Post Baby Weight Loss: My Experience

Not too long ago, I asked you guys to help me shape my expectations about post-baby weight loss, and you delivered.  In an effort to be fair, I thought I should share a little bit about my own experience so far...

Before I begin, I want to say that I am - in NO WAY - writing this post to be prideful or ask for compliments.  I've struggled with my weight for years now, and I want to document this part of my journey for myself and other women who might be in the same place.  I write this very humbly acknowledging that, so far, about the only part of the process I can take credit for is the GAINING weight part.  That's all.

Ok... I'll let the pictures do (most of) the talking:

My last official pregnancy photo.  Sam was born a little over a week later.  At my last doctor's appointment (38 weeks and 3 days) I had gained FORTY pounds (at least 10 had to be hair).  I didn't think to weigh myself before going to the hospital (I don't know how that slipped my mind), but I suspect I had gained another 3 - 5 pounds before Sam actually arrived. *For the record, my doctor suggested at the beginning of my pregnancy that I only gain between 15 - 25 pounds TOTAL because my starting weight was a little higher than it should have been (this is full disclosure... And, by "a little higher," I mean kind-of significantly). That, clearly, did NOT happen.  Moving on...

This was taken on the day we came home from the hospital - four days after Sam was born.  (It is one of the ONLY pictures I took of myself that week). It got worse before it got better... I was VERY swollen (even worse than before delivery - which I didn't know was possible) and bloated.  Within minutes of getting home, I had to change out of my cute dress to feed Sam and, literally, NOTHING fit. My milk also came in that day, and my boobs were HUGE.  I weighed myself that night and had lost ONE pound (please note: Sam weighed over 7 pounds...).  I was SO sad and frustrated...  I would not be one of the lucky ones. That weigh in began the first of many nightly crying fests.

Then, almost immediately, things began to change.  By one week post baby, the weight started coming off FAST.  Every time Jeff would look at me he would say "I can't believe how much weight you have lost."  I started discovering ankles, knees, and a chin again.  Hallelujah!!  By about Day 10, I had lost 24 POUNDS.  I'm being honest when I say that I felt like the skinniest girl EVER.  Sam, we found out, was also gaining weight rapidly.  Because of this, we fondly began calling him "the fat sucker."  Luckily, (or unluckily for me) I don't think that nickname will stick. :)

This picture was taken yesterday before going walking with my friend Jen & her sweet baby girl Piper.  (Please pardon the tired eyes and no make-up - this is real life.) Total, I have lost 35 POUNDS now.  (For those of you not skilled in the math department - that puts me at five pounds above my pre-pregnancy weight.)  It has been just over 5 weeks since delivery.

To be fair, I have done VERY little to help this process so far.  In fact, I might even consider myself a little "lucky" (gasp) for once. ;)  I have eaten LESS, because I am just busy.and my hands are occupied most of the day.  That's for sure.  BUT, what I do eat has NOT been healthy - lots of casseroles, pasta, and sweets!  I am, however, walking a lot - and I have been from the very beginning - because Sam seems to like it so much; so, maybe those two things are balancing each other out.  Overall, I definitely think A LOT of my weight gain was fluid retention/swelling; and, breastfeeding has dramatically helped with the rest of it - I've NEVER lost weight this easily in my life!

While I am thrilled with my loss so far, and - for the first time ever probably - appreciate my body and all that it is capable of, I will admit that the "skinny" feeling has gone away and been replaced with some insecurities again.  Even though I've lost 75% of my pregnancy weight, I was overweight when I got pregnant, and I still have a LONG way to go before I feel good about where I am again.  I told myself that I would "relax" for the first six weeks after Sam's birth and not worry about food or exercise too much.  I wanted to enjoy food (carbs included) and my baby first. Now, that time is quickly diminishing; so, I need to be making some major changes soon.  Given the last ten months of my life, I am hopeful that a little exercise and sensible eating will go a long way.   Additionally, it will be a looong time until my body sees regular pants again thanks to my very existent stomach pooch (shown below, haha!) and my still-slightly-sore incision spot.  Thank goodness I stocked up on stretchy pants pre-birth. 

If I'm honest with myself, I know I have a long road ahead of me.  BUT, being pregnant and giving birth has taught me A LOT about appreciating and taking care of my body.  I WILL NOT let myself be unhealthy for another pregnancy (which is a ways off... I promise).   I will keep you updated on the journey, of course.

The "little fat sucker"

P.S. In case anyone was wondering, Sam was born with NO symptoms of my gestational diabetes.  His weight was average and his blood sugar was normal.  I can't tell you how happy and proud this made me!  Because of this, and the fact that I was able to manage my blood sugars with diet, my doctor said I could assume the GD is gone now.  I will always have to be careful because I will be high risk for Type 2 Diabetes now - and my regular doctor will check this every year or so - but, otherwise, I'm good to go.  Mission accomplished. :)

P.S.S. I'm  now trying to avoid dairy (ice cream and cheese... uggg) to help Sam's little belly, so the "sacrifices" continue.  It is worth it.  It is worth it.  It is worth it. Frozen yogurt shops, I'll be back... one day. ;)

*And don't forget to enter my giveaway for a free crib bumper or pillow covers before tonight at midnight if you haven't already!