Lost almost 100lbs, had a baby, gained it ALL back :(

WeightingForSara
WeightingForSara Posts: 122 Member
edited December 2024 in Motivation and Support
I joined MFP in January of 2010. By December 2010, I had lost 94lbs using MFP and going to the gym almost everyday with a partner, my bestfriend. I found out I was pregnant, and during my pregnancy I gained about 45lbs. By the time my son was 8 weeks old, I had lost all the weight I gained except 15lbs. I was really happy with that.

I ended up with a pretty bad case of post partum depression. I lost most of my friends since none of them have children, and I had never planned on having a child either. To be honest, I was so angry when I found out I was pregnant because I was within 20lbs of my ALL TIME goal weight. (You know - the one people say they would dream to be but seems unattainable.)

My husband started working an opposite schedule from me so that we don't have to pay full time daycare since it is NOT in our budget. Its nearly impossible actually. So I wake up early morning, work until 5, I don't get home until after 6pm - then I have to feed, bath, and spend a little time with my son. By the time he goes to bed, I can finally eat dinner and clean the house, do laundry, then get myself in bed by 11pm or so. I have almost NO time to work out at home much less go to the gym.

My house life has been turned upside down. I feel lost and upset. I am angry with myself for letting this happen. I am angry that we can't afford to work the same shift so that I can have a gym schedule.

Tonight while I was picking my son up, he was sleep and I had to carry him from the car to the apartment door and I felt like my heart was going to explode. It hurt to breathe and I was actually having to concentrate on my breathing not to pass out.

Now that he is starting to walk, it has been becoming more and more apparent that I am extremely unhealthy. I can't keep up with him and I can barely keep up with people when they walk.

I just need some encouragement. I feel lost and alone and angry.

Replies

  • rompers16
    rompers16 Posts: 5,404 Member
    You have to start looking for some solutions...some suggestions would be:
    1) see if there is another parent you can trade babysitting with for a few hours a week so you can exercise or just have some time to yourself.
    2) see if you can find a daycare to work a few hours a week at in exchange for free or discounted day care
    3) park a little farther, use the stairs, etc...try to burn calories where you can
    4) find exercises you can do with your son as a game..leg lifts or whatever

    On a personal note, I'm sorry you're going thru a hard time. You know you have it in you to do this, you've already proven it. Take care.
  • xLexa
    xLexa Posts: 482 Member
    I agree with what rompers said, I also have a little one he is 17 months and we work out together at home to a dvd or if he doesnt cooperate i do it when he takes his nap. I find that if I do some exercise first thing in the morning it sets me up for a better day even if everything else seems to be going through a rough time, the exercise is something I have complete control over and makes me feel less lost. I am sorry you are having a tough time and hope things look up for you soon. You did this before and you can do it again. :)


    By exercise first thing as you work, there is a leslie sanson mile workout on her website. It takes about 15 minutes.
  • strivingfor130
    strivingfor130 Posts: 221 Member
    I hope that things are better for you now than they were previously. I understand a little where you are coming from with the weight gained because I had lost some and gained it back plus 30 more pounds and am at a higher weight than when I even started. It's really tough to get back into it, and I'm sure for you it's even harder because your family life has changed so much. My suggestion for some quick ways to get in exercise is to do squats or jumping jacks or some activity like that every time you use the restroom or do squats while brushing your teeth. ..something to get you moving a little bit. What kind of job do you have? Are you able to take walk on your lunch break or do take 5 minute breaks to do lunges, etc? I would also suggest just playing with your son especially on the weekends or whenever you guys have time. Running around the yard with him (if he is able to walk yet) or playing at the park. If you can, maybe wake up 15 minutes earlier than you normally do and squeeze in some exercise there and then a little bit more throughout the day. Remember you don't have to do it all at once..every minute counts! At least just until you have more time to get to the gym and stuff. These are just some ideas that may or may not work for you. I fully believe you can conquer your weight again, and you definitely have support here!
  • LadyRhodes01
    LadyRhodes01 Posts: 88 Member
    First and foremost breath, Sweetie. You are a beauty, who works full time and are a full time mother to a toddler. Huge accomplishment. Now that your son is walking, you can work out together. You can incorporate him in your workouts. Use him as your weights for leg and arm lifts. Take walks together as well. Even jump starting a diet plan can help as the beginning.
    There are also workout DVD's you can rent or purchase, and can use as a start, or as your work out regimen while your angel is sleeping. You have to get creative.
    Please don't be angry that the child care expense is not in your budget. Your child may be more well rounded and adjusted because of it. He has one of his parents with him at all times. You and your husband are doing the best you can at this time. Taking care of a child before and after work is difficult on both ends. I too, had an unexpected pregnancy and gained quite a bit of weight. Couldn't afford child care, me and my hubby worked opposite shifts. I had to be alittle patient with the circumstance until our daughter got a little older to incorporate a workout routine. I started on my off days, since workdays were to hectic. We can motivate eachother..add me.
  • clioandboy
    clioandboy Posts: 963 Member
    Been here with you a lot of that time and you are an inspiration. If anyone is going to find a solution it is you. If you say now is the time to sort this again.... god help anyone that gets in your way. Lose a bit then get chasing that young one around and playing with him, you can do this x
  • ggsmamma
    ggsmamma Posts: 117 Member
    I'm in a similar situation & for me, the only thing that has helped is simple acceptance of myself & my situation. I knew that I wasn't going to be able to pull time out of my butt. And since I've gotta sleep 5+ hours to function on my job, take care of my kid and work more than fulltime, I have just focused on reducing my calories (that I can control!) & I'll get to exercise when I can. Now, I steal time where I can -- I walk 2-3x a week, do a workout video on the weekends 1-2x a month, etc. But, I don't make all these lofty workout goals like I once did...I know that I'm a crazy busy professional mom & that is how it is for the foreseeable future. If I'm 15# heavier but I'm eating well and moving when I can, I count that as a success. Coincidently, I've lost 6# in the last month & I feel a lot less stressed.
  • Noonoo757
    Noonoo757 Posts: 280 Member
    wow my story almost verbatim. I lost all the weight as of October 2011 only to then find out 10 days later I was preganant. I then gained all the weight back plus an additional 20 pounds as I had a very difficult pregnancy. I work graveyards from 11pm to 7am and then I pick up my 7 week old son at 730am and have him all day long so I have to try an sleep when he sleeps and every time I try to workout in the living room baby wakes up or needs to be fed. My husband is deployed and I also have a 9 year old. Its very difficult I wont lie. Ive had to make a strict schedule im also blessed because I found a way to workout while at work since my job is so low key.

    Its hard mama but you gotta find some time to be able to rest and focus because if you dont your def going to crash. Just know your not alone an we all know what you are going through and will def be here to support you!
  • Pedal_Pusher
    Pedal_Pusher Posts: 1,166 Member
    Just know that your situation isn't permanent. Enjoy all the stages and phases of life's little dance.
  • jojospaghettio
    jojospaghettio Posts: 62 Member
    I've been there before with the depression and alternate work schedules. It is tough. I am proud of you for stepping up and deciding to make this work. Even if you can only alter your diet for now, that's a step in the right direction. Once you are ready to add something else, try a walk once a week when you are off work pushing your baby in the stroller. Kids love getting outdoors, and the vitamin D is good for depression too. If you can, find something you can do once a week for yourself...even if it is only an hour of reading/crafting/drawing/gardening/whatever. Lots of hugs for you honey, and I'm here to encourage you an anyway I can. You are definitely on the right track!
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