Losing Weight??? - Wolcott,CT

It took 9 months to put the weight on. It typically takes about the same amount of time to get it off... and even then things have 'moved around'.

You have been exercising a lot so that means you're toning up. The scale doesn't matter. Muscle weighs more than fat, so you will put on pounds but you'll lose inches. Don't stop what you're doing--you're starting to see results but just don't realize it yet.

My guess would be that your body went into 'starvation mode'. You're probably not consuming enough calories to keep up with your out-put of energy. I think you did too much too fast.

I would continue to eat healthily, but cut back a bit on your work-out. Maybe do 30 min of running instead of 60. Once your body realizes you are NOT starving, you'll probably lose those last few pounds.

You've hit a plateau, which is completely normal. Most trainers would suggest that you change your fitness routine. If you have been doing 45 minutes of aerobics and an hour of running try pilates and eliptical. You have to do something the "jump start" your body. This level of activity has become your new "norm"... time to switch it up!

You may also want to consider reducing your calories. If you are trying to lose more weight, no need to compensate completely for the physical activity. As you clearly know... it's a simple equation... "less in than out" with respect to calories and weight loss!

Please give yourself time, though and be realistic. If you can't maintain this fitness regiment you will regain your weight. It took you nearly a year to gain the weight- it's going to take you a while to lose it. 2 pounds per week is the optimum for weight loss and maintenance.

I never ever lost the final 10 lbs until I was done breastfeeding. Happened with each of my four kids. Hang in there and know you are doing all the right things! Also know that lack of sleep hinders weight loss. All will get back on track once your little one is a wee bit older!

For what it's worth, I follow a trainer online who does a great series of exercise DVDs and she's struggling to lose weight after her third child. She's doing all the right things, too.

At only 8 weeks pp, keep in mind that your hormones are a mess. In my non-doctor option, that would be the culprit in my mind. This is so early pp to only have 8 lbs. to go, so be thrilled you're that far along in the weight loss!

Even on the most successful weight loss plans, there will be ups and downs. Just keep doing what you are because you are right on track.

our bodies need sleep to lose weight. I know you have a little one so sleeping more might not be an option but I bet it would help!

muscle weighs more than fat.

however, you are NOT getting enough sleep - 3 to 4 hours is bad, bad, bad for your body and weight...your body will go into flight or fight mode and start storing fat because it is working double time to keep you "up"...get hubby to take one of the middle of the night feedings so you can get at least six straight hours!! :)

Other than that - pick your battles on house cleaning - if you can afford to hire someone to do it - then do it - your home doesn't need to be spotless.

And if you can't afford to hire someone and you can't afford new clothes - go to the local Goodwill store and shop there...you would be surprised at what people donate!!

YOU GO GIRL!!! Hope you get to your goal!!

You didn't mention if you were breastfeeding or not, but if you are, be careful about rapid weight loss as it can affect you milk production. Lack of sleep and stress increases cortisol levels and makes it harder to lose weight. Also, lack of sleep increases the likelihood that you will choose higher carb, lower protein foods that will make it even harder to lose weight. Please be patient and keep eating healthy and exercising. The remaining 8 lbs will come of slower than the first 20-25 because those pounds were the ones directly related to pregnancy. Nurse Midwife Mom of 3

That is a lot of weight to loose in only 8 weeks. Working out too much and losing weight too quickly can harm your breastmilk and release built up toxins. Unless you are under 5'2 you are already thin. Take it easy and enjoy your family!

Unless it is a vegetable snack, balance EVERYTHING with a protein, and just don't eat your starchy carbs after 8 (have a sweet potato versus a white potato, for example). That's it. (Obviously, don't overindulge in dessert!)
You really eliminate NOTHING! And just by asking yourself, "Where's the protein?" you inventory what you're eating. I am so enthusiastic about it bc it worked for me. I gained a few pounds when my 2nd was about the same age as your baby. I implemented this, and fat melted away. Nothing is simpler. I am lazy ;) Good luck!

I suspect you're not eating enough calories. Breast feeding burns about 500 calories a day, plus you are exercising and chasing after 2 older kids. If you are 138, a rule of thumb is that your body needs 1380 calories a day just to function, plus more for whatever activity you do. So 1880 just to survive and BF, plus extra for exercise, walking, etc. I am tiny and short, and was eating about 2400 calories a day (only about 100 lbs, so I need far fewer calories than most), BFing and not exercising. I ate mostly healthy food and some treats, but I didn't restrict anything -- I felt like my body needed what it needed to make sure I kept making enough milk and kept up my energy. I was back in pre-preg clothes by about 3 months post partum and lost the last couple pounds to be at pre-preg weight by about 5-6 months.

I have a friend who had this issue ... once she started eating more, she started losing weight. The reason is that, if you don't give your body enough calories, it will go into starvation mode and start clinging to every calorie it can.

Remember, it took you 9 months to gain that weight, it typically naturally takes your body about the same amount of time to lose it. Sometimes the body naturally conserves a little bit of extra fat while BFing (especially in the first 9 mos or so, when breastmilk is designed to be the baby's only/main food source) to help you continue to feed your baby in the event of famine (not something we deal with here, but an evolutionary benefit). You're 8 weeks post partum and have lost 27 lbs in less than 2 months! Cut yourself a little slack! You're doing great!

Hi and congrats on the new baby. Lack of sleep can prevent you from losing weight. I forgot the exact scientific reason (it may have something to do with the lack of sleep affecting cortisol levels which will effect body fat). My opinion is keep eating well (it is important to eat more and super healthy to keep up your milk supply) and somehow get more sleep if possible. Is there anyway you can nap while your kids nap? Good luck!

As people have mentioned, muscle weighs more so if you are exercising that can account for the difference. Additionally, lack of sleep will make it harder to lose weight so if you can try to get more sleep that may help. But you are only 8 wks postpartum, it is amazing that you have lost that much weight already! Give yourself a break and realize that if you are exercising and breastfeeding you will need more calories per day (as others have mentioned). I had my fourth 10 months ago and also had a hard time with the last ten lbs. I was also anxious because I wanted to fit into all my clothes but it was more important to me to be able to keep up my supply of breastmilk and sleep so I just realized that I would make do. I wore my clothing from early pregnancy (I am very thin so as soon as I start gaining with pregnancy I need new clothing so they gave me more room but they were not huge). By the time my son was 6 months old (may be earlier I didnt keep track) I was back to my regular weight. I am still breastfeeding and I actually lost more weight (which I am not trying to do). Really, try to relax and be proud of yourself that you lost so much weight already. You have 3 kids and life is busy! I put all my kids (5, 5, 2, and 10 months) into bed between 6 30 and 7 and everyone is usually sleeping by 7 30. I make it a game for the kids to clean up before they go to sleep so that I don't have to do it once they are sleeping and if your oldest is in school you can have her help prepare her bag before she goes to sleep as well. If your baby sleeps during the day try to take a nap as well, my 2 yr old stopped napping when she was 1.5 so I made it rest time for her. She would go into her crib for rest time and the baby was sleeping in my room so she wouldnt wake him. Anyway good luck and congrats on the new baby!

The body is like a bank account. The more calories you put into it the bigger it gets. If you want to loose weight more reduce your calorie intake. Its not fun, but it works.

Good luck to you and yours.

I think it is the sleep. Once you can get more your body should be able to let go of the extra weight. Keep on eating! Good luck

this might seem like a miracle right now, but get more sleep! stress and too little sleep will cause you to gain weight! And if you need a couple pieces of clothes intill then try goodwill or platos closet, we even discovered that our local recycling center, recycles clothes, by taking donations (like goodwill) and washing and hanging them on racks for anyone who needs them free of charge (they also have other house hold items, toys, appliances just like goodwill) they have a pretty big selection too.

jon the club no impossible to loss last 8 but body will never be the same pre babies keep trying

Just keep doing what you're doing. I know it's frustrating but it took longer after my third was born as well. You'll get there, or you may end up a few pounds heavier after all. I consider getting within ten pounds of pre pregnancy weight a huge success, but that's just me :)

I am remembering that I did not get back to my pre-pregnancy weight until I was no longer breastfeeding exclusively, and even then it took a while. I think that that is what Mother Nature wants.

I'm not advocating stopping breastfeeding! It's better for both you and baby to breastfeed as long as your baby wants to.

Don't worry about the weight. It will probably take care of itself when the time is right.

As we age and after we have kids it is normal for our bodies set point for weight to increase. Try embracing your body as it is and focus on your health rather than the number on the scale.

I gained 35 lbs my last pregnancy too. I drank Arizona Green Tea for 3 weeks straight..no other beverages but water. Lost the weight.

Unfortunately, I want to warn you that once you stop breastfeeding you will gain weight whether you want to or not, so I suggest trying to lose as much as you can before you stop breastfeeding and also to breastfeed as long as you possibly can. Not only is it good for losing weight but it protects you against diseases, your baby against diseases, prevents your baby from gaining too much weight (not only now but years from now) and will increase your baby's IQ. All that said, don't get carried away looking at numbers. I gained a lot of muscle and weigh more on the scale but have lost fat. Speaking of muscle, I lift weights at the gym and this helps a lot. There is a delay so it may take several months but the more muscle you build, the more fat you will eventually lose. Don't worry about large muscles bulking you and making you look heavier. It's not true. The larger muscles will help you in the long run.