Serious weight loss (me, not child!)

[spk926]

I gained 80 pounds while pregnant (insert embarrassing face here) and lost 40 within a week of giving birth. The other 40 have been HARD to lose. Its taken 2 years of off and on diet and exercise but I'm almost there. I've tried just watching what I eat, I've tried My Fitness Pal, I've tried running and so on. The one thing that works for me is Weight Watchers. When I follow the program I consistently lose week after week. If I want I can work out but even without working out I lose. DH is following the program right now too and is seeing great results.

Good luck, it's a hard spot to be in and sucks.

[sarahsas]

I'm going to have to once I have my baby this week. I'd be interested in a support group!

[teatimefor2]

I gained 70lbs with DS1 and lost it in 9 months. The first 30 came off and I fought for the rest.

I am a vegetarian and eat well. No fast food, really processed foods, no juice, soda. I hate counting calories, so I just make sure whatever I eat adds value. I only drink water, coffee and tea.

I move. I did Jillian's 30 Day Shred via YouTube and walked a lot. A lot of walking.

I gained 45 lbs with baby number 2, who is five months.I have about 10 lbs to go. Same strategy. I do think BF is also kind to me, so that helps.

[Deleted]

DH lost 100 lb last year. He used My Fitness Pal to track food for the first few months, which helped him revamp his eating habits and portions. It also encourages exercise by letting you eat more if you do.

His moment was just hating how he looked in photos. There was no particular "rock bottom". I said I was going to lose my 10 New Year's pounds, and he joined me on a whim and kept going. So far so good!

I will ditto that weight loss is mostly about eating. Exercise is good for your health, but it's not how you lose weight.

[jln]

I have about 50 lbs. to lose. I've tried Weight Watchers and liked it. But before I got pregnant this time I was doing the 21 Day Fix and loved it. It basically teaches you how to eat the foods you need in the correct portions, and comes with a bunch of different workout videos. I liked all the videos and followed the food plan and did pretty well. I plan to pick it up once I'm cleared to workout after DS2 is born.

[pacificrules]

Mar 28, 2015 22:29:15 GMT -5 @bunnybean said:

Who has done it? Who has done it post kid?

I have a lot of weight to lose. I have so much weight to lose that I truly believe I won't ever lose the amount I actually need to lose. I'm not especially sad about that, but if I could lose 50 lbs, I think my life would be so much better (obviously not just in terms of looking better, but in terms of health, feeling well, etc).

So who has experience with this? Who has experience starting out from a position where you have 75+ lbs to lose?

I feel like I just had an "Oh my god, I need to get better," moment, and I'm looking for some inspiration. I've lost 30-50 lbs before, but not since I had C. Working out seems very difficult at this juncture, but I know people do it. Share your wisdom with me.

I started with 60ish pounds to lose and knocked off 45 (then I got pregnant unexpectedly with DD2). I used Advocare products/meal plan and LOVED it. I did the 24 day challenge and changed my eating but did zero working out and lost 12 pounds in those first 24 days. That was good motivation to keep going and continue the same habits for the long haul. 

The most important for me was that I learned how to eat for nutrition instead of for hunger/emotions/etc. I got over a bunch of my cravings and learned what it felt like to have consistent blood sugar instead of peaks and valleys all day long. Feeling in control of my eating felt REALLY empowering and fantastic! That was the main win for me. I continued the same eating plan (felt super sustainable to me) and lost an additional 30+ pounds; I added in a workout plan after two-ish months. I went from a size 16 to a size 8/10.

I definitely don't think Advocare is the only way to do it. (Anything that's healthy, sustainable, and motivating is the way to go.) But, I do think you can't out-exercise bad eating and that feeling in control of your food choices is HUGE.

[sent]

@bunnybean I want to give you a hug just for starting this post.  I have been thinking about this so much and been wondering where I can get some mental and moral support to start something like this.

I was about 25 lbs overweight when I started my last weight loss attempt, except I wasn't losing anything with my usual diet and exercise methods because turned out I had a surprise BFP.  After DD, I lost hardly anything post-partum or BFing.  I was somewhat upset about this.  I also had a very stressful first year with her.  I had actually made some progress back in the later summer and fall last year eating better and going to stroller class with DD, but then SHTF again soon after with the in-laws, life sucked again, and everything crept back on and now it's really bad.

Now with my DD the same age as yours, I have nearly 50 to lose.  I know what I am supposed to eat, I've done this many times before.  I just have zero willpower to eat correctly.  Between commuting and getting busy at work and taking care of DD and her MOTNs (I had to leave in the middle of typing this to go tend to her), I am exhausted and food comforts me.  It's bad.  Now with the spring coming, I'd like to get out and walk more.  I am also hoping the better weather will make me feel better overall.  

I made an appointment with my OB and was going to ask about diet pills for a moral boost.     Like if any legit ones exist, not MLM diet plans.  I can hear her lecturing me right now.  

[nextbigthing]

Another big vote for Weight Watchers (and the 30 day shred). You eat real food, it's something you can do long term. If you follow the program correctly it definitely works. I actually just resigned up this week to get my baby weight off.

I also believe that diet plays a bigger part than exercise. You should definitely exercise because it's good for you, but it takes a ton of exercise to overcome a crappy diet. I lost 40lbs a few years ago and did it working out 3-4 days a week for 45-60 minutes but being strict with the way I ate. Since then I've gained and lost the she 15-20lbs a few times and now have a good chunk to lose again post baby.

Make sure you eat enough. I'm not a believer in the 1200 calorie a day starve yourself to lose weight fast diet, in my opinion it's not sustainable and not good for your metabolism long term. You have to find something reasonable that you'll stick with so you don't lose weight then gain it back. I have also used Sparkpeople and liked it (and it's free) and I know people like My Fitness Pal. Key of course with any of these is actually using tgem.

I can totally relate to how hard it is, I have struggled with my weight for as long as I can remember. You can do it, good luck!!

[dulcemariamar]

? For those who recommend weight watchers, did you just do the online program or did you go to meetings? How long did you sign up for?

[mcfelix]

I lost about 40 lbs 5 years ago. I had wanted to for awhile, but it was two main things that finally got me off my ass: (1) I hoped DH and I would be getting engaged and I wanted to be happy with my appearance in wedding photos. (2) I had very stressful job and I needed to prioritize myself.

I started using the Lose It app to track everything I ate. A friend found a personal training studio, so I started going there 4 nights a week after work. I had a 7 pm appt, so it was my reason to leave work by 6:15. I didn't care if I was in meeting - I told my boss I had an appt and would leave. It really helped put work crap into perspective. Also, for me, exercise motivated me to eat better because I didn't want to "waste" my workouts. And getting stronger, being able to run without stopping, etc were hugely motivating for me.

It takes a while and you have to be patient. Which sucks. I only weighed myself once a week bc the scale can play mind games with you.

I have maintained the weight (including gaining and losing about 35 lbs from my 1st pregnancy). I've told DH after this pregnancy, once I've gotten the hang of a newborn, I'm going to get serious again because I'd like to drop another 10 lbs from where I was pre-pregnancy. I now know that if I commit myself to it, I can do it.

You can do it!!

[sjh722]

I am another one who had a lot of success with WW. I had to do meetings because I am terrible at personal accountability in weight loss.

For long-term success, I think it helped that I ate normal/"real" food (even if it was a little less) and a lot of vegetables and fruits vs. light versions of everything/WW snacks/Fiber One snacks/Lean Cuisine/ etc. I majorly got my portions under control. A food scale is also invaluable if you have trouble with portion control. It's a lot faster than using measuring cups, and I was either over or underestimating almost everything.

[humpforfree]

I can't remember her #s to tag, but Lauren lost a ton of weight (100+lbs?) a couple of years ago. She rocked it and had some awesome tips.

[rugbywife]

Once the baby comes I will have about 70lbs to lose...more if my weight tops 230lbs by the end of the pregnancy. My goal is to get back to 160lbs, which isn't even the 150lbs I really want to be but more realistic given my age and lifestyle. At 160lbs I will be able to wear a size 8/M, I am good with that. More importantly I would like to end up at between 22-25% body fat.

I have lost weight before, the most being 50lbs, so this will be harder because it is more and I am in my 30s, not 20s this time.

I know that for me it is mostly about what I eat (80%) and the rest is exercise. I don't even have to do anything specific for exercise, just be more active.

That being said, it is way easier for me to focus on the exercise part of the equation than the eating. So usually I end up getting stronger but not losing the fat I want as quickly as I want. I tend to be an emotional eater so if I am dealing with crisis/stress I sabotage myself.

My greatest gains (or rather, losses) have traditionally been when I have aimed at being strict with my diet but providing myself with opportunities to still be human...ie, have a social life or something small for dessert. I have to be fairly strict with myself but no so strict that I feel entirely deprived.

Come June this will be my focus again. It may be a hard year because last time I didn't lose much at all while nursing, my body seems to like to hang on to fat and I can't eat in enough of a deficit when nursing to lose and maintain my milk. So my realistic goal is that it may take me 18 months to lose the 70lbs, which is essentially a pound a week.

Sorry so long!!

[nextbigthing]

Mar 29, 2015 2:35:11 GMT -5 dulcemariamar said:

? For those who recommend weight watchers, did you just do the online program or did you go to meetings? How long did you sign up for?

I'm a big fan of the meetings but I totally agree with swizz that you have to find one where you click with the leader.

The online program is great, but the meeting is the accountability I need to keep it up.

If you want an online only program, try sparkpeople or my fitness pal, those are both free and work similarly to weight watchers online

[cricketwife]

I need to get on this train also. I have tried the 30 day shred (pre pg) and it is hard! I'm simply not fit enough to do it 

I'm hoping to walk more this spring.  My mother lost 60 lb through walking daily and doing weight watchers.  

Thanks for for this post.

[rugbywife]

Oh, I should add...I use a straight calories in/calories out model for weight loss, with a focus on trying to keep my macros in a specific range. I needs lots of protein, some fat and carbs on days I work out but less on days I don't. I follow a calorie cycling system designed by an online trainer named Leigh Peele (you can google her) where I eat in a fairly large deficit on rest days, less so on workout days, and one day a week I eat at almost maintenance - this being the day I am most likely to eat out. I keep track of all my calories and macros using a spreadsheet (although now I would use an app) and I actually measure out what I eat.

But my biggest focus is actually in clean eating. When I lose weight I essentially avoid as much processed food as possible. This is going to be VERY hard this time around since now I will have two kids, so way less time.

[jeaniebueller]

Is there a WL checkin on this board? I need to buckle down and lose baby weight.

[Deleted]

I've lost 30-35 lb twice. I have to lose 15 to even get to the weight I was the last time I did it in 2011.
Time #1: I was 20 and lost 30lb over the summer. I did weight watchers. I worked evenings and weekends so I got up ~8:30-9:00 every morning and walked 5 miles at a local park that had a 1 mile loop. By noon, I was home, showered and ran errands, planned meals, prepped cooking for my parents and went to work 4-10/11.
Time #2: 2011, so I was 27. DH and I did paleo. We lost about 60-65 lb between us, split almost evenly. I had so much more energy. I barely worked out, maybe 1-2x on my stationary bike for 30-45 minutes each week. We had 3 cheat meals/week and planned them together. As time went on we got less strict and gained a chunk back.

When I got pregnant I was already at my highest weight, the same weight I was when we started Paleo. About 10-15 lb of that was from fertility treatments. Those drugs messed me up.

Now, my mom and I are taking about doing WW again. She is here Monday and Friday and we talk a good number of the other days so I think we can keep each other accountable. I don't work T/Th, so I can throw DD in her stroller and walk the ~2 mile loop in our neighborhood during the day now that the weather is getting nicer. Last week I did this one day at a huge mall bc the weather was crappy.

I need to lose close to 100 lb to have a healthy BMI but I'd be at a happy place if I lost ~80 which would probably put me at a solid size 12 (maybe 10? I don't know lower size vanity sizing).

[dulcemariamar]

Mar 29, 2015 6:52:22 GMT -5 nextbigthing said:

Mar 29, 2015 2:35:11 GMT -5 dulcemariamar said:

? For those who recommend weight watchers, did you just do the online program or did you go to meetings? How long did you sign up for?

I'm a big fan of the meetings but I totally agree with swizz that you have to find one where you click with the leader.

The online program is great, but the meeting is the accountability I need to keep it up.

If you want an online only program, try sparkpeople or my fitness pal, those are both free and work similarly to weight watchers online

swizz thanks for the advice. I am not in the States so meetings are not an option for me. I will check out the other free online tools.

[andthentherewere10]

I think changes in diet will cause a greater calorie deficit than working out ever will. Burning 300 calories on the treadmill is hard and takes time. Not having 2 cokes (or 6 cookies, 1 muffin / whatever) is way easier. Focus on diet and forget exercise for now, IMO

[Velar Fricative]

Just here for support. I never lost the baby weight with DD and am currently pregnant but my priority as soon as I get the OK after baby comes out (so, 6-ish weeks pp?) is to start WW. It worked well for me pre-baby. I was too afraid to do anything for a while after DD was born because of breastfeeding but now I'm all fuck it, if it messes with my supply I will use formula too. I'm that frustrated with my weight struggles.

Also, running helps me maintain weight loss but I'm a big believer that diet is paramount. I definitely agree that one should reshape their diet first and foremost and then consider exercise of any sort.

Good luck!

[ssmjlm]

I've been doing MFP since the new year and am down about 8lbs. It's definitely more about diet at my age than exercise. I have it set to 1/2 lb a week.

I know I can do great at work with breakfast and lunch, so I tend to save my calories for dinner with DH and E.

I've also cut out any soda and the after dinner snacking is only on my cheat day, Saturday unless I have calories left over, but it's more fun to see I'm not hungry and have 200 calories left.

[mmmomof2]

I don't know if this counts as significant, but to me it is. Let me preface to say that I'm petite (under 5'4") with a small frame. The day I gave birth to DD1 I was almost 195 pounds. I started the pregnancy around 135 and gained quite a bit. At 135 I thought I was "normal" because of bmi, but really when you consider my frame I was about 15-20 pounds overweight.

Anyway, I came home from the hospital hoping to have lost 20 pounds or so - ha! I was maybe 192! I spent the next year very slowly losing weight by being more active and eating more veggies/salads. I breastfed so didn't want to be too radical.  Did WW, but hated tracking. At a year out I was 135. I got more serious about my diet - we started eating paleo on a regular basis and I worked out more. Eventually before I got pregnant with DD2 I was around 120. I gained a little less with her, but still at least 50 pounds. I lost it all over a year and once I weaned her completely I became 115. I'm consistent with my paleo diet (with alcohol and occasional treats) and I work out (running or pilates/yoga at least 3 times a week) and I've been able to maintain this weight for over a year.

My advise is to slowly change your habits. If you try to change too much you'll rebel and fail. I look at the way I used to eat and it's so different and unappealing. If I try "normal" food it tastes way too sweet and salty to me. I much prefer my homemade meals.

[longtimenopost]

Another vote for weight watchers. I have to do the meetings to lose weight consistently.

[anna7602]

Mar 28, 2015 23:26:53 GMT -5 @tokenhoser said:

!

I will ditto that weight loss is mostly about eating. Exercise is good for your health, but it's not how you lose weight.

I think it really depends on your body. My metabolism is always more sluggish when I'm not exercising and really picks up when I do certain kinds of exercise, like running, but isn't impacted by exercise like yoga.

[Deleted]

Mar 29, 2015 8:39:23 GMT -5 anna7602 said:

Mar 28, 2015 23:26:53 GMT -5 @tokenhoser said:

!

I will ditto that weight loss is mostly about eating. Exercise is good for your health, but it's not how you lose weight.

I think it really depends on your body. My metabolism is always more sluggish when I'm not exercising and really picks up when I do certain kinds of exercise, like running, but isn't impacted by exercise like yoga.

Well, yes, it is possible to lose weight when you burn calories.

But it's impossible to out-exercise a bad diet. There are just SO MANY CALORIES in things that you really can't increase your exercise to a point that will compensate entirely, especially if you're 100+ lb overweight. MFP really opened both our eyes to how easily a "little treat" at the end of the day could push us 400 calories over where we needed to be to lose weight. 

[cobber06]

I gained 65 pounds when I was pregnant. By my postpartum checkup, I was down 45 pounds without much effort.

The final 20 pounds have been a struggle. I did diet bet in January and that was a good kickstart to lose 5 pounds. I have 10-15 pounds left to go and it is going to be a struggle. MFP helps keep me accountable- with my frame and weight loss goals I am only allotted 1200-1400 calories, so there isn't much room for error.

I've been a bit lazy the past month or so, but in April I am going to start trying hard again.

[sent]

Mar 29, 2015 8:03:38 GMT -5 Velar Fricative said:

I was too afraid to do anything for a while after DD was born because of breastfeeding but now I'm all fuck it, if it messes with my supply I will use formula too. I'm that frustrated with my weight struggles.

Yes, this is what I went through with DD too and I feel exactly the same way when I have another.  

And my body is like anna7602.  Unless I add in some movement, diet alone doesn't do it.  I used to wear a pedometer religiously and make sure it hit 15K a day if I was in weight loss mode.  Nowadays when I wear it, I'm lucky if it tops 3K on a regular day.  

I feel inspired having read this thread.  I have not ate anything bad this morning yet.  I am going to think of all of you if I do try to eat something bad.  

[indylady]

Does anyone want to be my MFP friend? I can PM you my name. I need accountability!

[justjen]

@bunnybean, I suspect I have even more weight to lose than you do, so I get the feeling. I was always heavy growing up and had lost 135 pounds in my early 20s through weight watchers. By the time I got married, I had probably gained 15-20 of those pounds back, but I was still pretty fit. I was still vigilant about my diet and exercising regularly.

The year I got pregnant, I ran (slowly) a half marathon in September, climbed mt Washington in October, and got pregnant in November.

Well, I gained a ton of weight with DD, didn't lose it while nursing, and gained more with DS. I've been pregnant or nursing or both since 2011, and my body no longer has concepts of how to eat otherwise.

I thought about trying the Simply Filling on ww, but haven't taken the plunge. I do have supply issues and am still nursing, so I don't want to go too crazy... I don't know. I feel like I need a life coach to tell me what to do