Weight Loss After Pregnancy

During my pregnancy with P, I gained a significant amount of weight. I was working at a stressful job and had no options of finding other employment because I was providing the insurance.

After my first trimester, when I was able to keep food down, I ate all the time. Most of the time I ate healthy foods but I definitely had my ice cream moments. (I was very pregnant during the summer months.)

After I gave birth, I didn't think I would have a problem losing weight. I was always a fit person and weight wasn't a huge issue. When I went to the doctor for my six week visit, I couldn't believe the number on the scale. I told myself, "that has to be water weight because I am not that big."

It wasn't until I took my daughter to the zoo, and photographs of me were taken, that I realized, I was huge! At that point, I was in a panic. I refused to go anywhere that someone I knew (before pregnancy) would see me. I was ashamed of my body. My daughter was 8 months old and I was still huge.

I worked out moderately but the scale wouldn't budge. It wasn't until I decided to get a part time job, to help the family budget, that I started to lose the weight. I worked the whole summer and lost a total of 20 pounds. I was very happy with my weight accomplishments.

I still had about ten more pounds to lose before I reached my pre-pregnancy weight, but I was starting to look like me again. I was also quite pleased that I looked half way decent for P's first birthday. I guess you can say, I am self conscious.

Summer is over now and I did reach my summer weight loss goal. I have since decided to stay at home with my baby girl. Initially, I was worried that the weight loss would stop since I would be at home the majority of my time. However, chasing around a crazy little toddler all day helps weight loss as well. (Who knew?) I have lost 5 more pounds and I only have to lose 5 more to reach my pre-pregnancy weight (Whoopi!)

All in all, this has definitely been a learning experience. Weight loss after pregnancy, for me, was very hard. I am almost at my goal weight and I am kind of proud of myself. Now, if I can only make it through this holiday season, I'll be in good shape. Here's hoping, right?