fat obese and pregnant

tashatashae

so im probaly morbidly obese in 5'1 255 and im 17 weeks pregnant i gain about 15 lbs so far which is way too much . my doctor told me not to gain anymore weight so im kinda puzzled.in my mind not gaining weight mean losing weight. i ask him how to go about this he said stop drinking soda. i replied i dnt drink soda .. he then said stop eating bread.. im like ok.. thanx doc...not ........ what to do anybody help? lol. thank you.

Malaylah

I had VSG surgery but my doctor kinda gave me some general weight loss advice that I live off of now. If you eat atleast 60grams of protein, and drink 8 glasses of water you will lose weight, but you need to cut out all sugar, bread, rice, pasta. So look for sugar free substitutes if you have a sweet tooth and you'll naturally lose weight.

DaniNicole321

Okay your doctor was not very helpful. You should watch what you eat, focus on fruits, veggies, chicken, etc.Stay hydrated. Being severely overweight while pregnant can cause a TON of unpleasant and dangerous problems IE preeclampsia, gestational diabetes. Try to avoid high amounts of sodium because it can cause you to swell and the last thing you want is to be on bed rest(it's miserable!) and if you end up with gestational hypertension or preeclampsia it can result in a premature birth and speaking from a mother who's son spent 3 weeks in the NICU it is one of the most difficult things I've ever done. Also, take walks while you still can, I became swollen early so walking was out of the picture for me before 30 weeks. Little changes can make a big difference as far as weight gain goes.

vsnc50

Hello and congratulations on your pregnancy! When I was pregnant I was a bit overweight. I knew that I did not want to gain any more than 20 lbs. During the blood sugar fasting test I was told that I had gestational diabetes and that it could affect my son if I had high sugar counts or had to take insulin. Knowing that, I changed my diet to a lower carb diet. I still ate carbs, but only good ones (i.e. fruit, wheat bread, potatoes, etc). Because I was over 40, I wanted to make extra special care of my developing baby so I didn't drink anything with caffeine or anything with "fake" sugars. I usually opted for water or ginger ale. I also limited my consumption of anything with nitrates (hot dogs, lunch meat, etc) and no blue cheese salad dressing which is my favorite. I never worried about how much I was eating, just the quality and it worked out for me. As a matter of fact my Dr stressed no dieting. I only gained my 20 lbs during the entire pregnancy and quickly lost that plus some after my son was born. (Of course after that I gained the 20 lbs plus but that's another story!) Best of luck to you and if you want to friend me I would be happy to be here for support.

vsnc50

Great advice DaniNicole!

Athijade

I had VSG surgery but my doctor kinda gave me some general weight loss advice that I live off of now. If you eat atleast 60grams of protein, and drink 8 glasses of water you will lose weight, but you need to cut out all sugar, bread, rice, pasta. So look for sugar free substitutes if you have a sweet tooth and you'll naturally lose weight.

Holy heck, that is some horrible advice. Sorry... but calories in vs calories out. That is how you lose weight. You don't have to give up a dang thing.

Malaylah

well I've lost 100 lbs so it can't be that bad

tashatashae

thank yall...so do you guys think i should count calories.. i wasent before but for the past two days i have .. im not a good eye baller when it comes to food i know i suppose to eat healthy and stuff but me i can eat alot... and whole bunch of healthy foods turn into a whole heap of calories when im done.. smh

herblackwings39

Set up MFP to maintain if your doctor doesn't want you to gain or lose weight. Eat near that calorie goal. What to eat is really up to you though.

awtume9

well I've lost 100 lbs so it can't be that bad

Because you had VSG surgery...... so in turn you are taking in less calories than you are burning....

tashatashae

what i was thinking thank you sweet.. but how you tell a women not to gain weight when pregnant .. 8lb baby equals a positive weight gain so i have to in turn have a negative 8lbs of fat to balance it out.. so i thought at first i should calorie restrict.

DaniNicole321

Your BMR or Base Metabolic Rate which is as many calories as your body needs to function if you did nothing but lay in bed all day is almost 2000 calories. You can eat A LOT of healthy food for 2000 calories.

CantonMan1234

thank yall...so do you guys think i should count calories.. i wasent before but for the past two days i have .. im not a good eye baller when it comes to food i know i suppose to eat healthy and stuff but me i can eat alot... and whole bunch of healthy foods turn into a whole heap of calories when im done.. smh

If you are going to watch your calories, get a scale and measure EVERYTHING and log EVERYTHING. It's a transition but a good one for the health of you and your baby.

Akimajuktuq

Not eating bread, and other processed foods, is actually great advice for the HEALTH OF YOUR BABY. But by saying "not" obviously you aren't open to dietary change.

Perhaps just consider that the food you eat helps build your baby. You need lots of nutrients.... ie natural fats, protein and vegetables.

Calories in, calories out of course, but that's VERY much an over-simplification of the metabolic process. But it's the SAD mantra of the majority of MFP members unfortunately.

For pregnancy, I would suggest eating lots of healthy nutrient rich whole foods (as opposed to only eating foods that come in a package with an ingredient list) and NOT focus on losing weight, but minimize gaining weight. (I was morbidly obese when I had my only child too.)

ldrosophila

I'm also obese and pregnant (30 weeks), and it gets so much harder as you progress further along in your pregnancy. Your goal from now until you deliver should be to maintain your current weight. First, your doctor HAS to give you a referral to a dietitian. That way you'll know how to make smart choices that grow a healthy baby. Walk if you can slow steady pace every day for at least 15-30minutes. Cut out all sugared drinks including soda, juice, powerades, monster drinks ect anythying that has calorie. (I struggle with this) Consider the gestational diabetic diet (I know you may not have it now), but it will help with the portion control.

You got some crummy advice from the doctor who probably doesnt know alot about pregnancy and nutrition. Get further education. You can do it! And congratulations!

tashatashae

thank yall...so do you guys think i should count calories.. i wasent before but for the past two days i have .. im not a good eye baller when it comes to food i know i suppose to eat healthy and stuff but me i can eat alot... and whole bunch of healthy foods turn into a whole heap of calories when im done.. smh

If you are going to watch your calories, get a scale and measure EVERYTHING and log EVERYTHING. It's a transition but a good one for the health of you and your baby.

i guess i should have mention i lost 50lbs and was in the middle of weight loss when in got preggo so i do have a scale to weigh food and stuff.. im a long time member yesterday was my 1 year anniversary. i guess ill just do trail and error and hope for the best

jchadden42

Not only will watching how you eat now positively impact your unborn child RIGHT NOW, you will develop good habits that will impact this child for a life time. When pregnant, we tend to have an "eat for two" mentality, but you don't really need to eat for two. Focus on healthy choices and cut crap calories when you can. Calories in v. calories out is the main thing. If you're already over weight, it won't hurt you or your baby for you to lose weight during this pregnancy.

ckmama

I was obese and pregnant as well. I gained a fast 15 lbs and my doctor told me I didn't need to gain weight but she never told me to diet, just eat healthy. I counted calories and walked. I didn't diet, but I did try to eat a diabetic type diet where carbs are more balanced thru the day. I ate balanced. I was walking 3 miles a day until I couldn't handle the pressure on my bladder from my over 9 lb baby at the end of the 8th month.

When I hit 8 months all of a sudden I started gaining weight super fast and it was all fluid 40 lbs in 2 months. My doctor was shocked she didn't believe it was all fluid until my c-section and they sucked it out. I was down 40 lbs within days of having my baby.

My overall weight gain was 30 lbs. I am 5'7" and started at 220. Good luck.

NikiChicken

Can you see a nutritionist that can give you some *good* advice? What your doctor told you is completely unhelpful! Focus on getting in whole grains, fruits and veggies, dairy, healthy oils and lean protein. Don't drink your calories (juice), but eat the fruits and veggies instead. You'll get far more healthy nutrition from the whole fruits and veggies than you will from drinking the juice and juice often has a ton of added sugar and calories you don't need.

Good luck to you! (and I'll reiterate - see a nutritionist if you can!)

ldrosophila

thank yall...so do you guys think i should count calories.. i wasent before but for the past two days i have .. im not a good eye baller when it comes to food i know i suppose to eat healthy and stuff but me i can eat alot... and whole bunch of healthy foods turn into a whole heap of calories when im done.. smh

If you are going to watch your calories, get a scale and measure EVERYTHING and log EVERYTHING. It's a transition but a good one for the health of you and your baby.

i guess i should have mention i lost 50lbs and was in the middle of weight loss when in got preggo so i do have a scale to weigh food and stuff.. im a long time member yesterday was my 1 year anniversary. i guess ill just do trail and error and hope for the best

LOL who knew that weight loss was such a fertility pill. I was pregnant at my 50lbs loss and then again at 70lb loss!

tashatashae

thank yall...so do you guys think i should count calories.. i wasent before but for the past two days i have .. im not a good eye baller when it comes to food i know i suppose to eat healthy and stuff but me i can eat alot... and whole bunch of healthy foods turn into a whole heap of calories when im done.. smh

If you are going to watch your calories, get a scale and measure EVERYTHING and log EVERYTHING. It's a transition but a good one for the health of you and your baby.

i guess i should have mention i lost 50lbs and was in the middle of weight loss when in got preggo so i do have a scale to weigh food and stuff.. im a long time member yesterday was my 1 year anniversary. i guess ill just do trail and error and hope for the best

LOL who knew that weight loss was such a fertility pill. I was pregnant at my 50lbs loss and then again at 70lb loss!

lol totally doctors told me i would have a hard time getting pregnant saying it probably want happening basically leaving me heart broken i lost some weight then bam... my miracle baby.. so that doctor can shove it no offense. lmbo

ldrosophila

thank yall...so do you guys think i should count calories.. i wasent before but for the past two days i have .. im not a good eye baller when it comes to food i know i suppose to eat healthy and stuff but me i can eat alot... and whole bunch of healthy foods turn into a whole heap of calories when im done.. smh

If you are going to watch your calories, get a scale and measure EVERYTHING and log EVERYTHING. It's a transition but a good one for the health of you and your baby.

i guess i should have mention i lost 50lbs and was in the middle of weight loss when in got preggo so i do have a scale to weigh food and stuff.. im a long time member yesterday was my 1 year anniversary. i guess ill just do trail and error and hope for the best

LOL who knew that weight loss was such a fertility pill. I was pregnant at my 50lbs loss and then again at 70lb loss!

lol totally doctors told me i would have a hard time getting pregnant saying it probably want happening basically leaving me heart broken i lost some weight then bam... my miracle baby.. so that doctor can shove it no offense. lmbo

awe I'm so happy to hear...gives me chills I know the feeling when you think something will never happen and it does. Blessings to your little one.

incredibleshrinkingjackie

you actually don't have to gain weight while pregnant. you already have enough fat to live off of. focus on eating lean meat like chicken and pork and eat as many vegetable as you like. try to eat fruit rather than fruit juice. cut out as much potatoes, rice, bread and pasta as you can. only eat things that have nutritional value. if it's junk, don't eat it. focus on getting at least 8 glasses of water a day, cut out all soda pop and kool-aid. only eat sweets in very limited quantity. eat salads with every lunch and dinner. eat eggs and cheese and natural peanut butter as protein. buy sugar-free jam and syrup if you must eat these things. change to light yogurt and fat-free milk to keep up your calcium needs.

these are actually the exact things i learned from having a sleeve gastrectomy in june. talk to a nutritionist. she will tell you the exact things i just said. good luck and congrats on the baby.

devil_in_a_blue_dress

Seriously, ignore every person here who is giving you weight loss advise that was given to them after a weight loss surgery. Nutrition needs for these people are INCREDIBLY different than the needs of a pregnant woman. I don't know why grains are being painted as the devil, but they are fortified with folic acid -- which is critical to a health pregnancy. Yes, you can get this in vitamin form and you don't HAVE to get it via enriched foods, however, if you like pasta or rice, you are not harming yourself and getting extra folic acid.

A woman who is not overweight needs about 300 extra calories a day when pregnant. An overweight and morbidly obese woman needs no extra calories, unless advised by a doctor that she needs to gain. What this means is, you aim to eat 2,000 calories (or whatever your maintenance number is). You should eat a varied diet - focusing on vegetable because they are nutrient rich.

dellaquilaa

^you're past the point when folic acid matters at all to your pregnancy, but I agree that whole grains and potatoes are healthy and should make a frequent appearance in your intake.

I used to provide nutritional counseling to pregnant women (as a job, I mean). I'd encourage you to set your MFP goals to maintenance and focus as much as you can on fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains. I'd eliminate calorie-dense items like oil, fried foods, salty snacks and any fast food. In my experience, those seem to be the foods most commonly craved during pregnancy and are typically the reason women gain too much weight too quickly.

FJDodd

I was overweight when I was pregnant with my son. My doctor gave me the guideline diet for gestational diabetes. There are so many FILLING low calorie, nutrient rich foods. And many snacks that you can use as a substitute for crackers, chips, sweets etc. If your doctors attitude was really that bad, I would change the doctor now before you get any farther along in your pregnancy. Find a doctor that is more personable or that is more willing to work with you. And ask them about the guidelines.

devil_in_a_blue_dress

^you're past the point when folic acid matters at all to your pregnancy, but I agree that whole grains and potatoes are healthy and should make a frequent appearance in your intake.

Actually, it prevents birth defects like spina bifida if taken in early pregnancy -- usually before women even know they are pregnant, but is actually prescribed to women in mid to late pregnancy and while they are nursing in higher doses (500-600 mcg) than their counterparts who are trying to get pregnant and those who are in early pregnancy (400 mcg). This is done for a number of reasons including placenta health, proper over all fetal health/development, heart health of mom, and preventing premature birth. At no point in pregnancy or really life, but that is a different post, are you are past the point where folic acid matters. Not taking taking in at least 400 mcg per day opens you up to a host of medical maladies.

This information is straight out of the mouth of my OB/GYN, but if you want another source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3218540/

Sugarhiccup03

Seriously, ignore every person here who is giving you weight loss advise that was given to them after a weight loss surgery. Nutrition needs for these people are INCREDIBLY different than the needs of a pregnant woman. I don't know why grains are being painted as the devil, but they are fortified with folic acid -- which is critical to a health pregnancy. Yes, you can get this in vitamin form and you don't HAVE to get it via enriched foods, however, if you like pasta or rice, you are not harming yourself and getting extra folic acid.

A woman who is not overweight needs about 300 extra calories a day when pregnant. An overweight and morbidly obese woman needs no extra calories, unless advised by a doctor that she needs to gain. What this means is, you aim to eat 2,000 calories (or whatever your maintenance number is). You should eat a varied diet - focusing on vegetable because they are nutrient rich.

This. Just eat a healthy diet, drink plenty of water and take walks. I did this and only gained 17 lbs while pregnant with my daughter and she was a very healthy 7.7 lb baby. I just noticed you're on my friends list also . If you ever need advice let me know!

fashionosack

Hello! Diet must be healthy to lose weight, to exercise with diet. Exercise every day twelve hours or so, hyperactivity move, eat do not eat too full, not dieting, eat eat eight full. You can eat much food. After dinner do not sit, stand or walk for half an hour. Do not eat greasy spicy foods, eat more fruits and vegetables, eat light food. We must ensure that the daily nutritional intake.

VoodooAborisha

I'm also obese and pregnant (30 weeks), and it gets so much harder as you progress further along in your pregnancy. Your goal from now until you deliver should be to maintain your current weight. First, your doctor HAS to give you a referral to a dietitian. That way you'll know how to make smart choices that grow a healthy baby. Walk if you can slow steady pace every day for at least 15-30minutes. Cut out all sugared drinks including soda, juice, powerades, monster drinks ect anythying that has calorie. (I struggle with this) Consider the gestational diabetic diet (I know you may not have it now), but it will help with the portion control.

You got some crummy advice from the doctor who probably doesnt know alot about pregnancy and nutrition. Get further education. You can do it! And congratulations!

YES, I agree with this - SEE a dietician. Doctors get, on average, 4 hours or less of classes on nutrition in their 8 years of medical school, and they often quote dietary advice that is decades out of date - please get a referral to a dietician, for your baby.

kellybellyjellyn

I started weight watchers in Jan 2009 and went from 224 to 194 by April. That week in April was the week I had discovered I was pregnant.. 16 weeks pregnant and I never knew !! So I had actually lost 30lb in the first 4 months of my pregnancy. As soon as I discoved I was pregnant I quit weightwatchers and by the time I was due my baby in September I weighed 266lbs..

So I gained over 70lbs in 5 months... all the weight I had lost plus 40 more. And it's not fun ! I went on to have a perfectly healthy 10lb baby but let me tell you the labour was a nightmare.

I am training to be a midwife, I have one year left of a 4 year degree before i'm finished and I've seen firsthand hand how tough it is to be extrememly overweight, in both pregnancy and especially in labour..

Not giving you qualified medical advice here whatsoever but I would recommend what others are saying about eating at about 2000 calories a day. In actually fact a pregnant woman does not need that many extra calories.. roughly 200.. Which isn't very much.

So even if you eat at around 2000, because you have a high bmi your daily calorie needs are about 2325 to maintain.. that's with a sedentary lifestyle. Add on the 200 for pregnancy to take you to 2500

If you ate at 2000 that would be a healthy deficit of 500 calories a day but you will also be perfectly healthy and fine once you eat a well balanced, nutrient rich diet.

May I also recommend taking up a pregnancy yoga class. Not only will this do wonders for you exercise wise but I think every pregnant woman should do yoga !!!!! It is amazing the difference it makes in women during childbirth.

Women who have done pregnancy yoga do great during childbirth I think it's such an amazing thing you can do for yourself and there are many teachers qualified in yoga specific to pregnancy.

Another exercise I recommend would be to go to the pool. Dont need to do vigorous swimming, just move around ! The water will take the weight of your expanding tummy and make you feel more comfortable.


Please please don't do what I did and use pregnancy as an excuse to eat whatever, gain a tonne of weight and sit on the couch all day.. It's really terrible and If I knew then what I did now I wish I had done it differently and I still weighed 266 2 years after giving birth.. did not lose the weight. xx CONGRATULATIONS !!!