Question:
Weight Gain after Pregnancy
I'm almost 4 years post op and I had a beautiful little boy in September of 07. I had a great pregnancy and after I had him, I went back to my previous weight. But unfortunately I've probably put on around 30 lbs since his birth. I am breastfeeding and I find that I am eating a lot more now. NOT bad food like fast food or anything, but just more food in general. I'm very frusturated and disgusted with myself. I went to be a "cute, trim" mommy!!! I don't know if I should stop breastfeeding and that will solve the weight gain? Any suggestions would be appreciated!!! Thanks so much! — kcrozier (posted on February 26, 2008)
February 25, 2008
I can't really answer from the post-op perspective, but I have had four
children and may have a little insight. When you are breastfeeding (which
is a wonderful thing for your baby, please don't stop if you don't have
to!) your body is working to ensure that you and the baby stay adequately
nourished. And our bodies are geared for survival back in the days when
food supplies weren't always plentiful or dependable, so women's bodies
tend to store a little "back up" for emergencies. But, since you
are nursing, you are turning some calories into milk, especially as your
baby gets older and drinks more (until about 6-9 months, when solid foods
become more important to him). So it's not unusual that you're holding a
little extra weight...I always gained after pregnancy too, some from
nursing and some from just the stress of being stuck at home and being
tired, etc. I wouldn't worry about it too much if you aren't continuing to
gain a lot. You may want to consider your stress level and mood as these
can contribute to your weight post-pregnancy also. Your doctor can help out
on these issues too...don't be shy...a lot of us have had some post-partum
depression. It's real, it's normal, it doesn't mean you're weak, and it's
treatable. Not saying that you are depressed, just bringing up the issue
because some people don't really recognize it in themselves or consider the
possibility, and it can cause weight gain.
But this is also a great time to start working on stopping the gain or
losing a little. You're probably eating healthily because you know it's
for your son, and if you realize that the nursing is making you extra
hungry you can get a little grip on it you can start to consiously cut
back. Add in some walking or other aerobic exercise along with his
increased feeding demand and you should see some weight loss. And exercise
is also great for your mood and stress level, so if that's contributing to
your appetite it will help that too. But don't get discouraged, your body
has been through a great deal of change in a short time and you'll find
some balance in your eating again as you return to "normal".
Good Luck!
— Amalia Harris
February 26, 2008
HI! I don't have anything else to offer that the last poster didn't
mention....I too am a Mom of 4 and I also breastfed them. I wouldn't think
that just the breastfeeding would make you gain, I always lost in the
begining and then would gain a little bit further out, but I also think
that has to do with what was mentioned previously. Now, I have not yet had
surgery, so I am speaking from the pre-op side of things. I think that just
relax and if things are going well for you and your lil guy I wouldn't mess
with it. Also, get out for a walk when you can(I know today isn't going to
work with all this snow we're getting :P) I have thought about mall walking
when the weather is like this, but I also have the fear of too much window
shopping turning into real shopping LOL Anyway, I know I haven't been much
help, but if there's anything I can do for you, I am local to you and would
love to "be there" for ya! Take care and congrats on your lil
guy! Oh, also, maybe post this on the pregnancy after WLS board, maybe they
might have some suggestions or be experiencing something similar.
Suz
— txsweits73
February 26, 2008
You are probably going to be a cute trim mommy anyway. You have to decide
what will give you more joy...looking good now or waiting til baby is done
nursing and ready for bottles.
Summer is coming and you'll get out more and be more active. You can lose
the weight when he starts walking and running you ragged! LOL Til you
decide, you have to accept the weight gain and understand that it's one of
the many sacrifices we make for our children. More to come! :) When you
are done you know you will have to work hard to get back to where you want
to. You sound like a woman who knows what she has to do to lose the
weight...and you will...
Enjoy motherood and use it as an excuse to be a little heavier than you
want to be! Breast feeding actually burns quite a bit of calories. If you
can cut just a few calories without cutting nutrition, you might be able to
show a slow loss. Try not to eat empty calories and sugars/carbs.
You'll get there again...Anyway...That's just one opinion...
Good luck with what you decide.
— .Anita R.
February 26, 2008
Why not try the Pregnancy After WLS forum here on OH?
http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/postop_pregnancy/
— SameButDifferent
February 26, 2008
I went on Nutrisystem while I was breastfeeding and lost a ton of weight
fast. That was the easiest weight loss ever. I think nursing burns 1000
calories a day. Any programs like that and weight watchers will adjust to
nursing moms.
— Carlyn M.
February 26, 2008
Hi, I to just had a baby in August 2007, I am almost 3 years post op and
also am breastfeeding! Congradulations on your beautiful baby boy! And
congradulations on breastfeeding. Please don't stop breastfeeding it is
the best thing for both you and your son. It's great you've made it this
far alot of people give up or can't breastfeed. I personally think it is
so rewarding for both the mother and baby. While I was pregnant I started
at 172 and went up to 218. When I got home from the hospital I weighed
189. Once my milk came in I went up to 197 and just recently got myself
down to 192. It takes time to lose the weight and I do think breastfeeding
does keep some weight on us to make sure we give the baby enough
nutrition(plus all that milk we are carrying around lol). Just try to cut
back alittle here and there on what your eating and try getting some
walking or exercising in. I did a thing last week where I drank those
dessert protein shakes 4 times a day and had some healthy snacks in between
and I lost 5 pounds in 4 days. Try something like that. Sooner or later
you will get down to what you were. Good luck. Jeannie
— jjeanniespets1
February 26, 2008
I wouldn't stop breast feeding. It is great for you and great for the baby
AND you burn an extra 3000 calories a day!!!! I loved breast feeding and
it was also what enabled me to lose my pregnancy weight gain. Good luck
and congratulations on your baby boy! Pat
— pjennjr
February 27, 2008
Breast feeding helps you lose weight. Also it taks a little bit to lose
that weight. My baby is seven months old and I have 15 to lose from him so
be patient it might work.
— tl_morgan
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