Losing weight before trying to get pregnant

Options
I have been a serial dieter for most of my life. I even had a lap band, lost a ton of weight and over the course of 7 years I have gained it all back. In the past, my desire to lose weight has always been to look good and to be healthy. Now I have an added reason. I went to the dr to discuss pregnancy planning and she recommended I lose quite a bit of weight before we even think of having a baby. I've heard so many different opinions on what I need to do...most being that I should just go ahead and get pregnant b/c I am going to weight anyway. Here's the issue - My husband and I are both ready to have a baby now. I'm 32 years old, so I'm not young. The only thing standing in the way of us starting a family is my weight. The dr recommended I lose 60 lbs. It just feels like it's so far away and it honesly depresses me to think that I have to wait so long before we can start trying to have a baby.

So having said all of that, I'm still planning on losing weight before we begin to begin trying. Just so that I can have realistic expectations, about how long would it take to lose that kind of weight tracking calories and exercising 3-5 times per week? Is the 2 lbs per week a realistic number? Any other feedback or encouragement anyone could provide me would be extremely helpful.

Replies

  • gojodster
    gojodster Posts: 38 Member
    Options
    We sound so similar its scary. My Doctor did the same thing with me. that is my motivation and it is hard to wait. Im 30 and Dyeing to have a baby. I did speak with a Nutritionist/Weightless specialist (He was trying to sell me his product which I just couldn't afford $800 right now) he said that I could realistically working out 3-5 times a week (cardio and weights) I could loose 75lbs in 9 months which is 1.92lbs per week so yes I think 2lbs a week is realistic. Honestly I hope it happens sooner but Im determined to loose this weight and have a fit pregnancy. I would love to be your friend and go through it together if you are interested, Its nice knowing someone else is doing it for the same reasons.

    BTW I am doing the Chalean Extreme program and just finished my 4th week. its 3 days weights, 2 cardio, and 2 Rest days a week (I still walk on these days) I gained some muscle and she said I wouldn't loose as much in the first month but I have lost 9lbs so far (weigh in tomorrow, might be more) I love this program cause it only takes 32-48 mins a day and I do it first thing in the morning with free weights or you can use bands. I highly recommend it (I wasn't getting anywhere just dieting)
  • MysteriousMerlin
    MysteriousMerlin Posts: 2,270 Member
    Options
    Think of it this way, lose the weight for the baby. You want your baby to be as healthy as possible. If it means you should lose weight, then start now. You're still young enough to give yourself and your child the time to do it.

    I sympathize, I honestly do. We've been trying for 5 years now, and I did manage to lose 50lbs, but when the first year passed and I wasn't pregnant, and the 2nd and 3rd year also passed, still no baby, and now it's almost the 5 year mark, I lost my motivation. I'm now 36, diabetic, hypertensive, and put back on nearly 40 of the 50 I had lost. I'm not even able to use clomid or anything else yet. I'm trying to lose 25-30lbs before February just to be able to go on it (dr recommendation).
  • LilCrissieBug
    Options
    Bump
  • fitkate80
    fitkate80 Posts: 38 Member
    Options
    I feel your pain!! I have about 20-30 lbs to lose. But I really want a Baby now!!! (I had a miscarrai w/ 2nd preg. 4 mos ago). Even though it is so hard to wait, set a realistic goal for you and try your best! It'll help you to have a healthier pregnancy. I was on bed rest 4.5 wks from high bp. It sounds relaxing but it is sooo uncomfortable laying in bed for 4.5 weeks on your left side. And I couldn't even do anything but sleep/watch tv bc I had to be flat! Good luck ladies! I recommend trying your best before getting preg. as rewarding as kids are, you'll barely have time for yourself with a baby which makes losing even harder!
  • L2HS
    L2HS Posts: 137 Member
    Options
    Oh my! Do we have the same doctor?! I'm 30 and I have PCOS. My doctor told me to lose 65 pounds before coming back for family planning. I think she was trying to be kind because that still leaves me in the obese category. My doctor also recommended surgery for weight loss as time isn't on my side. I decided to give myself until my birthday (February) to lose the weight using sheer determination and sweat. That means that I have to lose an average of 2 pounds a week to reach my short term goal of 65 pounds. So far, I'm right on track. We've decided that we'll start trying at the 65 pound loss but I'll aim to lose 20 more as we try. I'm scared for the holidays but I want a baby more than anything. Even more than looking good for my wedding as I've lost more weight in the last few months than I did for our wedding. So 2 pounds is doable with a healthy diet and exercise. Add me and we'll do this together!!!