Sunday, October 25, 2009

Motivation

At my WTF appointment, Dr. B. kindly suggested that if I lost some weight I might have better results with my next IVF cycle.  I've jumped all over this and am funneling all my energies into losing weight.  In my magical thinking world, this is a guarantee of success.  Whatever works.  


  • I've joined Weight Watchers Online and have been obsessively counting points
  • I've started exercising 6 days a week.  Monday through Friday I wake up most days (unless I have to be at work at a weird time) at 4 a.m. and am on my treadmill doing a couch to 5 k program or lifting weights at 4:15 a.m.  It's a bit crazy.  I'm still half asleep for the first 10 minutes of my workouts.
  • I've done 3 1/2 hours of cardio this past week and 1 1/2 hours of lifting weights.  
  • I also walk my dog about 3 to 5 hours a week.  I don't "count" that as working out since he usually operated in "slow" mode.
  • I've read The Fertility Diet, and am incorporating these suggestions into my plan, although the milk thing still has me confused.
I've never been more motivated to be successful.  Truthfully, I'm a bit obsessive about it.  Since I joined Weight Watchers one week after my miscarriage, I've lost 15 pounds.  I've lost 10 pound since I last met with Dr. B and he gave me this suggestion. 

I think it is generally a positive thing to be so focused.  It makes me feel like I am doing something to give myself some chance at success.  It makes me feel a bit more in control, although I know I'm not in control.  On the other hand, the very first thing I think of every single day is the baby I lost.  I'm not sure if I would think about that anyway, or if it is more in the forefront of my mind because the alarm is going off at 4 a.m. so I can workout to help improve my chances of a take home baby. Also, I might need to work on resetting expectations once I start my IVF cycle in January / February.  Right now it is helpful to think that all this work is making a huge difference and will guarantee success.  When I start cycling, I'll need to get a dose of reality.
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12 comments:

  1. AmberOctober 25, 2009 at 8:10 AM

    Way to go!! Those are pretty impressive numbers if you ask me. Hope your next IVF cycle gives you your take home baby!!

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  2. SallyOctober 25, 2009 at 10:17 AM

    So glad you've found an outlet with such a huge benefit! What an inspiration you are. :)

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  3. JendeisOctober 25, 2009 at 4:06 PM

    You rock!!

    Re: the Fertility Diet, I know the milk thing is weird, but I swear that when I started seeing my fertility nutritionist who had me switch to whole milk, I started dropping pounds really quickly. Way more than just with Weight Watchers.

    Also wanted to recommend Nina Planck's book, Real Food for Mother and Baby which talks about a good diet for fertility, pregnancy and beyond. I've found it very helpful.

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  4. CourtneyOctober 25, 2009 at 4:19 PM

    Awesome! Keep it up. I hope that you get your take home baby with your next cycle!

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  5. Lollipop GoldsteinOctober 25, 2009 at 8:15 PM

    Congratulations on the weight loss and I do think that it can be healthy to have that focus. It's doing something--and something can't hurt.

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  6. FranOctober 26, 2009 at 6:42 AM

    I love your attitude, keep it up!
    Fran

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  7. AnonymousOctober 26, 2009 at 6:51 AM

    Congratulations on your motivation and new plan! You found focused and driven and I'm sure that right now it's exactly what your body and mind needs :)

    ICLW

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  8. Mrs. GamgeeOctober 26, 2009 at 11:16 AM

    Great job! Sounds like you are on the right track!

    ICLW

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  9. COctober 26, 2009 at 3:58 PM

    whoa! good for you!! can you send some of that motivation my way?

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  10. AnonymousOctober 26, 2009 at 4:54 PM

    Great job on the weight loss so far, Amy! You've got SERIOUS will power getting up that early every day. I'm impressed!

    I am also on a short TTC hiatus to try to lose weight before starting our first IVF. What weight do you think is optimal? I'm quite overweight so it'll take me a while, but I'm also older so I don't want to wait to long before starting the first IVF. I'm wondering when do I call it "ok" on the weight and go for IVF? What's your plan?

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  11. WillowOctober 26, 2009 at 7:20 PM

    Good for you! I think Weight Watchers online is awesome (hmm, maybe I'll sign up again...). I also found The Fertility Diet helpful. Good luck!

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  12. Life HappensOctober 28, 2009 at 11:30 PM

    Way to go on the weight loss! I just suffered my 3rd miscarriage and I am starting to think I really should be losing weight (if only I can get my lazy butt off the couch!).

    I admire your dedication to exercise and your motivation! Good luck to you on your journey.

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