SurvivingInfidelity.com^®

I apologize if I've posted about this here - I can't remember. I'm just so frustrated.

Maybe I'm just not trying hard enough. During the course of my two unsuccessful pregnancies since December, I gained some weight, maybe ten pounds? Since I lost the second one, which was in May, I've been working out consistently (at least three times per week, usually more like 4-5). The duration isn't ideal - usually I only get about 40 minutes since I work out at work and my lunch break is only an hour - and I have to shower and get back to my desk. And I know I could eat better - I'm not tracking my calories but I have made an effort to cut down on sweets, eat more fruits/veggies, no fast food b/c I am always working out at lunch anyway so I pack my lunch.

I've been working through the couch-to-5K program. I also try to work in weights whenever I can. On days that I don't run I do something like the 30-day-shred or I'll walk on the treadmill on a high incline.

All things considered, I would understand if I weren't LOSING weight, since I'm not tracking, but it's still creeping UP. I don't get it. I've been working out for 2.5 months and my weight is going UP. Meanwhile my husband starts working out and loses ten pounds in two weeks. Not even kidding.

I wasn't gaining weight during my last pregnancy even though I was on prometrium and couldn't exercise (wasn't on bedrest but was told to do as little as possible). Given that I'm eating better and moving more - shouldn't I be losing at least a little?

What gives? Am I just not trying hard enough? Do I NEED to track calories? It makes me exceedingly miserable.

Is it possible that my hormones are still out of whack? I was taking progesterone during my last pregnancy. I have an appointment for a physical on July 30 and I'm going to ask my doctor's advice (my young, slender, fit, handsome doctor). I'm sure he'll totally understand what I'm going through. That's probably not giving him enough credit - he's great - but I'm just so frustrated.

[This message edited by JanaGreen at 9:23 AM, July 15th (Tuesday)]

How are the inches? I ask this because you said you've added some weights. You could be building muscle while burning fat and still adding weight, but it is a good weight and you might see some change in your measurements. I can't remember but I thought bicep, chest, waist, hips, and thighs were the ones to track.

I haven't been tracking inches, but my clothes aren't really fitting better - my stomach's getting a little better but otherwise that's it. My cardio endurance is much better and I FEEL great. Just don't look it.

Hi Jana! I have a little experience here and can relate. I'll throw a couple of things your way and I hope it helps

First, how are you sleeping? Not getting enough can cause weight gain. I recommend getting a Fitbit Flex. They monitor your sleep. Yes, you may sleep but it might be broken or just not rested sleep.

Second, are you stressed? Stress causes cortisol to be released and it makes you gain no matter how much you workout or eat right.

Last, what about thyroid issues? My mother was a very petite woman and was alway underweight. She had issues with her thyroid and gained 100lbs. She got it under control and is tiny again.

I had a miscarriage and gained after losing my angel. People who didn't know I miscarried kept touching my belly telling me how cute it was. This was 2 months AFTER I miscarried. I was always extremely petite and small but my stomach, face, and boobs got way bigger after. You can always PM me and I'll talk to you about it. I was depressed and not sleeping well so I was gaining weight. I was at the gym every day, jogging, eating perfectly clean and gaining all this weight. I was put on AD and I started losing weight about 7 weeks later. I blamed the stress and lack of good sleep.

I hope this helps you out! I know it's easier said than done but try not to stress too much about it. If you want, I have some great references for some fitness women that are online. One is a mother and the other one works out strictly at home. Millions swear by both

Thanks AgainandAgain - I am actually not sleeping enough. I know that is definitely the case. A lot of it is self-induced (staying up too late), some of it is child-induced and cat-who-wanders-the-house-all-night-yowling induced.

I wouldn't say I'm necessarily stressed in general but I'm stressed about all things pregnancy and reproduction-related. More at grieving than stressed, really.

As far as the thyroid, I'm definitely going to ask my GP about testing when I go in on the 30th. I don't know if the thyroid panels can be run if the patient is pregnant (not that I am pregnant, but I'm currently ovulating and experiencing the joys of mittelschmerz!) so that might be a complication by then.

Thanks for replying. I just feel like my body is a wreck right now and I'm such a control freak that I hate it!

[This message edited by JanaGreen at 2:13 PM, July 15th (Tuesday)]

I've had my thyroid panel run while pregnant. Definitely check that. My cousin's thyroid went crazy after her first (and only) pregnancy.

Also, are you drinking enough water? My water intake makes a HUGE difference in my weight loss/gain. And I hate water, so it sucks. What about protein? Super important especially as much as it seems you are working out. Also, my weight gets stagnant (and even creeps up some) when I'm not getting enough calories. I don't use a tracker consistently, but when I start getting strange results, I'll track my food/water intake for a couple of days. Usually, I'm way under on calories (even before I add in activity) and I'm not drinking enough water. Once I get a couple of days on track, I stop counting again. Otherwise, like you, it drives me absolutely nutty.

You have endocrine issues period. We know that based on your ongoing fertility issues. When one endocrine system is jacked most of the others are as well. Have you been tested, workedup for PCOS? This can do fun and interesting things to your weight. Yes you can have your thyroid levels checked while pregnant.

In the meantime keep up at the exercise, it won't hurt you one bit. You will eventually hit a plateau and then the weight will slowly come off. Try only weighing one time per week, those 1-2 pound fluctuations that come with retaining a bit of water after good exercise, and frankly having a good poop can be mentally detrimental. When you are building muscle your weight will go up, and move more slowly downward on the scale, as your building new muscle your body needs more water. Don't believe me? quit exercising for one week and weigh yourself at the end. Bet you are down at least 1-2 pounds.

You cannot compare yourself to your spouse btw. Men are completely different when it comes to weight loss. All my H has to do is quit drinking regular soda at work and he drops 10 pounds in a week or two. It's frustrating. Don't even worry about his numbers.

Try getting a bit more sleep bump bedtime up by 30 minutes each week until you are consistently getting at least 7 hours of sleep a night, and lock that crazy cat in the basement. Put on a fan in your room to block some of the noise.

As soon as I finish watching season 2 of Orange is the New Black I anticipate my sleep time will increase.

PCOS. I have never been checked for PCOS, but I kind of doubt I have it. I just googled for a list of symptoms and it seems like most of my symptoms are the opposite of PCOS. Instead of heavy irregular periods and long cycles, I have short cycles (usually about 26 days), light periods (almost too light, I fear, since going off the pill), and I ovulate regularly. I have only had one cyst diagnosed ever and it was a small corpus luteum cyst - my doctor didn't even mention it, I just saw it on the tech's report and asked about it - he said it was extremely common and nothing to worry about. It seems like the only symptom I have is weight gain.

Seems to me I am just fat and have crappy eggs.

Musiclovingmom, I do drink a lot of water but your reply inspired me - getting up to refill my glass right now!

[This message edited by JanaGreen at 9:53 AM, July 16th (Wednesday)]