NOT losing weight, 4 months postpartum pity party!

Okay, I was in the best shape of my life when I conceived the twins, I was training for my second marathon. And NOW here I am 4 months postpartum running about 15-20 miles per week, eating very cautiously and I CANNOT seem to lose a darn pound.

I gained 47lbs and have lost 37lbs of it really quickly. Now I have 12-15lbs to go, I actually gained a couple pounds on top of it all. I am pretty bummed out about it all. Yes, I am healthy, yes I am thankful. But I want my jeans to fit, I want ME back.

Have any of you been where I am and are STUCK? What did you do to break through? I cannot find any postpartum info out there regarding post-twin pregnancy and weight loss, hormonal issues, etc. Thinking all that might be related to what is going on.

I am just feeling sorry for myself....but if I hear one more frigging time "you need to be patient, you just had tiwns!" ....I am going to scream! :angry:

 

Oh my gosh, I TOTALLY feel you!!!! I had my twins 5 weeks ago and gained 50! I still need to loose 30!!!!
I'm a big health/work out person too. BUT, I love to eat too ! But when it's down to business to get back into your
jeans, I take it very personal. I know, everyones like "Tina, you just had twins, you were on bed rest for 8 weeks!"
I know, but it doesn't make me feel better that I'll be fat for the summer or that my boobs feel like I am in a National
Geographic magazine! I'm sorry, but I think the loosing the weight when you breast feed is a croc of S%^!!! Well not for
me at least. I always dieted- eat small meals through out the day- Lots of water, egg whites, low carbs, protein
and I kick boxed and had a trainer with my daughter. Oh and I didn't eat past 6-7pm. But when you are breast feeding
I know you need to take in more calories. So that's what is hard for me. I want to give my girls the breast milk because
that is what is the best for them now. They were pre-mature, so I feel bad not giving them that. I'm going to suck it
up for a few more months and then go to a stricter diet.

PM me anytime to vent... your lucky, at least you only have 10-12 pds! I was telling my husband last weekend that
the scale was stuck too!! I want to be in my fun clothes again, because I love to shop! I will NOT buy big stuff!

Tina

 

I found that bf can retain some weight too -- a bit of a reserve for feeding the twins. I think with one baby it is easier to just get out there and move more. With twins there is always a baby to hold onto and they seem to alternate. It is so much more difficult !!!

 

Do you monitor your heart rate while you are running? Do you know your anaerobic threshhold and at what heart rate you need to be at to best burn fat over sugar? I ask because before I worked with a trainer on this, I had no idea, and I was working out and not really maximizing the fat burning potential of my workout. Since you say you run 15-20 miles a week, that's a lot, I would think you'd be burning tons of fat.

And I know you hate hearing this, but you are only 4 months PP with twins. You are doing great!

I gained 42 pounds, lost 20 of them by 2 weeks PP, gained 10 while BF'ing, and didn't lose a darn thing until I weaned at 6 months. I got rid of the remaining 30 pounds (which still left me 2 pounds away from my pre-preg weight). Then I got quite lazy over the winter so now I'm working on dropping 10 pounds. The heart rate monitoring is key, along with healthy eating/cutting calories/watching carbs.

 

Thanks for the support guys. I actually dont use a heart rate monitor. Off to ***** Sporting Goods, can you recommend one? When I was training for both my marathons, I ran with a training group through our local hospital with physical therapists, trainers, nurses, doctors, etc. We used them for a couple runs and I fell into "that range" you were speaking, every time I used one. SO I just figured right now would be the same. I am running about a 9 minute 30 second mile, with my longest run being 7 miles and my shortest run being 4 miles during the week. (trying to get up to 10 miles to *possibly* start training for the Chicago marathon)

I guess I look at my body right now and think about all the hard work I put in running in the past 4 years. I am not breastfeeding, but I did notice yesterday that the new 36D bras I bought weeks ago, are getting big on me. I am normally a size 34C when in shape. So that is progress, right?

I am doing low carbs, eating protein at every meal and measuring out my cereal and fruit for the morning (1C of Kashi Go Lean cereal with 1 C of blueberries). I am totally watching my sugar intake and keeping my diet clean.

Just needed some support, I am hoping that with being consistent I will see results soon.

 

I'm so there! The boys are almost 6 months old and I still look like I did 3 weeks after they were born! I lost most of the pregancy weight pretty quickly (all but about 10), but I'm still 2, yes 2, sizes bigger than I was and things are definitely not where they used to be. I'm trying, but it's not going anywhere. I'm so frustrated and am hating how I look. None of my clothes fit well and I don't necessarily want to spend the money to go out and buy more (I have twins..ha ha!). Feel free to PM/vent to me, as well.

 

Same for me at 3 months post. I lost everything but a final 10 pounds. I am one size bigger than pre pregnancy weight. I had to buy a new suit yesterday in this in-between size and it killed me. I had been hitting the gym three-four times a week prior to coming back to work but now I have no time to get back to the gym. I was hoping these last 10 pounds would go away all by themself. Wishful thinking. I asked around of some friends and apparently I am suppossed to accept that these remaining pounds will be here for a while, being told they are the hardest to lose! great. How do all those Moms and celebs drop the weight so quickly and even go below their pre pregnancy weight?!!!

As for the heart rate thing, I take my pulse for 15 seconds while working out then multiply by 4. That way I don't have to bother with wearing anything. If I can get it up to 150 I am happy.

I am ordering a jogging stroller later today. Time for weekend and evening runs!

Good Luck, keep us posted on your success!

 

I feel for you! I didn't even start losing weight until 4 months pp after my twins and it was SO hard after having the babies. It took me almost 9 months to lose 60 lbs.

This time, after Olivia, I started WW again at 3 weeks pp. Well, I wans't moving the scale much at all *but I also wasn't exercising either*, finally at 6 weeks pp, I started to lose some. I'm now 8 weeks pp and have only been able to lose 7 lbs. (over the initial baby weight that you lose from delivery). It's a long haul...and yes, I do get sick of hear "but you just had a baby." UGH!!! I realize that, but I have nothing that fits, it's annoying!!!

I know you mentioned you were training for a marathon before getting preggers...did you exercise at all during your pregnancy? I'm just thinking that since you are running again, your body might be gaining muscle and burning fat, but you don't really see that "result" on the scale. Have you tried taking your measurements? I would do that and then in a month, take them again (don't do it before a month b/c you don't lose inches that fast) and see what results you are getting that way!

Keep up the good work!!!!

 

QUOTE(trouble squared @ May 8 2008, 01:40 PM) [snapback]762422[/snapback]
Same for me at 3 months post. I lost everything but a final 10 pounds. I am one size bigger than pre pregnancy weight. I had to buy a new suit yesterday in this in-between size and it killed me. I had been hitting the gym three-four times a week prior to coming back to work but now I have no time to get back to the gym. I was hoping these last 10 pounds would go away all by themself. Wishful thinking. I asked around of some friends and apparently I am suppossed to accept that these remaining pounds will be here for a while, being told they are the hardest to lose! great. How do all those Moms and celebs drop the weight so quickly and even go below their pre pregnancy weight?!!!

As for the heart rate thing, I take my pulse for 15 seconds while working out then multiply by 4. That way I don't have to bother with wearing anything. If I can get it up to 150 I am happy.

I am ordering a jogging stroller later today. Time for weekend and evening runs!

Good Luck, keep us posted on your success!


Celebs...well, they have personal trainers 24/7 and very strict diets! I was watching Ellen one day when Trista (the Bachelor's wife) was on there after her baby and she looked freakin' phenomenal. Well, she was talking abou ther training and her low-carb very restricted diet, etc...that's how they do it! Plus, they probably have help with the baby and have nothing else to do but work out and do what they want. We are TWIN mommies and we don't have that kind of time! LOL!

 

I lost a bunch of weight right away and then got stuck with 10-15 lbs, right up until around 4 mo pp. And then things seemed to get better, so maybe you're just right around a corner??

 

Ugh! I'm totally there with you! I gained 85 pounds with my pregnancy, and before that had been working out 5-6 days a week and in pretty decent shape. I didn't exercise at all during the pregnancy, and in hindsight, I wish I did. I ate whatever I wanted and had no morning sickness, and now I'm paying for that. I BF the babies till 6 months, and joined WW Online when they were about 6 weeks old. The combo of delivery, BF and WW helped me lose about 70 pounds so far, but I am now stuck with the last 15 and it's been pretty hard. I'm sticking to WW but get so many fewer points now that I'm no longer BF, so it's a lot more difficult. I'm trying to slowly get back into exercising, but I work full time and it's hard to find a consitent time to work out. It's frustrating having nothing that fits well and thinking about how I used to look and feel, and how much better shape I was in. But, there's nothing to do but keep trying and hopefully, I will eventually get back to a happy place...... You are not alone. Keep doing what you are doing and it will eventually pay off.....

 

QUOTE(Jillianstwins @ May 8 2008, 12:12 PM) [snapback]762305[/snapback]
Thanks for the support guys. I actually dont use a heart rate monitor. Off to ***** Sporting Goods, can you recommend one? When I was training for both my marathons, I ran with a training group through our local hospital with physical therapists, trainers, nurses, doctors, etc. We used them for a couple runs and I fell into "that range" you were speaking, every time I used one. SO I just figured right now would be the same. I am running about a 9 minute 30 second mile, with my longest run being 7 miles and my shortest run being 4 miles during the week. (trying to get up to 10 miles to *possibly* start training for the Chicago marathon)

I guess I look at my body right now and think about all the hard work I put in running in the past 4 years. I am not breastfeeding, but I did notice yesterday that the new 36D bras I bought weeks ago, are getting big on me. I am normally a size 34C when in shape. So that is progress, right?

I am doing low carbs, eating protein at every meal and measuring out my cereal and fruit for the morning (1C of Kashi Go Lean cereal with 1 C of blueberries). I am totally watching my sugar intake and keeping my diet clean.

Just needed some support, I am hoping that with being consistent I will see results soon.


I use a Polar heart rate monitor, and it works great.

 

Awww, you guys are great.....thanks for sharing and all the support. It truly does help to talk about it with other people who totally understand.

Here is one more vent....I was complaining to my mom (who historically is never very supportive) about the fact that the scale is stuck despite my efforts and she said to me "well you are very lucky that the styles lately are Empire waist so it helps hide your bust to your thighs, which is good for you".........yeah, that helped.

I didnt exercise with the twin pregnancy b/c of a possible incompetent cervix that was watched very closely as I had cervical cancer years ago and had a large part of my cervix surgically removed. So it is all scar tissue holding it together evidently. I went from full on active running about 30 miles per week to full on sedentary. Maybe I am gaining muscle and changing my body composition from running....hmmm, didnt give myself credit for that! Thanks PP for pointing that out!

Anyway, your kind words, support and info definitely hepled and I know I am not alone in this fun battle of the buldge!!!

Have a great afternoon ladies! xojillian

 

QUOTE(Jillianstwins @ May 8 2008, 04:59 PM) [snapback]762832[/snapback]
I didnt exercise with the twin pregnancy b/c of a possible incompetent cervix that was watched very closely as I had cervical cancer years ago and had a large part of my cervix surgically removed. So it is all scar tissue holding it together evidently. I went from full on active running about 30 miles per week to full on sedentary. Maybe I am gaining muscle and changing my body composition from running....hmmm, didnt give myself credit for that! Thanks PP for pointing that out!


I was a very regular exerciser prior to pregnancy, and in great shape. But I did have incompetent cervix and spent from weeks 16 until birth at 31 weeks on bedrest. I think that was a part of my struggle, even today, bedrest did a number on my metabolism.

I miss the days where all I had to do was exercise to maintain my satisfactory weight. Now I really have to watch what I eat too.

 

[Have you signed up for Chicago because its closed now...I am doing the Distance Classic half. You may want to see a sports nurtionist. I say that because if you are working out and eating too few claroies your body will work harder to retain the fat. While training for an Ironman I had to completely shift my mode of thinking. If you are also BF'ing your body will still be reacting to that as well. Finally Polar is a great HRM and you should do targeted HR long runs and spped workouts for metabolism. Feel free to PM me anytime. I am just doing half's and some tri's this year to get my cardio back to point.

 

I just started losing weight at 7 months post partum. I think it is mainly b/c I joined weight watchers online though.

 

QUOTE(Jillianstwins @ May 8 2008, 08:12 AM) [snapback]762305[/snapback]
Thanks for the support guys. I actually dont use a heart rate monitor. Off to ***** Sporting Goods, can you recommend one? When I was training for both my marathons, I ran with a training group through our local hospital with physical therapists, trainers, nurses, doctors, etc. We used them for a couple runs and I fell into "that range" you were speaking, every time I used one. SO I just figured right now would be the same. I am running about a 9 minute 30 second mile, with my longest run being 7 miles and my shortest run being 4 miles during the week. (trying to get up to 10 miles to *possibly* start training for the Chicago marathon)

I guess I look at my body right now and think about all the hard work I put in running in the past 4 years. I am not breastfeeding, but I did notice yesterday that the new 36D bras I bought weeks ago, are getting big on me. I am normally a size 34C when in shape. So that is progress, right?

I am doing low carbs, eating protein at every meal and measuring out my cereal and fruit for the morning (1C of Kashi Go Lean cereal with 1 C of blueberries). I am totally watching my sugar intake and keeping my diet clean.

Just needed some support, I am hoping that with being consistent I will see results soon.



I know this is a strange question, but have you by any chance had any surgeries recently?

 

Ladies - as the saying goes: "nine months on, nine months off!"
I ran before my pregnancy and started running again at about 4 months - not training for marathons, mind you, but I vividly recall not fitting into any of my clothes at 4 months. My hips hadn't "shrunk" back to pre-pregnant stage yet. I bought a bunch of new clothes (J. Crew) 4 months post partum that are way too big for me now. (In fact, I just sold a bunch of them with my maternity clothes!) I reached my pre-preg. weight at about 9 months. So be patient! Your body just went through a marathon of sorts! Hang in there, I exercise WAY less than you, and once the twins are mobile you guys are going to be running after them, I promise. BTW, I have the best glutes of my life from squatting and picking them up a hundred times a day, so you have that to look forward to and my arms are pretty cut too. (they weigh 23 & 25 pounds now...)