Postpartum Weight Loss: Safe Timeline & Calorie Recommendations - Doctor's Advice

Question
Hello Doctor,
I am a registered dietitian also on the allexperts site.  I am doing a little research for a company and wanted to get a doctor's point of view.  Could you answer two questions for me:
1.  When do you give your patients the "green light" to start a weight loss program after delivery.  (How many weeks are safe after delivery to start?)  That would go for nursing AND non-nursing moms.

2.  Do you give your patients a minimum amount of calories that they should NOT go below when trying to lose weight after delivery?  (again for nursing and non-nursing moms).

Thanks so much for your input!
Kim Tessmer, RD LD
www.Nutrifocus.net

Answer
The body is usually back to its normal (pre-pregnancy) state at 6 weeks post partum. Usually, at the post partum visit (6 weeks after the delivery) we discuss exercise and weight loss programs. There are no restrictions as to the number of calories taken in a diet, and they can start a program at any time after the post partum visit. They, also, can return to all their normal activities.