Postpartum Weight Loss Challenges After C-Section & Tubal Ligation

Question
I thought this went better to someone who knows about how pregnancies and corresponding surgeries affect the body than just fitness.

I'm 27, 5'7 and have been stuck at 150 lb (the top of my suggested normal weight range) since having our 2nd child in Oct 2004. My normal weight is 130-135 pounds and after the 1st child which was a normal vaginal delivery I lost back to 135 with no problem. Since this 2nd baby (whose now 2 1/2) I can't lose the weight and its made me miserable. I eat around 1500-2000 calories a day and any less I can't keep up with my busy days.

I don't think it's possible for us to eat any healthier and I do lots of exercise on top of my already busy daily schedule of child care, house work and being a full time college student. I'm prior military and used to being very lean but nothing works now. Why?

I've asked about this at the clinic on base and unless I'm very overweight or underweight they don't feel my thyroid needs to be checked or that my weight is a problem because I'm at the normal weight for my height. Yeah for them, not for me.

Answer
Dear Lianne,

Oh boy - do I know your pain...

I know you are frustrated, but this is really a natural feeling. Somehow, many women feel that if they have not lost all the pregnancy weight by 1 year after delivery, something is wrong with them, they are not normal, or they have failed in some way. Actually, the truth is that weight loss after pregnancy can take a very long time, sometimes a few years, without signifying that something is wrong. Gradual weight loss is the norm, not the exception, and the rate of weight loss depends on several factors, such as whether there were complications with the pregnancy or delivery, such as what you describe.

Just keep it up. Try having more 1500 calorie days than 2000 calorie days. If you walk 30 minutes, try adding 5 more each day. If you do 30 sit-ups, try doing 40. Baby steps, over time, WILL make a difference. Our metabolism slows a little as we age, so the little differences may be necessary to get the results you want. And if you only ever get to 140 or 144 - then look at that 2nd baby when you get discouraged and keep repeating, "You were worth every pound!"  :-)  That's what helped me when my grandma gave me the same advice many years ago.

I hope this has helped a bit and answered your question. I wish you well.

Brenda