TTC & Overweight

Cass005 · January 2014

Hello All,
I'm new here and I thought I'd reach out to see if anyone has experience with trying to conceive while overweight. Right now I'm at 230, my doctor (who i'm actually changing soon) says I should try to get to 200. Of course being at a healthy weight would be better. Lately I've been watching what I eat, trying to get some exercise in.

I guess I'm just concerned that I won't get the weight off. I am horrible at dieting, and even thought I want to be healthy and am trying to be. I'm jsut nervouse because I know how I am and I don't want to negatively effect my chances or even effect my baby.

Thanks All!

KrissyLeighN · January 2014

Cass005 said:

Hello All,
I'm new here and I thought I'd reach out to see if anyone has experience with trying to conceive while overweight. Right now I'm at 230, my doctor (who i'm actually changing soon) says I should try to get to 200. Of course being at a healthy weight would be better. Lately I've been watching what I eat, trying to get some exercise in.

I guess I'm just concerned that I won't get the weight off. I am horrible at dieting, and even thought I want to be healthy and am trying to be. I'm jsut nervouse because I know how I am and I don't want to negatively effect my chances or even effect my baby.

Thanks All!

Hi there, I really have very little knowledge on this subject - I know some limited stuff on being underweight, but hopefully someone else has some good info for you.

But just in general, good luck on TTC and on your journey. Why don't you try with just one small goal, sometimes when we start with one small thing and see that success it encourages us to make another change. For example, if you drink soda, try cutting that one thing out - or alternatively just replace one cup/can per day with a healthier choice. Do that for say a month and once you've mastered that, then acknowledge your success and add to it. Same with exercise. Give yourself credit for small wins. Do you watch tv? Do jumping jacks (or sit ups, or march in place) during the commercials during just one show. Do this every day. And then when you've been successful, acknowledge your victory and increase it.

There's also a daily food/exercise check in on TTGP that you can participate in.

I'm not an expert, I'm just trying to offer some encouragement and help. Good luck again!

Cass005 · January 2014

Thanks Krissy! You make a good point on the small goals small goals I think are easier. Right now I'm working on no coffee/soda during the week while trying to stay away from sugary things. I've started walking about a mile at work on my lunch. My schedule isn't gym time friendly so my lunch break provides a good chance to get some movement in.

It’s going to take some time and effort. I do tend to get impatient but I keep reminding myself of this hard work and why it’s so necessary to keep my focused.

Thanks for your input!

1and1is3 · January 2014

I second the start small and add to it. Also, to stop thinking of it as a diet but rather a life style change.
Don't get discouraged if it doesn't come off right away. For me, I have to give myself goals (like eating enough vegetables, drinking enough water etc.) and not weigh myself everyday or even every week in order to lose weight. If I weigh myself too often I get discouraged and give up and start binge eating again.

divinemsbee · January 2014

Hi, I'm another overweight girl here, and I'll try to help. First of all, did your doctor give you any medical reasons why your weight needs to be addressed? Not that losing weight or getting healthy is bad, but are you dealing with high blood pressure/cholesterol/pre-diabetes/thyroid issues/hormonal issues? Has your doctor done an A1c to check your blood sugar over time? Are you monitoring your ovulation in any way/if you are, are you ovulating regularly? Are your cycles tending to be 'normal' overall? I ask all of these questions because, especially as an overweight woman, you really have to be your own advocate in health matters because so many doctors just want to prescribe that if you lose weight everything will be fine. And that's not always the case. Or sometimes your weight issues can stem from another health issue which can make losing weight more difficult. When I went to talk to my doctor about starting infertility testing, and I mentioned my weight, her response was that I am healthy and my reproductive health is good. My losing weight was not mentioned as a contributing factor, for me, but remember that every woman's body is different. Again, I think getting healthy is great, and I've been working over the past year to make better choices and have made some slow and steady progress. Can your doctor give you a referral to a nutritionist or a physical therapy person? That can be really helpful. What's your activity level like? I don't enjoy most exercise in a gym, but I love physical stuff like walking/jogging with my dogs or gardening. Every little bit helps. I know it seems like a lot, and especially since you've decided to TTC, I know how it feels to want to get the show on the road. Try to make the positive changes, and look for feeling better, not necessarily the number on a scale.

missnacholover · January 2014

Hi there. I'm in the same boat as you. I've been trying to make little changes (more veggies with meals, less processed stuff, fruits for snacks, etc.) I'm not focusing so much on the scale because I lose weight super slow and if I focus on that, I get pissed and quit. I'm trying to just remind myself that I'm feeling better and this is the way I should be eating to be healthy for the long haul.

Also, FWIW, I had a pre-conception appointment due to an existing medical condition and being high risk and my OB didn't seem overly concerned with my weight. She said she wouldn't want me to use pregnancy as an excuse to gain excessive amounts of weight but when I asked about holding off on TTC before losing she said not to. She said just do my best to get healthier while TTC but don't put off any plans.

Good luck!

KrissyLeighN · January 2014

You're welcome. And to @whocanitbenow point, it's definitely not a "diet".

Focus on acknowledging and understanding that eating well is a lifestyle. And it's a rewarding lifestyle - every time you make a healthy decision you are giving yourself the gift of a lifetime of good health. When you go for the bag of chips, soda, candy, whatever (which I do too!, oh yeah, I have my moments) ask yourself, "what's my reward here?". Hint: the answer is a good taste in your mouth, that's it, that's where the reward ends.

When you're grocery shopping, the majority (think 80-90%) of your food should be coming from the aisles on the outside (fresh produce, meats, dairy) - it's a really easy way to shortcut your grocery shopping and not get sidetracked.

GoaliesWife123 · January 2014

@Whocanitbenow is so right on every point. Diets don't work. You have to make a lifestyle change.

I am in the same boat as you. I would like to be as healthy as possible when I conceive, and I would also like to continue this way for the rest of my life. I started eating more whole foods, less processed garbage and less sugar. I'm not a soda drinker, but I love carbs. I know that cutting out macronutrients is not always the answer, but in my case (PCOS) severely limiting my carbs is what has made a huge difference. This will all depend on what your health is.

As for working out, you have to start small. If you start small, you can reach your goals. If you start with a plan to hit the gym 6 days a week, you are setting yourself up for failure. I started with a 30 minute yoga program at home and added in a stationary bike for an hour. Find what you love: walking, biking, etc. and you will keep it up.

I don't know what your style is, but I love Jillian Michaels. I know that some people don't care for her training style, BUT, her free podcasts on itunes are absolutely wonderful. She is caring, compassionate and frankly, she knows what she is talking about. Try listening to some of these and see if you get anything out of them.

I wish you the best of luck and if you need someone to talk to, feel free to PM me!

KrissyLeighN · January 2014

Everybody put away the scales! Unless you are training for some sport where you have to weigh in, owning a scale is not necessary. Just my opinion, but often we get too concerned with a number on a scale. In fact, you can actually "gain weight" when your body converts fat to muscle (muscle weighs more than fat) which is accomplished through exercise. So yes, exercise can make the number go up. Imagine how defeating that is if you're gauging your success by the scale.

Try tracking other goals - were you able to run an extra five minutes today? do you feel more energized/less tired than a month ago? are you happier? has your blood pressure decreased since your last doctor's visit?

Emerald27 · January 2014

booklover811 said:

WhoCanItBeNow said:

booklover811 said:

irishtheatrechic said:

OP I am in the same boat as you. However I can echo what @KrissyLeighN said. I lost 45 lbs that way. I drink a lot of Diet Coke (really, I'm obsessed) so I only drink it at work now. Not at home, in the car or when out to eat.

I also get up and walk (briskly) around during the commercials of my nighttime shows, which had an added bonus of keeping my house clean since I was straightening up while walking. The little things will add up I promise.

Another thing I did was I always eat a salad or vegetable before eating whatever protein I made. Then I eat that before any starch. It sound weird but I found I eat significantly less of the "bad" stuff that I use to.

Don't get discouraged and don't forget we are here for support. I think (I'd have to double check to be sure) there is a daily check in for healthy eating and exercise. If not I'll start one!

Good Luck!!

I always thought this was for overall healthy eating and exercise. Can we start a daily trying to lose weight and ttc thread?

There's no reason those can't be in the same thread.

I would prefer to start a new thread if it's okay with everyone. I think everyone in the thread having the same goal (losing weight and not just being healthier in general) would be more motivational and supportive for me. But that may be just my opinion.

-----------------------

There used to be a weight loss checkin, but they can be unhelpful triggers for women here who have suffered with eating disorders, so we stopped that thread. IMO, the daily getting healthy/exercise/etc. check in is enough.

ETA: @slappalicious beat me to it. Echo echo echo

GoaliesWife123 · January 2014

KrissyLeighN said:

Everybody put away the scales! Unless you are training for some sport where you have to weigh in, owning a scale is not necessary. Just my opinion, but often we get too concerned with a number on a scale. In fact, you can actually "gain weight" when your body converts fat to muscle (muscle weighs more than fat) which is accomplished through exercise. So yes, exercise can make the number go up. Imagine how defeating that is if you're gauging your success by the scale.

Try tracking other goals - were you able to run an extra five minutes today? do you feel more energized/less tired than a month ago? are you happier? has your blood pressure decreased since your last doctor's visit?

I completely agree that you should not own a scale. However, fat doesn't turn into muscle. You burn fat and build muscle.

KrissyLeighN · January 2014

GoaliesWife123 said:

KrissyLeighN said:

Everybody put away the scales! Unless you are training for some sport where you have to weigh in, owning a scale is not necessary. Just my opinion, but often we get too concerned with a number on a scale. In fact, you can actually "gain weight" when your body converts fat to muscle (muscle weighs more than fat) which is accomplished through exercise. So yes, exercise can make the number go up. Imagine how defeating that is if you're gauging your success by the scale.

Try tracking other goals - were you able to run an extra five minutes today? do you feel more energized/less tired than a month ago? are you happier? has your blood pressure decreased since your last doctor's visit?
I completely agree that you should not own a scale. However, fat doesn't turn into muscle. You burn fat and build muscle.

:::checks the job thread:::: is you a scientist? ;-) I admittedly am not... but I know that exercise reduces fat, and exercise increases muscle, and muscle weighs more than fat. The actual process of how this is all accomplished I do not proclaim to know.

GoaliesWife123 · January 2014

KrissyLeighN said:

GoaliesWife123 said:

KrissyLeighN said:

Everybody put away the scales! Unless you are training for some sport where you have to weigh in, owning a scale is not necessary. Just my opinion, but often we get too concerned with a number on a scale. In fact, you can actually "gain weight" when your body converts fat to muscle (muscle weighs more than fat) which is accomplished through exercise. So yes, exercise can make the number go up. Imagine how defeating that is if you're gauging your success by the scale.

Try tracking other goals - were you able to run an extra five minutes today? do you feel more energized/less tired than a month ago? are you happier? has your blood pressure decreased since your last doctor's visit?
I completely agree that you should not own a scale. However, fat doesn't turn into muscle. You burn fat and build muscle.

:::checks the job thread:::: is you a scientist? ;-) I admittedly am not... but I know that exercise reduces fat, and exercise increases muscle, and muscle weighs more than fat. The actual process of how this is all accomplished I do not proclaim to know.

I was simply clarifying a common myth. If fat turned into muscle, how would you look if you once were 400 lbs if all your fat turned into muscle? You burn fat. You build muscle. Also, a pound is a pound. 1 lb of muscle weighs the same as 1 lb of fat, but muscle takes up less room than fat.

KrissyLeighN · January 2014

GoaliesWife123 said:

KrissyLeighN said:

GoaliesWife123 said:

KrissyLeighN said:

Everybody put away the scales! Unless you are training for some sport where you have to weigh in, owning a scale is not necessary. Just my opinion, but often we get too concerned with a number on a scale. In fact, you can actually "gain weight" when your body converts fat to muscle (muscle weighs more than fat) which is accomplished through exercise. So yes, exercise can make the number go up. Imagine how defeating that is if you're gauging your success by the scale.

Try tracking other goals - were you able to run an extra five minutes today? do you feel more energized/less tired than a month ago? are you happier? has your blood pressure decreased since your last doctor's visit?
I completely agree that you should not own a scale. However, fat doesn't turn into muscle. You burn fat and build muscle.

:::checks the job thread:::: is you a scientist? ;-) I admittedly am not... but I know that exercise reduces fat, and exercise increases muscle, and muscle weighs more than fat. The actual process of how this is all accomplished I do not proclaim to know.
I was simply clarifying a common myth. If fat turned into muscle, how would you look if you once were 400 lbs if all your fat turned into muscle? You burn fat. You build muscle. Also, a pound is a pound. 1 lb of muscle weighs the same as 1 lb of fat, but muscle takes up less room than fat.

I would look hot don't worry about it ;-

KrissyLeighN · January 2014

@goalieswife123 and @whocanitbenow Ok so now I have a question.. for example when I run - am I burning fat AND building muscle at the same time ? So the fat is not turning into muscle at that point? I genuinely have no idea about the science behind it.

GoaliesWife123 · January 2014

KrissyLeighN said:

@goalieswife123 and @whocanitbenow Ok so now I have a question.. for example when I run - am I burning fat AND building muscle at the same time ? So the fat is not turning into muscle at that point? I genuinely have no idea about the science behind it.

Correct. You are burning fat and you are building new muscle. You are just not converting fat into muscle. People who starve themselves are creating enough of a calorie deficit to burn fat, but are likely not creating muscle. This is why some people who are thin can look so unhealthy. I've dealt with eating disorders in the past and just severely restricted calories. Sure, I lost some weight, but I looked terrible and never kept it off.

Running is an awesome way to burn fat and build muscle. Just think about it this way: fat stores itself in random places. Muscle is going to go where it should be. For example, I hold most of my weight (thanks to pcos) in my midsection. When I work out and eat right, the first thing I notice is that my stomach gets less "bloated" looking, yet my legs turn into strong tree trunks. Burning fat from the belly and building muscle in my legs.

nikiz628 · January 2014

I'm really glad i opened this thread! Lots of great info! Thank you ladies!

I am a carb junkie, so I love the tip from PP about eating the veggies and protein first, then the starchy stuff. Genius.

@whocanitbenow, thanks for that link! I have been shorting myself almost 300-400 calories a day, according to the calculator! Plateau explained!

Belou52579 · January 2014

Just one small thing that helped me: drinking water like it was my medicine. I had to look at 80-100 ounces as if it were as essential as my thyroid or heart medication.

Which reminds me to start taking my own advise again.

Clarabelle10 · January 2014

Everybody has great advice here. The only thing I would add is finding some form of exercising that you really enjoy doing rather than feel forced to do. I have had a lot more success with this than forcing myself to the gym. It's also great to have an accountability partner in some shape of form whether a workout buddy or even your dog.

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