[AJsMa]

I've been lurking for a while and decided it was time to finally "speak up." I was a fairly diligent calorie counter last year. Then, I got all pregnant! Well, here I am with a six month old sweetie (Amanda) and a three year monkey boy (AJ). And, I have like 60 to 80 pounds on my behind!

A little history: I've fought my weight all my life. I currently weight 220 pounds. I weighed 190 or so when I got pregnant then put on 45 pounds. Right after the baby I actually weighed 207 pounds. Then, I put on 13 or so pounds. Who puts on weight AFTER tehy have the baby ???

Now, my body hurts all the time and I feel lousy all the time. My left hip has been hurting ALOT since the baby. I have sharp pains in the hip off and on all day. And, my left arm and shoulder are bothering me ALOT. I'm sure it has nothing to do with packing around 16 pounds worth of twinkie! Seriously, it really bothers me. My flexibility is the pits. I'm tired all the time (The baby does generally wake up once a night. But, I can't blame this on her.) My clothes are all tight (my size 22 clothes, that is). I'm fed up.

I know who is responsible for my condition - - ME. So, I know I need to take responsibility for doing something about it. I finally got around to moving the elliptical machine out of the baby's room into the sun room. Exercise is always so very important to me staying healthy (I did aerobics for 7 months during my first pregnancy - - when there was time). I am committing to do 20 minutes at least four days a week (after Miss Twinkie goes to sleep). I'm trying to be more diligent with my food choices and writing down my food consumption. I will keep my food intake to about 1600 calories per day.

At any rate, I wanted to drop in, say hi and look for a little friendly support. I feel completely overwhelmed with the amount of weight I need to lose and I'm not sure I can actually do it. But, I will do my best.

[bargoo]

Welcome and congratulations on taking the first step.

[lumifan4ever]

You can do it. Just have faith and plan!! And who gains weight "after" the baby is born?? I did. I gained about another 15 pounds after my 2nd child was born. I never got diagnosed by the doctor, but i think i had post-partum depression. I would hide Little Debbie Swiss Rolls in the fridge and after my hubby went off to work, i'd have one. or two packages a day. I stayed at home for almost a year and put on the weight. I would beg my hubby to take me to walmart just so i could see real people. (we only had one car at the time).

I then got pregnant with my 3rd child. I didn't gain but 10 pounds with her (I was on pain killers the whole time because i had a kidney stone, and therefore i never had any appetite). But after she was born and i got rid of the kidney stone, ohhhhhh...look out food. momma had an appetite. I must have put on another 15 pounds or so. I went from 150 to 196 with the birth of my last two kids. now, i have successfully lost 34 pounds and only 32 more to go. you can do it too!!

[wateraddict]

welcome! you can do it!!

[chick_in_the_hat]

You can do it! Think about it 10 pounds at a time if it makes it less overwhelming.