Fitbit HR, Weighted Vests, Nutrisystem, & due to birth a baby in a month
jmeyers300
Posts: 16 Member
Thinking about the above mentioned items to help me loose weight after our son Parker is born. I'm an unfortunate 324lbs and before pregnancy I was still an unfortunate 269lbs. I was ready for my weight loss journey before I got pregnant but I'm just glad my husband and i could conceive a baby. I'm due in a month and would appreciate any positive and negative advice on weighted vests since I haven't bought one yet but I'm thinking about it so I can walk with our son in a stroller around the neighborhood with it on and hopefully loose a little more weight then I would without it. I would like to buy the Fitbit charge HR because I think it would help me be more driven (I'm a little competitive) if I could connect with other people and know if I'm actually trying hard enough. Nutrisystem I'd like because then I might be able to see why I'm not loosing weight and help me with portion sized and what im suppose to be eating plus my husband can make whatever he wants while I eat an easy to make meal. I'd really like to loose 50-100lbs by next May when we will be going to Florida again. But I met my husband almost 4yrs ago in November at 175lbs (my husband is 165lbs & has stayed that way since high school 2009) and I'd like to get back there maybe not this upcoming year but before we have another child if we get lucky enough to have another (2-3yrs apart Is ideal for me) not just because I want to look hot again and have my confidence back but because I know I won't be able to get pregnant again and deal with this weight while I'm pregnant with a 2 or 3yr old trying to manage a farm and my own business that id like to have around that time too. Any advice is much appreciated and thank you for taking the time to read my small book. 
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Replies
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Nope to weighted vest ..yes to walking
I'd swap the Fitbit HR for a one or a zip..you don't need HR tracking unless working on recovery or interested in training zones...24 hour HR tracking is fundamentally flawed as a weight loss tool
Nutrisystem would be inadvisable if you are planning on breastfeeding ... Could you consider calorie tracking and eating real food in a wide nutritious diet but using a scale and logging accurately ...add 300-500 for BF to calorie allowance
You have one priority when your baby arrives and that is to bond and allow your body to recover ...do nothing until at least you've had medical clearance (6 week post-partum check)
Congrats
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Yes I plan on breast feeding but I'm going to supplement his breast milk with formula(1/2breast milk and 1/2 formula) since I need to go back on my ADD meds for a test that i need to pass since I can't retain new information very well without it and my meds aren't safe to breast feed with so I'm going to be freezing my milk for him to have while Im on my meds and until they get out of my system. But unfortunately no I will be too stressed out to physically make my meals even if my husband stays at home for a month since this test is literally going to make or break me aka we wont be able to afford to move into a house and the rental we live in now the lady wants to have us move out by April so I need to get my credit score up and a down payment somehow before then with a new born since my husband doesn't make anything. But I'm stock piled for our son on diapers, wipes and everything else he'd need at home. When I get stressed I can't remember anything to save my life. But I've been told walking is safe during the first 6 weeks and thats what I'll be doing not walking a mile or anything crazy like that for the first 4weeks but I was told nutrisystem is basically just prepackaged food that is suppose to be nutritional without taking a supplement plus the money back guarantee makes me think it might be worth while but idk for sure.
What's a one or a zip? Ibe never heard of them before but interested to know. I just like to know my heart rate since ive had heart problems in the past and don't want to go over a certain bpm or else I feel like I'm going to kill over. And i like the idea of how it keeps track of your steps and sleep since I'd like to know if I'm getting enough sleep. But I don't know anything about training zones.
Thank you for commenting. Im also thinking about getting a nutritionist too. I grew up in a house that really didn't teach me how to eat right. And my mom is 400lbs too while my step dad is 180lbs. I was always active in high scjool and then I moved out on my own and still was skinny because I couldn't afford to feed myself barley but my husband can eat anything and everything without gaining a pound and if I got a nutritionist maybe he wouldn't loose more weight since if he looses 20lbs he will look like a literal skeleton. I've tried eating smaller portions and made healthier choices but when I do that my husband looses weight even doing it for a week. And no I really don't have another reliable support system either.0 -
If you have heart problems you need a proper medical HR monitor ..speak to your doctor
A one and zip are fitbit pedometers
Walking is gentle and good for you, also for your baby ..you will surprised at how easy it is to walk a mile, it's really not far ...you will be walking 5 miles plus easily after a few weeks
You sound like you are cash strapped ...I wouldn't be spending a fortune on a fitness HR monitor
Nutrisystem is just a way to pre package your food and expensive, I understand how you might want that stress reduction and it is really a decision only you can make.
You don't need a nutritionist either ..not if its going to cost you money you don't have ....millions of free online resources for that ...eg http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Goodfood/Pages/the-eatwell-guide.aspx or
These are US resources that medics are given
Patient handout: https://health.gov/dietaryguidelines/2015/resources/DGA_Shift-to-Healthier-Choices.pdf
https://health.gov/dietaryguidelines/2015/resources/DGA_Conversation-Starters.pdf
And lots of recipe sites to make nice food like www.skinnytaste.com
I think you might be taking on too much all at once ....have your baby, do what you need to to get your life stable and yes start walking, try to eat a wide ranging diet ... When you are ready to start logging using a free resources like myfitnesspal or fatsecret
After a few months post partum I would buy
1) a digital food scale ...under $20
2) a basic pedometer ...under $10 or a Fitbit one or zip around $4015 -
When I had my son 5 1/2 months ago, weight loss was probably the last thing on my mind as I was so tired all the time and didn't want to cook anything. I personally wouldn't buy anything until after the baby is born and you have got yourself into a routine. I only really started thinking about my weight properly about 2 weeks ago and I'd say my eating is much better but exercise is difficult to fit in and some days I just really don't want to even though I know I really should.1
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I've said this before around here: Start slow postpartum. Really take a few weeks before you think about much physical activity.
Whether or not you give birth the old fashioned way or via c-section? Your body spends the last few weeks of pregnancy sending out hormones that loosen up the ligaments that hold the bones of your pelvis together. By delivery, they are literally not attached as tightly as they usually are.
I had a great pregnancy with my 2nd, I had a natural unmedicated birth and felt awesome. Not even any baby blues or hormone crash. I felt like a million bucks and it was gorgeous weather and I decided I felt up to walking at 2 weeks postpartum, and by the end of my 2 mile stroll (with break in the middle!) I could feel all the bones of my pelvis grinding against each other. It felt miserable and I didn't feel back to "good" for several days.
Take it easy. Start slow. Walk circles near home so you can get home if you realize you've pushed it too far too soon.6 -
At the dollar store here you can pick up inexpensive foil takeout containers. If I were you I'd make my own prepackaged meals and freeze them. A lot cheaper than nutrisystem. Stews, chili are inexpensive, nutritious and can be easily prepared in bulk.
Ditch the weighted vest idea. Your own natural weight already puts significant strain on your back and knees.8 -
I own and love weighted vests. However, I'm also in the low 150s. Seriously, save that thing for later. Your connective tissue and bones are under enough stress already.
What you could do though, if you really want to buy one, is use it to help you keep perspective as you lose weight. Once you've dropped 20 pounds, slap 20 pounds into the vest and wear it around for the day. Do the same at 40, etc.1 -
Weighted vests are great for people who are in good shape and already have a solid muscle base. I think you're profoundly overestimating the amount of time and energy you'll have for workouts while you're dealing with a new baby. Plan whatever you want now, but with the understanding that whatever you plan is more likely than not to go out the window. Adjust to taking care of this baby before you start worrying about losing weight for the next one.6
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@jmeyers300 All I will add is that my partner (like your hubby) can't really afford to lose weight (though his reason is crohn's). What I've done to ensure that he doesn't lose weight, while I do, is make normal meals and take smaller portions of certain things (like pasta and mashed potatoes) and use fresh or frozen veggies that I nuke in the microwave to fill my plate (half my plate is usually veggies or a simple spinach salad). He can't have most veggies due to his crohn's so it makes it pretty easy to make one serving for myself and let him load up on starches.
He's managed to mostly maintain his weight (except during flareups) while I've lost 43lbs.7 -
Start just logging your food with MFP now. Pay attention to calorie counts of various foods.
After your baby is born set MFP to lose 1-2 lbs a week and eat the calories you are given. Have a reasonable calorie deficit and lose weight. It is free and you can eat whatever food you like. Get enough protein. Fill your day with more vegetables and fruits. Don't go super low fat.
Walking is good exercise. You don't need a weighted vest or any devices.1 -
I can't add to the previous information. But if you are going to exercise pushing a stroller then don't don't get a wrist worn fitbit, they don't pick up steps accurately when you're holding on to something. Go for a clip on device like a zip or one, they clip onto the middle of your bra.2
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Christine_72 wrote: »I can't add to the previous information. But if you are going to exercise pushing a stroller then don't don't get a wrist worn fitbit, they don't pick up steps accurately when you're holding on to something. Go for a clip on device like a zip or one, they clip onto the middle of your bra.
Or just put the wrist one in your pocket3 -
I have not read through all the posts but I believe nutrisystem wants you to wait 6-12 months before starting if breastfeeding and they put you on a 1800 calorie plan.
Their frozen foods are really good but I got tired if them with a few week especially for dinner each night. They are expensive but you can reduce costs by using gift cards bought at Costco.1 -
Thank you everyone. Fortunately I do have a costco membership but unfortunately I can't physically afford to not be concerned about my weight but also can't physically afford to make my own dishes mainly because idk how and my husband broke our oven so we can't use it til it's fixed. I have had heart problems in the past but not recently and my mother has a lot of health problems because of her weight and yes I understand I'm under taking a lot and might be asking for too much all at once but I have no choice. My husband doesn't make anything barely and I get a certain amount of money a month because of my grandma that passed 3yrs ago so I haven't really had a job for more than 2-5months for the passed 3yrs. (1st 2 years I was depressed and it took me a year to pass two classes after being depressed now just need to pass this final test and I could make $5k a month at least and afford a down payment on a house in a year) I did not know that about nutrisystem so I think I will try the half veggie plate idea. And I will try those links about nutritional information too but I might still go to a nutritionist due to the fact that I need to be accountable/need to become more educated on how to eat for my body. But i will wait to do the weighted vest for 6 weeks and I'll stay close to home before then but still walk a block after two to three weeks. I can't stay in the house, and I can't sacrifice my body anymore other than breast feeding after hes born. I'm literally going crazy right now. My husband and I have been trying/not preventing for 2yrs but I am very independent and strong willed if I put my mind to something if I physically and mentally can do it myself I usually do it. I think I will think about getting just a hip pedometer.0
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For me, my first took the longest to recover from. I needed every single day of the 6 weeks and even for a couple of months after, it hurt to walk after more than half an hour or so. Be kind to yourself.
Also, if you're breastfeeding, you don't want to set up too deep of a deficit or you can end up with supply issues. I wouldnt advocate for setting your weight loss goal higher than 1 lb per week until you're finished nursing.
You'll get there. And honestly, it's a lot easier to fit this stuff in with one baby than it is when you have more. They sleep a lot until they're about six months old and even then you'll have 2-3 fairly regular naps to jam your non baby obligations into.
Also, do you have a crock pot? Crock pot literally saved my life after I had my second baby. I recovered within a week, I swear but I was so exhausted I had energy for nothing. If you don't have a crock pot, I HIGHLY recommend it. Then you can make things like stews, Chilis, even some casseroles. There are almost always leftovers and then you have a few easy meals in the fridge or freezer when you're in a pinch.
Best of luck!! Congratulations 3 -
You can use MFP and friends on here to keep yourself accountable. You don't need to pay someone for that. You don't need an oven or classes to make healthy food. Google healthy crock pot meal ideas. There are so many that you can prep and freeze. When you're ready to use them you just take them out of the freezer the night before and put them in the slow cooker before you leave for the day and boom you're done and you will have leftovers for lunch the next day.
I'd say since you know you will be beastfeeding to not try to lose more than half a pound a week. I understand being scared about your health and wanting to make some positive changes but honestly, taking on too much at once will make it harder than it needs to be. Make some small sustainable changes now, don't worry too much about making the pounds fall off. You will get there.0 -
Will your insurance cover a dietician (not a nutritionist)? If so I highly recommend it, since you need to learn nutrition and portion sizes.
Nutrisystem will give you portion sizes but is expensive and you will not learn proper nutrition. Plus with a history of heart concerns, breastfeeding and having so much to lose a registered dietician is probably the most helpful. He/she will help you set up a plan and have you track what you eat (when I was going, she recommended myfitnesspal).3 -
Oh and I haven't had a working oven for years. I mainly use a big skillet and a sauce pan. I did finally by a countertop oven but don't really use it that much.0
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jmeyers300 wrote: »Yes I plan on breast feeding but I'm going to supplement his breast milk with formula(1/2breast milk and 1/2 formula) since I need to go back on my ADD meds for a test that i need to pass since I can't retain new information very well without it and my meds aren't safe to breast feed with so I'm going to be freezing my milk for him to have while Im on my meds and until they get out of my system. But unfortunately no I will be too stressed out to physically make my meals even if my husband stays at home for a month since this test is literally going to make or break me aka we wont be able to afford to move into a house and the rental we live in now the lady wants to have us move out by April so I need to get my credit score up and a down payment somehow before then with a new born since my husband doesn't make anything. But I'm stock piled for our son on diapers, wipes and everything else he'd need at home. When I get stressed I can't remember anything to save my life. But I've been told walking is safe during the first 6 weeks and thats what I'll be doing not walking a mile or anything crazy like that for the first 4weeks but I was told nutrisystem is basically just prepackaged food that is suppose to be nutritional without taking a supplement plus the money back guarantee makes me think it might be worth while but idk for sure.
What's a one or a zip? Ibe never heard of them before but interested to know. I just like to know my heart rate since ive had heart problems in the past and don't want to go over a certain bpm or else I feel like I'm going to kill over. And i like the idea of how it keeps track of your steps and sleep since I'd like to know if I'm getting enough sleep. But I don't know anything about training zones.
Thank you for commenting. Im also thinking about getting a nutritionist too. I grew up in a house that really didn't teach me how to eat right. And my mom is 400lbs too while my step dad is 180lbs. I was always active in high scjool and then I moved out on my own and still was skinny because I couldn't afford to feed myself barley but my husband can eat anything and everything without gaining a pound and if I got a nutritionist maybe he wouldn't loose more weight since if he looses 20lbs he will look like a literal skeleton. I've tried eating smaller portions and made healthier choices but when I do that my husband looses weight even doing it for a week. And no I really don't have another reliable support system either.
I have heart problems. If you have heart problems, is ADD medication a good idea? Maybe you need to speak to a cardiologist and get on some beta blockers to help control your heart rate. I've suffered from arrythmias for years and I have an implantable loop recorder, been through a cardiac ablation and need to take beta blockers for the rest of my life.0 -
Plan meals now and start freezing! I was so exhausted with both kids I ate crap that was fast and easy instead of really being healthy. You can cut and freeze fruits now and put them out in the morning or night before in the fridge to eat. If it wasn't an easy open package or took a minute in the microwave I didn't do it. I would forget foods in the microwave sometimes. Fitbits helped me get moving but be careful because it won't always pick up stroller pushes.2
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Have you had your thyroid levels tested? I am asking because a symptom of thyroid issues is having trouble remembering things.0
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@B4Rachael
No I have not had them tested but I might consider doing that after pregnancy
@Colorscheme
My heart problem was fixed in 2010 when I had none invasive heart surgery and I have been to three check ups since then and all have tested that I'm fine but I did start my ADD meds after seeing my heart doctor. My next check up is in 2020 but I haven't had any problems since my surgery. I had extra pathways in my heart and they just froze/burned them off.
@tryett
Well my husband broke the oven and we rent so he needs to fix it so we can use it since it's a whole lot easier to make things in the oven then on the counter top sometimes. But yes I believe my insurance will over a dietitian didn't know there was much of a difference between the two but I'm going to set up an appointment with one for next week hopefully they will be able to help sustain my milk supply but also help me loose the weight I want in the amount of time I want to since my husband just recently decided he wants to go to the gym gain and get muscles which isn't that hard for him since he's skinny and can't gain a pound unless he wants to.
@arose1122
Unfortunately I do since I don't know how to properly portion size and unfortunately I have to take on all this stress or else I can't provide for my family since my husbands job is a joke, and my husband just recently decided he wants to gain muscles which will be easy for him since he's so skinny and can gain weight if he really wants to. We have a crock pot but idk how to use it compared to an oven and I can think of a lot healthier choices in an oven then I can a crock pot but either way my husband needs to fix the oven since he was the one to break it and we rent. I probably won't do the nutrisystem but I will most likely do the nutritionist / dietitian because of the fact I don't know how to portion size and I want to loose more than a half a pound a week since I have literally 100lbs+ to meet my ultimate goal. .I'm so frustrated with myself and I will be doing half breast milk and half formula anyways and our son won't be drinking from the tap just the bottle.
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Instead of a weighted vest, how about getting a baby wearer (some are like slings, some are like reverse backpacks)? Baby is the best snuggliest "weight" to carry.3
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jmeyers300 wrote: »@B4Rachael
No I have not had them tested but I might consider doing that after pregnancy
@Colorscheme
My heart problem was fixed in 2010 when I had none invasive heart surgery and I have been to three check ups since then and all have tested that I'm fine but I did start my ADD meds after seeing my heart doctor. My next check up is in 2020 but I haven't had any problems since my surgery. I had extra pathways in my heart and they just froze/burned them off.
@tryett
Well my husband broke the oven and we rent so he needs to fix it so we can use it since it's a whole lot easier to make things in the oven then on the counter top sometimes. But yes I believe my insurance will over a dietitian didn't know there was much of a difference between the two but I'm going to set up an appointment with one for next week hopefully they will be able to help sustain my milk supply but also help me loose the weight I want in the amount of time I want to since my husband just recently decided he wants to go to the gym gain and get muscles which isn't that hard for him since he's skinny and can't gain a pound unless he wants to.
@arose1122
Unfortunately I do since I don't know how to properly portion size and unfortunately I have to take on all this stress or else I can't provide for my family since my husbands job is a joke, and my husband just recently decided he wants to gain muscles which will be easy for him since he's so skinny and can gain weight if he really wants to. We have a crock pot but idk how to use it compared to an oven and I can think of a lot healthier choices in an oven then I can a crock pot but either way my husband needs to fix the oven since he was the one to break it and we rent. I probably won't do the nutrisystem but I will most likely do the nutritionist / dietitian because of the fact I don't know how to portion size and I want to loose more than a half a pound a week since I have literally 100lbs+ to meet my ultimate goal. .I'm so frustrated with myself and I will be doing half breast milk and half formula anyways and our son won't be drinking from the tap just the bottle.
Ok... I'm just going to lay it out there. I'm not trying to hurt your feelings at all, I just think you need to hear it. STOP MAKING EXCUSES! You know how you'll learn portion sizes? By doing it. That is how all of us learned it. You obviously have a way to get onto the internet. There are libraries full of books. You don't need to pay someone for this information. You can use MFP to make recipes and divide the servings... seriously if you want help figuring it out then message me. This is how I do it and I have lost just over 100 pounds so far. And if you Google crockpot recipes like I suggested, they will tell you exactly what to do. Many of the ones I use you just dump the ingredients in and cook for a set amount of hours at a set temp. You are making it way too complicated. I think, and I think this because I used to do it too, you are making excuses for why it can't work so you don't have to do the hard work of MAKING IT WORK and if you fail then "see I knew I couldn't do it". Stop. Just stop. You have to let all the BS "reasons" it won't work go and DO IT.8 -
I second what @arose1122 says.
Your husbands job is a joke - and you cannot afford to buy anything but he now wants to join a gym to build muscles? Sorry - you have other MORE IMPORTANT priorities...
Fix the oven if you are so bent on using it. And STOP saying that you CANT cook - as arose above said - you have access to the internet. Go to www.allrecipes.com type in what meal you want (chicken or beef or whatever you want to make) search what pops up and follow the instructions. Look - YOU made a meal!
You have a crockpot - Google crockpot recipes - there are THOUSANDS... you can even take a Sunday Afternoon - PRE prepare the meals for the week/month whatever - FREEZE them - and then each morning, dump the freezer bag contents into your crock pot and turn it on... DONE.
Food scales are 10-15$. Invest in one. Weight ALL your food solids - log them on here.
If you don't already have them - get some measuring cups/spoons. use them to measure ALL your liquids - log those on here.
Now you are doing portion control!
You CAN do it... stop degrading yourself and making excuses. If you WANT this... go GET this.
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You rent but your husband has to fix the oven? Where do you live because that does not compute. Your landlord should have a maintenance person on staff that fixes those types of things.
Crock pot meals are the easiest thing in the world. You don't have to chop any more than any oven recipes and if you pre-prep your ingredients as suggested above, you literally just dump the stuff, turn on the crock pot, and go.
You've just gotta decide to do it. If you have a million reasons in your head why you can't, then you won't.2 -
First & foremost I suggest focusing on reasonable portion sizes. This is something you can start learning now, and will benefit you for a lifetime. Counting calories now and in the first few months after your child is born may not be in your best interests. Certainly talk to your doctor and get a referral to a dietician if possible.
Activity both now and right after the baby is born, also defer to what your doctor recommends. And then increase when you're safely cleared to do so.
I have worn a Fitbit One (not a wrist-style) for more than 2.5 years and its a great way to measure daily activity. The challenges are fun too.0 -
Just read about your breastfeeding plan.
I successfully breast fed and pumped/milk storage for my three. My personal tips for good supply:
Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of juice/milk/water.
Work with a lactation consultant - one will probably visit you shortly after your baby is born
Start pumping early, around 2-3 weeks. You'll probably alternate, feeding on the left then right etc. Pump a few minutes on the opposite breast to the one just nursed with. Baby gets his first, and the side you pump will refill to feed again in a couple hours. AND this is like training your body to think you're feeding twins, which will increase supply as the body works on supply & demand for breastmilk making.
I started pumping early, more because I'd be going back to work and wanted to build up a stash, and it had the accidental (for me) benefit of really boosting my supply. I ended up freezing my milk, and donated extra to a milk bank in TX that used the milk for preemies and at risk babies. (I was screened.) This was 15-18 years ago, not sure if they still have milk banks in the US.0 -
Nurtrisystem is ridiculously expensive. If you're already broke then stop saying you can't and learn how to cook and portion. Google "simple recipies" and start from there.
Portioning is easy, buy a digital food scale, and weigh your foods.
Start small, weight-loss doesn't have to be as overwhelmingly stressful as you seem to want to make it. And stop focusing on losing weight fast, that's a recipe for disaster.2 -
Some awesome "tough love" here - I hope the OP is seeing it1
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