Pre-TTC Weight Loss, Part One (Day 31 of 83)

Posted on March 9, 2016

I'm watching an old season of The Biggest Loser on Hulu (ugh, why do I watch this show!?) and yesterday caught an episode in which one of the trainers really pushes for a contestant to 'fess up about why they're overweight. Watching another overweight person struggle with the truth of why they're overweight is thrilling reality show voyeurism, for me. Maybe it's because I get to see someone else struggling and feel less alone? I mean, I know my why.

The thing for me to confess is the why for my big push to lose weight, now.

My husband and I are soon going to be TTC ("trying to conceive") for the first time. To be honest, this is the most compelling reason for me, beyond any other basis of my previous temporary/failed efforts. Yes, I know that I should be doing this for my health. In theory, that should be the primary motivator. It's just not. It's a happy side effect, but it's not my motivation. I mean, my weight has fluctuated wildly my entire life. When I was a teen and after break ups, I went on weight loss bursts to be sexually attractive to a greater pool of potential suitors (wink). When I was in my late-twenties, I used athletic goals to motivate me, such as running my first half marathon (did not lose weight AT ALL) or becoming a better rugby player (did work).

I don't know why TTC has been such a great motivator for me. Maybe I feel like I'm heading toward a "point of no return." Shrug. Many women have proven that you can not only bounce back from pregnancy but with effort, become even fitter than you were pre-baby. I just want to give myself every advantage, knowing my spotty body history.

I'm going to be 35 years old, this year. So, yeah, the clock is ticking. Loudly.

Comment Now!

LilyN

03/11/2016 9:44AM

My husband and I have been trying for about a year and a half now. I went in to see a doctor after one year of trying. One of the first things they told me to do to help my issue (irregular periods/ovulation) is to lose 10% of my body weight. I already felt guilty that I was the reason we had waited to try for kids, so I did my best to lose the weight. It took a while, but when I got to the 10% mark, I started having more regular periods. It was just one of many reasons for me to start losing the weight for real. We're still trying and going through the process, but I'm determined that I be as healthy as possible for whenever a pregnancy happens.

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TrixieCatLAX

I'm glad that I'm not alone in this! I mean, of course I'm not. My mom had me when she was 24, and with absolutely no issues. Snap. There I was! I hope that my fella and I can have such luck. Best wishes to you and your husband in your TTC journey.

Cabfranca

03/11/2016 5:43AM

I'm excited for you, I am also losing weight, mainly for health and for fitness goals to be able to do more summer outings involving kayaks, and hiking. But also, a leaner grandma (in the future) will be able to chase toddlers and catch them, so I can smother them with kisses!

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Andrea

03/10/2016 10:23AM

I have had two children ages 4 and 6, and I agree--better shape NOW than I ever was before. It's like you are EXTRA motivated to get that weight off after feeling so uncomfortable in your body. Now I'm losing as I'm signed up to be a surrogate! Once I start the IVF drugs I just know I'm going to blow up. So lose the weight...take family pictures...get pregnant, and do the 12 months of losing the weight all over again. Good luck to you!

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