2 weeks postpartum and starting over

[jens1971]

I am 37 years old and currently 2 weeks postpartum. A few years ago I lost a total of 40 pounds on the Atkins diet. It was so easy the weight just seemed to pour off and I loved the diet!! This pregnancy I gained quite a bit of weight and now weigh about 10 pounds more than i weighed when I began the Atkins diet a few years ago. I decided in my third trimester of pregnancy that I would begin the Atkins diet again my first postpartum day! Well I did that and I am not seeing any results. As I said I am now 2 weeks postpartum. I am beginning to feel a bit discouraged also very scared that I won't lose this weight!!! I am also exercising 5 days a week. Has anyone ever heard of someone not being able to lose weight on the Atkins diet? If so why? Any ideas or help would be greatly appreciated!!!! Oh I am also breastfeeding my son but
I would think that would just help with my weight loss?!?

[not2late]

Dr. Atkins wrote in the book that the weight loss phases of Atkins are inappropriate for pregnant/breast-feeding women. you could do the Maintenance Phase, though.

[Georgiana]

Congrats for the little one.

Originally Posted by jens1971

Has anyone ever heard of someone not being able to lose weight on the Atkins diet? If so why?

Most people who I've seen having problem losing were overeating, thinking it's okay to have a whole plate of ____ just because it has zero or little carbs. Others have trouble losing because of thyroid problems or because they are on certain medication, but these are things that can be adjusted together with your doctor.

Oh I am also breastfeeding my son but
I would think that would just help with my weight loss?!?

Actually the studies on weight loss while breastfeeding have yielded contradictory results.

In any case, none of the weight loss phases of Atkins is recommended for pregnant women or for nursing mothers. It's okay however to follow the Maintenance phase.

[not2late]

PS. Don't believe those low carb web sites that claim human breast milk is naturally high fat-low carb and therefore the baby is on a "low carb diet" too and is in ketosis.

per fluid ounce, human breast milk has (per USDA nutrient database):

Total fat 1.3 grams
total carb 2.12 grams
total protein 0.32

A traditional ketogenic diet has fat gram to carb gram ratio of 4 to 1. Atkins is a modified ketogenic diet and has a fat gram to carb gram ratio of about 1.5 :1. Clearly, human breast milk does not have a ketogenic fat:carb ratio.

[msanjelpie]

One reply:

If you are breastfeeding - STOP ATKINS INDUCTION NOW! If you are in ketosis, you are feeding ketones to your newborn baby!

Let your body recuperate from the stress of giving birth, keep up the exercise, and when you are finished breast feeding start again with induction...

Another reply:

Special Diets: Atkins diet for breastfeeding mom

[Maggiemuggs]

They also tell you not to start exercising until you have had your 6 week check up. Your body needs a rest. It has gone through a major event and needs a little time to catch up.

[neihu]

I agree, take it easy for a bit. You need time to recover.

Congrats on the baby!

[stephanee]

congratulations on your baby! take some time to rest and then start and im sure you will get good results

[ShiningStarr]

I would have to agree with everyone on here! You need to give your body a chance to heal! It is probably still in shock! Not to mention that your hormones still need to even out! Having a baby is a very exciting time and is also very stressful on your body. I know you really want to get the weight off quickly but I suggest waiting until your 6 week check up to start that!