion and just being a mommy to a young baby! That makes everything more difficult. Keep plugging away, and you'll get there. And remember that losing weight slowly really is more effective for long-term weight loss. You want it to be fat that you lose, not just water, and definitely not muscle!

Oh yeah--and EXERCISE!! It's so important. Not just cardio, either. Weight lifting will build lean muscle mass, and muscles burn more calories at rest than fat and other body tissue. You don't have to look like a bodybuilder to get the benefits from it. As far as cardio, even if it's only 20 minutes, 3 times a week, DO IT. It'll make such a difference in your energy levels, and it helps SO much when trying to lose weight. I think trying to lose weight through diet alone is really, really difficult. Add in a little exercise and it increases your results dramatically. Plus it just makes me feel so much better, personally.

Good luck, and hang in there. Try not to be too hard on yourself--it's tough enough being a new mom as it is.

I'm glad to hear that there is a 6month mark. Maybe there's hope I've been doing 40 min. of cardio everyday. I do need to add some weight training again. I have been doing sit ups, and eating small portions ( trying to eat as if I had the bariatric surgery, w/o having it done) also cutting back on carbs. Also, I have been stretching daily and drinking plenty of water.

 

[Not so Dumbo]

DeesKnee- I tried to PM you but got a message that your box is full.

 

[Steve's Girl]

After my babies (3 in 4 yrs.), I had success with the South Beach Diet. Nothing else worked, but that combined with exercise did. Like Jennifer293, if I eat too much sugar, I literally get sick now. I have always craved carbs, but found that after some time, I no longer did. But, were the few first weeks rough!

 

[pigget74]

DS is 1 and when he turned 11mths I started Weight Watchers--yes I am paying someone to weight me, but I had to have the accountability. I understand your pain It will get better.

 

[marcyinPA]

Big hugs!! I started doing WW when my youngest DS was 2. I lost 22 lbs, but never made it to goal. That was 5 years ago. Since then, I've been yo-yo-ing back and forth, but I have not gained back more than I originally lost. I am always within 5 lbs of where I ended up 5 years ago. What finally worked well for me was doing Leslie Sansone's Walk Away the Pounds. It's a great program, and combines light weights with cardio. I haven't done the program in about 2 months since school started, and I am starting to pudge out again. It's just so hard to find the time!

One thing about Weight Watchers is that you NEVER forget how to eat. The points are engrained in my memory all the time. It's also easy to pick back up after you've not done it for a while.

Good luck, and don't beat yourself up. Tomorrow is another day....just keep trying!

 

[mikkiwikki]

One thing that really helped me lose the baby pounds was breast feeding.
That of course... really helped take the pounds off!!!

Next was to throw out the scale, and just only eat when you are hungry. Sounds weird, but if you focus too much on food you overeat. It really was that simple for me. I just picked up some hobbies..ie scapbooking whatever, and honestly didnt excercise other than walks with the baby. I only would eat when my tummy was growling...and then exactly what I wanted to eat...if that was pizza at 10am...that was fine...giving yourself permission to eat what you want when you want is very empowering...Further totally worked..I lost all my weight, and that was 2 years ago...and I kept the weight off...I dont weigh myself at all anymore....As long as I feel comfortable in my 'right size jeans - ( and that size is different for every woman)' I'm happy. Dont measure your worth by your weight...YOu are so much more than a number...Your a mommy now!

 

[ptjohns]

Congratulations! I would say keep doing what you're doing and it will catch up to you. You're doing all the right things, just don't overdo it and do give yourself a break once in a while, you deserve it! Take care and Best Wishes!