cant loose weight

Shayna - posted on 03/31/2010

I struggled to lose it also! It took me close to three years. I gained close to 25 extra pounds after my son was born, nothing seemed to work. I've bought a treadmill and started using it every day, along with eating healthy. I dropped 15 pounds in no time, but it was such a long process after that I slowly gave up. I of course gained some of it back, and was so mad at myself.



I had a friend who recommended a DVD that's called "Jillian Michaels 30 day shred" It cost $15.99 from a book store (Indigo or Chapters). You can also buy it online & I'm sure other places

.

OMG I'm telling you BUY IT! It is AMAZING if you stick with it of course! It takes 20 minutes out of your day (great for moms!), and it has 3 different levels you work your way up to. I'm over 30 days now & I still use it. I've lost all the weight along with toning my body nicely. You will be in alot of pain the first couple of days, but you'll get used to it. You'll also need to buy little hand weights. For $30 all together though, and great results it sure beats hours and costly gym memberships, expensive exercise equipment or weight loss programs!



You of course need to eat right also. Drink 8 cups of water a day, fruits, veggies, the right proportion sizes and don't eat at night.

Marjani - posted on 03/31/2010

i have four children. i lost my weight, sometimes right away and sometimes after the baby finished nursing. my hubby liked me with a little more meat on my bones when i am pregnant. and while i am nursing. people will know why you have extra weight when they see the baby in your arms and your hubby by your side. wear your mommy badge with confidence and pride. it has only been 6 months. that is no time at all. enjoy your bigger boobs, butt and hips. wear dresses that are nursing friendly. which is going to cut down your choices by half. and then to find something that is cute, another half. you may not loose weight until he stops nursing. then you can diet. until then, do not diet. he eats what you eat. even though he is eating baby food and drinking juice. you want your milk to be rich and plentiful. people understand more than you think. be the thoughtful mom and think of baby. not what you think people might say.

Melissa - posted on 03/31/2010

Ok girl -my opinion is that those other moms are just good at hiding it! 6 months is kind of early. Try dressing in a flowy dress! No one will even know and give yourself a break. Its ok to have baby fat -even though I hate mine. People are more forgiving than you think. My friend had a baby 2 weeks ago and was appologizing for her baby weight. I couldn't beleive it! How sad what pressure we put on ourselves. The Mayo clinic diet is one I like but it is not easy. Please don't cut tons of cals or skip meals b/c that can make nursing a problem. My advice - Look for something that hids the main stuff, wear cute shoes and accessories and no one but you will notice.

Tatiana - posted on 03/31/2010

Hi Nikki i am having the same problem some moms loosig it so fast i was so stuck even i know what to do as i am a fitness trainer it getting beter now as my baby is 15 month but i still cant fit my prepregnancy jeans all i can say be positive cous if you stress or depress it harder to lose weght try not to eat late, green tea to cleanse and do full body stretch and abdominal work every second day at least or every day if you can feel free to ask me more best wishes

Suzanne - posted on 03/30/2010

I have completely changed my intake of food. I started using products from a company called Arbonne. They are completely vegan and stand behind their products. I drink 2 protein shakes a day, 1 has the fiber that I add to it and I take their Going, Going, Gone tablet with each meal. I also gave up all caffeine but they have fizzy tabs that you can add to water to help with energy and metabolism, they come in several flavors. I drink 1 detox tea a day as well in the morning to replace my "coffee fix" it is peppermint tea and is so good. I have lost 17.5 lbs in 10 weeks with little exercise. I just started working out last week. I have also dropped 6 pant sizes and 2 shirt sizes. I hope this is helpful to you. I decided that I was so approving of this company and its products that I began to sell for them. You can look them up online @ www.arbonne.com and I hope you can find something that will help you.

Myra - posted on 03/30/2010

For me, eating vegetarian (no butter or cheese on the veggies!), yoga, and walking has done wonders. It was a change I made before having kids, and something I've stuck with for about 7 years now. I am not thin; never have been. However, I have lost weight and kept it off, and I've continued losing some even after having two kids. I don't use any pills or anything like that; it is a lifestyle change. I walk about 1 mile 3X a week (to the store and back), do yoga for about 15 minutes the days I don't walk, and eat lots of fresh and frozen fruits and veggies that are fat free, sugar free (aside from any natural sugars), whole grains in bread, pasta, cereals, and snacks like granola. When I snack, it's things like graham crackers and peanut butter, nuts, or granola. I don't have enough dairy in my diet, but that's due to lactose sensitivities, not to lose weight. You can add a plain yogurt and some fresh or frozen fruit and granola to it and you have a snack that is both filling and really good for you.

Also remember there are good fats you need like Omega 3s. They are found in oily fish which seems fattening by looking at the nutrition label, but isn't the kind of fat that makes you gain weight...tuna and salmon are great, as are nuts.

As a general rule, I try to have 4 foods on my plate, and all a different color, and just about as big as I want; portions aren't something I worry over since fat isn't a concern since I don't add the butter or cheese. Different colors tend to signify what the biggest nutrient is. Like orange signifies beta carotene. Dark blue, black, purple colors have TONS of great antioxidants that get the bad stuff out and help your body prevent aging (blueberries are excellent for antioxidants). And so on, and so on with the colors.

Spice it up, too. I can do the vegetarian, bland food thing with no problem because I like the taste of the food on it's own. If you prefer more spiced food, try using some herbs and seasonings...they have minimal calories (basically 0) and no fat.

Hope that helps. Losing baby weight can be really hard for some women. Just remember, that it did take 9 months to put the weight on, and it will take some time to come off.

Carmen - posted on 03/30/2010

I have a problem with my weightas well after my kids and i found out it was LOW thyroid they dont check for it u have to askto be check its common in women after having kids look uphypothroidism for systoms weight is a big one. Now with treatment for this a balanced diet and running i finally see the weight going off

Rachel - posted on 03/30/2010

My daughter is a little over a year and I still have not been able to loose mine :-( I'm still about 30lbs more than I was before kids. It's so hard to see other Moms bounce back so quick! I was working out to Jillians 30 day shred no more than 2 weeks after I had her because I was set on losing it as fast as possible.... sometimes it just doesn't work that way. As dissapointing as it is to hear... you just have to be patient and remember that everybody is different. I hate when people tell me that, but it's true. I have not been able to be positive about my weight for a while now.... but I do believe women should feel beautiful after pregnancy. There needs to be a change in the way we see ourselves.... all the stretch mark cures and people saying they are ugly, I believe all the bull, but streatch makrs, baby weight... all of it is proof that you are a woman that just went through the most amazing process. You are real. What really needs to change is not normal womens weight, but society and the way they advertise women :-(

Lani - posted on 03/30/2010

I know Nikki asked the question, but all of the ladies have been helpful to me also. I'm just having trouble with the motivation. My baby girl is 14 months and I am still 40lbs over pre pregnancy weight. Thank you Nikki for asking.

Tina - posted on 03/30/2010

I gained about 60-70 with all three of mine because I either had gestational diabetes or toxemia or preclampsia.After my daughter in 99 I was approx 206, started out at 134 before any kids.All three were c-sections so that didnt help the abdominal muscles.I really got fed up being so big. I didnt do a fad diet or anything. I took control and made myself determined to loose the weight. Before each meal I would drink a full glass of water to fill my stomach so I couldnt eat as much food. I still ate all of my favs such as potatoes pasta you name it, I had tried numerous other diets but would always give into cravings.Within the first week of no soda and the water I had lost 11 lbs.I did very minimal exercise. I would go walk around our city park 1 time which would equal 1 mile about 2 times a week for the first 2 months. I ate from a saucer instead of a dinner plate and would leave food on it.Nothing after 6 pm but a handful of cashews or popcorn or pretzels.It took me 4 months to loose 80 lbs and I have had it off 5 years. I went from a size 16 to a size 6.Every now and then I can tell I may have put 4 or 5 lbs back on so I kinda watch having too much fast food or soda and I take it right back off.I wish you luck and sucess with your diet. Keep yourself in control and focus on ur goal.

Trisha - posted on 03/30/2010

Same here girl... My son is six months and i am nursing as well. I gained 30lbs and have yet to drop any of it... my advice honestly is get use to it lol... Im serious though. If you haven't dropped it yet im assuming you just don't have the time or rite resources to make it happen and if that is the case.. well then thats not likely to change until your son in a little older and you have more freedom.

Nicole - posted on 03/29/2010

I got one word. P90X..Google it ..it works...I promise

Katie - posted on 03/29/2010

Some good tips from other mum's.
Here's what worked for me.
Portion sizes!
Low fat foods, but watch the sugar content too!
Exercise 4-5 days a week - 30-60 min walk depending on time available.
Housework contributes to your activitly levels too!!
Drink lots of water! If you think you're hungry, have water first to see if you were actually thirsty!
Do little exercises in the add breaks if watching TV. squats or lunges get the heart going great, or arms is more moderate activity. Every bit of activity tells your body to burn more energy. And then your metabolic rate is raised, and you continue to burn more energy when you're not being active.
Good luck!!
And if you do want to eat something on the naughty food list - just have a tiny bit!!!

Cristal - posted on 03/29/2010

I know what you mean and i finally lost my baby weight after 2 years and 1/2 and i did it with drinking alot of water and having everything i eat hot i would never eat anything cold an my mother-in-law bought me some diet pills that made me very thirsty and insted of hungy at nght it just made my mouth feel very dry well i hope that helped a little take care and good luck

Stacie - posted on 03/29/2010

Hey ive always struggled with my weight i have three boys my youngest is 2. I think i figured out how to lose weight watch your calorie intake, walk or some form of exercise an hour a day. I take a dance/exercise class called zumba its awesome!!

Carly - posted on 03/29/2010

I have always been small but curvy! Since having my son the weight is so hard, I don't know why it is so stubborn because I usually can get weight off as quick as I can put it on but this weight wont budge! I have started going out for long walks everyday with my baby in his pushchair which is good because we are both getting good ammounts of fresh air! I've also tried eating smaller, regular meals throughout the day. I haven't lost alot of weight but I'm definetly alot trimmer! All the best!

Sarah - posted on 03/29/2010

just was wondering what your weight lost system was?

Karalyn - posted on 03/29/2010

Palates are a great thing! Its a great workout that tones every part of the body, and it doesnt make you exhausted afterwards. Which is great when your a mother. Plus eating healthy is a given. But try going for a walk everyday with your little one. Pushing a stroller around is more of a workout than people would think. Also doing some things different may help, such as, running up the stairs instead of walking, dance as you clean the house or fold laundry ect... its fun, active, and hopefully will help you lose weight in the long run. I do understand the frustration of being stuck at a weight you dont like. My daughter is almost 6 months, and so far ive lost 25lb...the last 5-10lb is always the hardest. But dont give up, summer is coming and thats the best time to lose weight, everyone is more active then!!

Elaine Melissa - posted on 03/29/2010

Don't feel bad I have two kids and couldn'tshake the weight I've joined gym, Changed my eating lifestyle. The key to losing weight is what u eating must be a balanced diet you may not necessarily lose weight but u may lose inches and cm's and take it slow yoyo diets don't and drink lots of water working 4 me

Alyssa - posted on 03/28/2010

I know how you feel. Afte I had my son I lost 35-40 lbs within 6 months and 2 shots I gained every bit of it back. It doesn't matter what I do. I got on the depo shot and gained it back. So if you are on it I would get off of it.

Anne - posted on 03/28/2010

I talked to my doctor about this because I wasn't losing any weight with exclusive breastfeeding. He said that with some women, breastfeeding make the body think it is still pregnant and it holds on to everything just like during pregnancy. He said that I'd probably lose it once I stopped nursing my son. I also had him send me for basic metabolic bloodwork to make sure everything was within normal ranges. You should probably get this done as well to make sure somethin else isn't keeping the weight on. This is so common, though. I know of so many women who can't drop the weight until they wean. My nursing relationship with my son is so important, so I just deal with it for now and know that some day I'll be able to drop all the weight. I have 70 pounds to lose, and believe me, I'm sick of being fat, but I try to get my exercise and focus on the future right now. I hate having pictures of me taken looking like this.

Hang in there. I wouldn't suggest weaning, but then, I"m pretty hard core about breastfeeding.

Brandy - posted on 03/28/2010

I am in the same boat...my youngest just turned two...I have never been a big person and this time around I am struggling....I eat right, dont eat fast food, I eat all organic and whole grains lots of fruit and veggies, low sugar and low salt that is sea salt. I exercise when I can, bu this last month I have worked out almost every night of the week and still nothing! And the problem is all in my stomach and butt! I am doing everything I know to do and no results which is very discouraging! I am running out of ideas! I hope ya'll may have one for me!

Diane - posted on 03/28/2010

Hi; My advice would be to talk to your doctor and have your thyroid checked out to make sure you aren't having a medical issue contributing to the inability to lose weight. If you come back with a clean bill of health your doctor can also help you figure out a good meal/ exercise plan that will keep you in enough calories/ fat to breast feed your child, but not so much you can't lose the weight.

Sara - posted on 03/28/2010

hey all im still nursing my 10 mnth old and ive just joined weight watchers and it seems to be going really well!

Bethanie - posted on 03/28/2010

I lost 20 lbs initially after I had my son and lost nothing after that. My body was still hanging onto about 12 lbs while I was nursing and until he was a year. I changed my diet after that and have lost 20lbs in 7 months! I don't have an "exercise regiment" but I am active with my son. Check out this book: http://www.google.com/products/catalog?h...

It introduced me to new foods, changed how I bought foods and taught me to eat better and more well balanced. How I buy food:

-ALL Whole Grain (better then wheat)

-NO HFCS or CS in any of my foods (always read the ingredients!)

-Stay away from ALL products with "Partially hydrogenated" in the ingredients list. That = trans fats!

-In things such as cereal, bread, make sure the fiber content is more then the sugar content

-started using wheat germ in things like yogurt, baked goods-extra source of fiber and minerals

-Switched from ground beef to ground buffalo (no taste difference, actually tastes better to me

-Switched to organic veggies and fruits (the ones you eat the skins of) and I pretty much buy everything that ACTUALLY is all natural, not the products that lie and say they are.

-watch portions (I don't count calories or carbs!)

Good luck! Remember, excercise is good to incorporate, but your body will adjust fastest to diet change!

Nazek - posted on 03/28/2010

I don't usually loose the gained weight totally untill I stop the breast feeding. BUT i noticed this time that if whenever I'm hungry I eat fruits or veggies (apples bananas oranges, carrots...)I loose quite alot of weight. of course you'll have to cut off all of the junk food...hope this helps

Jessica - posted on 03/28/2010

Hi I am was in the same boat and we will see if I still am. I was about 65-70kg before I had my son and about 6 months after he was born I weighed myself and was 116kg. I could tell by photos that I had actually gained weight after having my son. I tried diets and gyms but nothing worked. I wasn't breast feeding so that wasn't it. I went to my doctor who told me it was normal as our bodies keep the fat to help with raising our children. He told me our bodies way of working hasn't really changed since the stone ages. We keep the fat so that if we can't get food our body knows that it can still support both us and our babies. It makes sense but I knew there was something more than that. He sent me to have blood tests and found that I had no iron in my body what so ever and since I started taking iron supplements with vitamin C I have lost weight with out doing a thing. Many women in the world are iron defficient with out even knowing. I had been since I hit puberty. I would recommend all women especially those who have recently had babies to have it checked. It is really important for energy production and many other things. It won't hurt to have it checked even if it turns out that you are not iron defficient. If you only knew how much better you feel once getting everything back to normal then you wouldn't hesitate to do it.
Everyone has great ideas but every body is different so unfortunately it will be trial and error. Good Luck!!

Jennifer - posted on 03/27/2010

My baby is 10 mo, and I have 4 lbs to loose to my pre, undesired wt.. If I new I could have a baby, then I probably would've put more effort into loosing more wt prior to getting pregnant! I have walked w/ hills 5-6 days a wk, about 1.5 miles each day until daylight savings; and the parents returned home.. I have lost about 33 lbs since the birth. Since being alone w/ the baby virtually, all week, it has helped in that I cannot eat when I want, nor as desired or as much. Plus, walking her 1-2 times a day has helped, since I have not been able to do my normal routine with daylight savings time.. I have cut out a lot of sugar at night (desert.)

Cathy - posted on 03/27/2010

I too had a hard time getting "my body back", I worked out, walked 4 Kms/ some days and had been in great shape during my entire pregnancy, so it hardly seems fair, but I dropped 20 lbs in 2 weeks after stopping the breastfeeding, some of us our bodies just hang onto that extra until then, not to mention the time spent on the couch actually nursing, I'm not saying stop nursing in any way shape or form, but know that it can change, cuz if I heard one more person tell me to eat better and exercise more, I'd probably tell them where to go, but boy once it is all off I plan to wear my bikini in the dead of winter!

PS. I too have studied Kinesiology, worked as a personal trainer, aerobics instructor, and was still teaching gymnastics and working as a Registered Massage Therapist in the months leading upto and following my pregnancy.

Victoria - posted on 03/27/2010

Right now, I am doing what Alyssa has done, cut out sugar (use stevia) and no carbs but whole wheat, and not enriched whole wheat, just 100% whole wheat. It's very similar to the South Beach Diet. Lots of Vegies and Meat (chicken, steak) we have also been buying from organic stores so the meat doesn't have hormones and junk in it. Its going really well, I am down 19lbs and I am looking forward to the rest comming off! Good Luck!!!

Vanessa - posted on 03/27/2010

A DIET diet is not necessary, The key is the following: If you stay at 1200 calories per day (non-junk food, eat lean-meats and protein, and eat whole-grains - in other words the closer to nature the better), your body will burn 500 calories per day, which equals 1 lb. per week just by nursing. Increase your water intake, google how much you should drink per day according to your weight & heigth, and No you won't bloat it does the opposite it helps you to not have water retention. It must be ICE water cold is the key, since it has a thermogenic burn effect and will cause your metabolic rate to rise, meaning it will cause your body to create heat and thus burn calories. The same is true by eating chili peppers, salsa, ginger, and mustard. Make sure to always eat breakfast, don't skip meals, rather FEAST like a Queen at breakfast, eat like a princess at lunch, and a pauper at dinner. If your trying to lose the last 10 lbs. forget about it, your body will hold on to that last 10 lbs. of body fat as a backup till your done nursing. Otherwise, if your just still trying to lose the extra weight you put on you must fit in a workout of rigorous cardio for 30 min. preferably 4 times a week. Whether it be dancing with baby at high energy, or enrolling into a gym class, do it! I prefer jogging since it helps flatten the tummy faster. All this in combination helped me to lose weight quickly after I had my first child, Now I'm preggers again in my third-trimester, almost ready to give birth and I'm excited to start shedding all this weight!

Michelle - posted on 03/27/2010

I could use some tips myself, my daughter is 3yrs old, and I can not seem to loose this weight, when my son was born, lost it no problem, but with allie, she was c-section, and I haven't been able to loose the weight, infact, I've gained weight!

Chap - posted on 03/27/2010

It took me 18months to get back to my pre-pregnancy weight and look like my former self, and I walked everyday ans exercised!. I guess its different for everyone.

Jessica - posted on 03/27/2010

You really do need to watch what you eat like everyone before has said, but you also have to get to the gym. Find one near you that has childcare. I would suggest starting off, to do 30-45 minutes on a piece of cardio and then do some weights. it is proven that for every pound of Muscle you gain, it's about 50-100 calories that you lose per day. it is extremely important...especially if you have been doing cardio for a long time and feel like you have reached a plateau. It is a lifestyle change, but anyone can do it! Before having my daughter I was a personal trainer and I have my degree in Exercise Science so I am a creditable source. any questions I will try my best to help!

Kari - posted on 03/27/2010

I wanted to let you know you are not alone. I didn't start seeing a considerable amount of loss until I started my period 15 months later. But i made sure to eat right and exercise and it did help a little... all in all you are breastfeeding for your babies health mainly so please continue and as long as you can. :)

Susan - posted on 03/27/2010

Me too...kinda. When I went in for my 6 week follow up I had lost all baby weight plus 30 lbs but at that time I was diagnosed with PPD and put on Zoloft which has made me BLOOM. I am now well over 200 lbs, off Zoloft and trying to find some freaking motivation. I got the gym membership but now I need to get to the gym. Good luck! I know how hard this is.

Adrienne - posted on 03/27/2010

I was in the same boat. My twins were 7 months old and I had only lost 3 lbs since they had been born. When my husband left for Iraq I completely changed my diet. With 7 month old twins the word workout couldn't fit into my vocabulary or my day!! I lost 40lbs in 3 months just by changing what I ate. Instead of eating cereal for breakfast I would eat 3 egg whites, and for a little taste I would add a bit of ketchup. For lunch I would have a salad with mushrooms, cucumbers, carrots, and tomatoes, and I would use fat free Italian dressing (tastes way better than regular italian dressing). For dinner I would have a boneless skinless chicken breast broiled with a salad (same as lunch). For a snack I would have either a few celery sticks with peanut butter on them or carrots and broccoli with some fat free Italian dressing. And for the nights I wanted dessert I would make 1/2 cups of sugar free jello. Now that I've got the 40lbs off I've incorporated 12 grain bread into my diet. I still have 40 more to lose before I'm happy. Good Luck!!

Melaina - posted on 03/27/2010

Hi Ladies - My youngest of 3 is now 7 months old and I have been doing the Weight Watchers program since September. I was overweight before getting pregnant and I told myself that I would NOT continue the cycle that I have been in for the last 6 years! As of last Monday I have lost 28lbs on the program! I had also lost about 12lbs while I was pregnant (not by choice mind you)! Total I am 40lbs lighter then I was pre-pregnancy! I really love the Weight Watchers program! It is a healthy balanced way of eating and you get the accountability of going to the meetings! You can do WW online, but I highly suggest attending the meetings! I hope this help! Good luck on your weight lose journey!

Christine - posted on 03/27/2010

i was pretty fortunate and didn't gain more than 30 lbs with my pregnancy and for most of my life i've been pretty active - my main concern was my age, at 42 i thought it'd be harder to lose the weight, but it took a full year to get back down to fighting weight. we have an elipitical and a y membership and when the weathers nice baby and i go for a 3-4 mile walk daily with time at the park/playground, thankfully. but, i'd read in a series of books the best advise - do not eat desserts! drink plenty of water...i realize that some days exercise is the last thing we might want to do, but personally if i fit in at least 30-40 mins of walking, etc, i feel tons better, both physically and mentally. i'm no spring chicken and i gotta keep up with my beautiful 18 month old, so i make exercise a priority.

Katie - posted on 03/27/2010

I know exactly how you feel! My Son is four months old and I still have all of my baby weight. I am also in two weddings that are in just a matter of months. I am horrified about how I will look in all of those pictures. A big part of my problem is that I am stuck at home most of the time. I am trying to make an effort to find ways to get more active but I am not a person who loses weight easily. Good luck with your struggle and wish me lots of luck with mine!

Brianna - posted on 03/27/2010

I'm in the same boat, my LO is 7 months, I'm nursing and I haven't lost any weight except right after delivery. I eat pretty well and I was walking with a friend 5 days a week. When I tried to cut back a little bit on food and lost a couple pounds, my milk supply dropped off drastically so I'm stuck until I stop nursing. It is very frustrating since all my friends that have had babies, several month after me, are back in their pre-preggo clothes and I'm in limbo, everything is either to big or to tight. But my LO is healthy and happy so that is all that matters right now :)

Jennifer - posted on 03/26/2010

Be patient. My youngest will be 5 in may and I have just begun to be motivated. I take a pilates class 4/5 times a week. All of the moms we work our butts off, seriously and we all feel great when we leave. You also have to change your eating habbits, drinks lots of water and remember to sleep. With a 6 month old I wish you all the luck.
FYI a mom just started our class and her baby daughter is only 2 months old and she had a C- Section. It all depends on you and how much you want it. Please keep us posted.

Shawna - posted on 03/26/2010

I actually gained weight while nursing and got up to my full term preg weight. I had a friend tell me about how she lost weight after her babies. I started the system just after Thanksgiving and I have lost 26 pounds putting me at less than my pre baby weight. Wahoo!!!! Also I am still nursing so I can't even do the full system and I have still lost the weight. I have more energy and am feeling great. The system is called Isagenix if you want to know more about it contact me, I can tell you more about it.

Erika - posted on 03/26/2010

Hi Nikki,
I know how you feel. I always heard that it was easier to lose weight for those who nurse their babies. That wasn't the case for me. I would also get frustrated when I saw other Mommies with their tummy flatter than mine.

Here's what I suggest:
Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.
Go for walks for your baby. (I have a double stroller, so that is a great workout for me.)
Cut back on sugars.
Watch what you eat and don't eat too late at night.

That is what I did, and it worked for me. It took me 11 months to officially lose of the baby weight with my son. It took my 10 months to officially lose the baby weight with my daughter. I'm still not happy with my tummy, but I'm content. I just signed up for a class through my local parks & rec. The class was less expensive than any other place I had seen.

Know that it's not the same for everyone. You can do it, if you put your mind to it.

Best Wishes!

Erika
http://www.4MyFamilyandMe.com

Denise - posted on 03/26/2010

I have had a weight problem my entire life. When I got pregnant with my 2nd child, I was still carrying around the baby weight from my 1st, over a year later. I just started slimming down. And it is basically what everyone always tells you, a balance of diet and exercise. I joined a local jazzercise club and I make sure to go at least 4 times a week. And I watch what I eat. I replace either breakfast or lunch with a meal replacement shake (I get them from the company I work for) and I don’t snack after diner. I have one “cheat day” every week, when I have dessert. Good luck, I know it’s hard. Just remember you’re not alone, here to chat if you need me!

Denise Ribeiro
www.4mykids.us

Kristin - posted on 03/26/2010

Pay attention to portion sizes and snacking. This is a trap we all fall into when we are tired. Make sure you are getting enough rest, when we are tired we make poor choices. Start keeping a food journal, at least then you know what you are eating. Consulting with a nutritionist can help. Eat lots of veggies and fruits, low fat proteins, and whole grains. If you haven't started exercising again, it's time. Find something you like and get to it. Research gyms and their childcare. Look into videos. Maybe swim or run while dad watches baby. You can always put your son in a stroller and go for walks. You can get some light hand weights or exercise bands and do lunges and squats. Put on some fun music and just dance with or for your baby. The magazine FitPregnancy has some really good tips, exercises and recipes you can try. Check them out online to see if it might be of interest to you. Pilates will really whip your core back into shape and yoga can help with tension.

For a quick makeover for the weddings, focus on getting your arms in shape and invest in Spanx and I've heard that those post-natal belly band things can help.

Finally, it took ~10 months to put this on and you now have a treasure. It's going to take some time to get it back off, be patient and focus on being the healthiest you can be. Slow and steady will get it done. There is so much more to your life than a dress size now. Good luck and I hope this helps.

Christy - posted on 03/26/2010

It took me a whole year to get rid of the baby weight. I worked out, ate right, etc and NOTHING. Then all of a sudden a whole year after my last baby was born, it came off!! I read somewhere it can take up to a year for a woman's body to get back to it's old self after having a baby. Hang in there.....it will come off. Be conscious of what you eat, and try to work out at least 4 times a week, even if it's walking.

Tashina - posted on 03/26/2010

while i was pregnant with my son i developed gestational diabetes. because of that i had to count carbs-similar to the atkins diet. it has really really helped me. i didn't gain weight while preg and have lost another 20 after. might work for you?

Melissa - posted on 03/26/2010

I'm currently loosing weight. My son is 2 now, but I have carried around a bunch of weight for that long. I joined the local rec center. They have a really nice kid's area that I take my son to. I've noticed that lots of new mom's take their infants there too. If you are uncomfortable with that, you could go alone once your husband/boyfriend is there to help you with the baby.

If you are more an at-home workout person, I bought a video "The Biggest Loser - The Last Chance Workout". It's a challenging workout that helped me loose about 19 lbs in 4 weeks.

I know you need more calories right now since you are breast feeding, but you can still exercise. If you are already exercising, try changing up your routine a little bit. Every time you change your routine, whether you reverse your workout, do it at a different time of day than you are used to, you trick your body into working harder.

I hope that helps.

Aarika - posted on 03/26/2010

Eat right...balanced, healthy meals. Get a stationary bike or exercise videos and work out a little bit each day when they are sleeping. Def recommend (if weather permits) take the baby for a walk. I love the outside and my daughter and I go for an evening walk after supper just about every night. (if weather permits) Go to your local YMCA most offer free childcare while you can exercise, swim, etc. Just try to be as active as you can. Also I take the slimquick weight loss supplement. I know everyone has there own opinions on diet supplements but I found that slimquick (since its made FOR women) has helped me. It helped with retaining water and gave me energy like crazy! Just try to exercise as often as you can. Hope this helps.