Ugh.
In a word that’s how I feel.
Not about life. That I feel pretty good about.
My postpartum body progress gets a big fat ugh.
Nearly 2 weeks ago, I wrote how I was going to get back on track and going to rein in the eats and become more active. Well I have become more active – in fact, I actually went to the gym (at my complex) on Monday for the first time in 5 weeks! 
20 minutes on the elliptical and 10 minutes of light weights and abs was an easy way to get back into things. It felt ah-maz-ing. But that has not been enough. Nor has my longer walks with the dog.
Why?
Because I’m eating like a fat kid. The lack of structure in my days, revolving door of houseguests, and Birthday treats (my birthday was yesterday) has really impinged my healthy eating.
But hey, I own it. I’m facing up to it. I’ve been eating crap. And too much of it. I did hit the desired 2100 cals/day a few times, but more often than not, I was pushing 3000 I’m sure.
So with that being said, what measurements have changed since a week and a half ago?
None. Zero. Zilch. Nada.
I am the same weight and measurements. And it’s my fault. (But I’d also like to silently blame those that say if you’re breastfeeding you scorch calories and can’t eat enough…not true my friends).
Admittedly getting on the scale on Monday pretty much ruined my day. Believe me, the gift of being a Mom is far superior than weight loss, but in that moment, that number owned me. Rather than round out my pity party with binge eating, I vowed to get back on track then and there.
It was fairly easy during the day and I stuck to eats like I would as if it were a work day, but the night was much harder…luckily a glass of vino was able to satiate me (for the most part). The evening workout also was key. And so was a nice 4 mile walk yesterday.
Here’s a pic of me at 2.5 weeks and 4 weeks post partum:
It appears that my tummy is getting flatter and my face is thinning a bit, but I’m still aiming for more.
Let’s hope I can keep this time around I can keep my word…
Shanna, you look amazing!! Really, I can’t get over it. Keep doing what your doing girl. Those little pounds you have left will fall off.
Lookin’ good! It’ll happen! You’re only 4 weeks pp.. give it a few months (they pass so quickly with a baby!) and you’ll feel like your old self again.
Happy belated birthday!!
You look fantastic Shanna. You just had a baby, you will get back to a place you feel comfortable, it just take a little time. 4 weeks really isn’t that long. Especially considering everything you’ve gone through.
It is so hard to stay on track, but you are looking good! Hey, I’ve been doing good with eating and exercising and I’m still not losing anything! Ahhh!! Now that’s scary, LOL>
I have a feeling that could happen to me too roxanne!
My friend you’re looking so “faboosh” and beautiful – your tummy is getting super flat and there is so much difference from your 2.5 week photo. I know your stats say otherwise (perhaps you could be holding onto water weight?) but whatever the reason may be, you look awesome for just having a baby a month ago!! I know it’s easier said than done, but give it time (you’ve seen how long its taken the other bloggers to get to their pre-pregnancy weight) and with patience you will get there. That and we’ll go to a Bikram class together
Sigh, this is true…I guess I am focusing on the bloggers who are like “omg, the weight is just flying off”..argh
But I also do feel like I have water weight still because my rings aren’t fitting quite yet. And rumor has it, that some women don’t lose weight until *after* they breastfeed. So many unknowns!!!
If you hadn’t said anything about the weight staying the same, I would’ve guessed you’d lost at least 10 lbs! Your tummy looks insane for 4 weeks minus a baby living inside of it.
You’ve got this, girl! Tell those guests to bring some healthy snacks, lol.
Thanks Jordan
I bet as soon as you get settled into a routine you’ll be back on track. How long did we work out before our weddings before we shed a few pounds/inches? From what I remember it wasn’t very quick, and our schedules were supremely more flexible than what you’re dealing with now. Hang in there!!
I’m actually really jealous that you’re even getting to work out! I soooo want to go to the gym.
Oh tis true…wedding prep took awhile too, but I was trying to get uber thin..now I just want to fit in my clothes at 118lbs
Sigh…
Don’t beat yourself up Shanna. It took 9 months to “make” little Sawyer it’s going to take awhile to get back from baby making mode. Maybe focus on what’s keeping you from the gym, eating healthy, etc and come up with some solutions. Enlist in a real-life or online buddy to keep you accountable, load your meals with fiber and protein so you stay fuller longer. Boredom eating? Sip some flavored tea, nap (that is if your little man doesn’t need you), call a friend, paint your toenails, relax with the hubby… Most of all enjoy the time you have with your little man, it goes by do fast.
You look fabulous for 4 weeks post-partum. I feel bad for moms now a days since there’s so much pressure from our society & the media to bounce back right after giving birth. Don’t be so hard on your self, it will all work out in the end.
All great points Beth…I think I feel anxious during the day and end up eating to make myself feel better. I haven’t got the hang of gym time mid-day because I don’t know when Sawyer will be sleeping, but I can do a better job of making it a priority when I have help.
Thanks for you thoughts!
Shanna that’s a huuuuge difference considering that’s only 2 weeks apart! I’d say the breastfeeding is definitely doing it’s job!!
And happy birthday to you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Girl, you’ll get there! You look amazing!!!
And happy birthday!!!!!
You look great! And from reading your blog for a while, I have no doubt that you will achieve your goals. Don’t be too hard on yourself – like Beth said above, it took 9 months to bring Sawyer into this world, so it’ll take a bit to get right back to where you were, but you’ll get there!
Oh and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
You look ah-mazing- I can’t believe you’re only 4 weeks postpartum! My weight definitely didn’t fall off. (Well, the first 15 lbs did, but I left the hospital holding her in my arms- haah!) After that, it was getting active and eating healthy, so don’t get discouraged that it isn’t falling off. And now, even though I’m fine with my weight, I am really trying to focus on toning, because I definitely lost my abs!
You look amazing hun. Dont’ sweat it.. you’ll definitely get back to your old self.
… but most importantly… HAPPY BLATED BIRTHDAY!
Happy Birthday!!!!! Don’t worry about it – it took you nine months to make Sawyer, it will take you some time to get back to normal.
Yup, ditto to what Lauren said.
Awe sorry to hear girl. You will get back into it-I’m positive. You are in such a life changing part of your life that most of can only dream of it. You look awesome.
Shanna!!! Happy belated birthday!!
You read my body image posts and what did I say in part 2…RELAX!!! Seriously. If I can tell you anything….any words of advice, it’s that! Trust me, I KNOW how you feel and KNOW how anxious you are to get back on track. Honestly, I lost initial weight then my measurements were at a STAND STILL for like 4 months. I know it’s hard but you JUST had a baby a few weeks ago and you look great! Great for not even having a baby. Please, please, please I beg you. If we lived closer I would talk to you about this for hours. I so regret stressing over this because it comes off. Your body is STILL doing amazing things. You are hungry and eating because your metabolism is high and you need to eat to feed your baby. Your body may be at a stand still because your need extra fat to provide food while you are Sawyers primary food source. All things I kind of knew in the beginning but just dismissed because I was anxious and upset that nothing was moving as fast as I wanted it to and I thought people were judging me.
It took close to 10 months to create that beautiful baby boy and honestly, it takes probably a year to feel yourself again. You are at 4 weeks! You had a baby a like a second ago. I didn’t start “seeing the light at the end of the tunnel” (in my mind) until 4 or 5 months. I was so discouraged at 3 months when nothing changed, and decided to STOP measuring myself and weighing myself for a while. Then, around 5 months I did my pics and measurements and things started to move. 6 months, even more once Ella was getting solid food. Everyone is different…but honestly, you DO look great. I am just telling you all this because I know what you are going through and if I knew then what I know now I would just embrace it and listen to my body and know it’s doing what it needs to do. In regards to working out hard and you saying “it’s not enough”–we went through similar things and seriously, as a friend, mom and a trainer, I implore you….ease into it! There is some scary stuff that can happen if you start working out too much too soon! There’s a reason the doc says 6 weeks. It’s NOT worth it!This is easier said than done, I know…but…Just TRY to relax, rest, enjoy your baby, rest, rest rest rest! Listen to your body. You will feel yourself again soon. The fact that you are able to provide Sawyer with a food source and that your body is doing these things is more beautiful than the ideal that is in you head. Trust me. Sorry I just wrote a novel but that’s how serious I am about this. Sending you lots of hugs and hope you feel better soon! You are so gorgeous!!!! Love you!
First of all, Happy Belated Birthday!!! Secondly, ugh it pains me every time you belittle yourself on your blog. You are gorgeous, talented and so intelligent. Don’t ever reduce yourself to a number on the scale. You are supposed to indulge on your birthday and if I had just had a beautiful baby boy I would celebrate as much as I wanted. And you know what, if you indulged maybe a little too much, it’s great that you stayed right where you were weight-wise. I’ll tell you what I’ve been saying to myself lately: Take it easy on yourself!
You’re always hot.
And no worries girl, you’ve got this!
Happy Birthday!
I’m sure you know this already but you cannot expect a weight change after only 2 weeks, that is the HARD part, doing everything right and waiting to see results
But changes will come if you stick with it while waiting for your hard efforts to show! I’m telling this to myself as well, not just you 
I don’t know how long things take after a baby, but I’m sure your body is doing what’s best for your new little guy. Hang in there!
Shanna, I’m not just saying this to make you feel better. You really look great. And happy birthday by the way!!! Eat the damn birthday cake and enjoy it. Baby or no baby, birthday WEEK is a giant splurge in the food depot for me. You are hitting the gym again and are aware of your food goals. Huge step. By the way, did like a million people tell you how great you look?! Lol!
I think you look great!! I had my first baby last January, and it really does just take time. In my case, it took me about 8 months for everything to shrink back and to reach my pre-preg weight and that was with eating right and exercising somewhat consistently. I remember feeling so frustrated, but my body just needed time! I would definitely suggest not jumping back into exercise too soon- I think I did and am still paying for it with lingering back pain. Just take your time and enjoy your little guy- it goes wayyyy to fast!
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