Hard Work 14 Months PP (Elissa)

Original entries here and here.

24 years old
1 Child-14 months old
C-Section
Gained-61 Pounds

Weight before pregnancy-137
Weight at the end of pregnancy-198
Weight 14 months PP-139

Clothing size before pregnancy
Pants size 9
Shirts-Medium
Bra size 36 C…Sometimes D

After pregnancy
Pants size 3 and 5’s
Shirts medium
Bra size 36 D…

I am now doing P90X after losing all my weight I decided I needed to get fit. My 61 year old mother was on a walk with my daughter and me…I couldn’t make it up a hill and she wanted to keep going. I decided I needed to get healthy, even though I lost my weight I was out of shape and P90X is completely reshaping my body and my curves are coming back…No matter how much I worked out before I was preggo I was NEVER able to achieve abs or tone my arms and after two weeks that is possible now…It really is an AMAZING workout and for only an hour a day!!! Eating healthy and working out is a hard change but it’s easy when you are doing it for your child! My previous entries will tell you how I lost the weight and I check my stories from time to time to see if anyone is asking for advice…It wasn’t easy and it was discouraging at times but you push yourself and remember that you want to stay fit, happy and healthy for your child and that is what keeps me focused. Breastfeeding also helped…I am trying to wean as she is 14mo old but the girl has a mind of her own!!! Every single time she had a growth spurt and wanted to feed a lot I would lose weight and my stomach would suck up. I hope my story helps mommies because it really did work for me and I know it wont work for others as well but it’s worth a try!…:)

Picture 1-Before I got pregnant
Picture 2- During pregnancy
Picture 3- After I had my daughter
Picture 4-14mo PP
Picture 5-Day before P90X (Left) Day 6 of P90X (Right)
Picture 6-Day 10 of P90x

28 thoughts on “Hard Work 14 Months PP (Elissa)

  • Friday, May 28, 2010 at 7:54 am
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    which P90X workout do you do??

  • Friday, May 28, 2010 at 9:22 am
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    You are looking amazing! Good for you! I did p90x as welll to get in shape and it is by far the best workouts I have done. I am going to the gym alot more laately just to get out of the house but as soon as my next baby is born (October) I am going start p90x again. (well after the 6 weeks or so!) Take care :)

  • Friday, May 28, 2010 at 3:50 pm
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    Congrats on taking control of your health! I am currently doing P90x also. I am almost done with phase 2 and have had nice results also. My baby is almost 12 months postpartum. I still have a wrinkly tummy, but i have abs underneath! I encourage and commend you for your hard work. Keep up the workouts and nutrition plan and it will pay off well for you!Go to the beachbody message boards and look for women’s results. I frequently go there to post any thoughts or things on my mind, and it has been a great support to me.

  • Friday, May 28, 2010 at 5:35 pm
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    wow! you look incredible! it makes your hips more defined and everything! i want to do that.. please tell us your workout :) GOOD JOB!!

  • Friday, May 28, 2010 at 5:38 pm
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    ps.. please let me know what p90x is i have no idea but i want to do it if i will look like you!! lol

  • Friday, May 28, 2010 at 6:55 pm
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    Great job! so refreshing to read about mothers who exercise and don’t just diet- exercise is the way to go!!!! you are looking after yourself and just as importantly are role- modelling good behaviour to your daughter- i think it’s so important for girls to grow up with exercise and sport as a part of their life and this is the best way to do it, by doing it yourself!!

  • Friday, May 28, 2010 at 11:11 pm
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    You look awesome! Keep it up! Only 80 more days right? I hope you make an entry after you finish the 90 days!

  • Saturday, May 29, 2010 at 8:54 am
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    May I ask why you’re trying to wean your 14 month old? She’s only 14 months, and the WHO recommends breastfeeding until the age of two.

    Is this supplement that you’re taking to loose weight safe for your breastfeeding baby?

    You don’t look overweight to me in the slightest.

    If this supplement isn’t safe for your daughter, might I suggest you wait with this stuff?

    You obviously look fit and I’m sure exercise and eating right alone would be just fine to keep you on track to your goal.

    I know you want to do what’s right for you and you’re daughter, so please take a look at the ingredient listing and run it through a database that shows bf safe ingredients, or consult your lactation consultant or doctor. Peace!

  • Saturday, May 29, 2010 at 6:37 pm
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    you look amazing keep up the good work!…its a very difficult program so anyone who follows it i give you credit :)..

    for those of you wondering what P90X is its a workout based on muscle confusion its very safe and one of the hardest workouts around. It includes plyometrics, weights or bands, lots of core work and works great

  • Sunday, May 30, 2010 at 9:18 pm
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    Real quick comment,
    first you look great, great job! Second, you say you wear a 36 D but a size 3/5 pants. you may want to get your band size checked, with your figure and that pants size it seems your band is far to wide:)

  • Monday, May 31, 2010 at 9:41 am
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    Okay first…NO I DO NOT TAKE ANY PILLS TO HELP ME LOST WEIGHT OR STAY ON TRACK….I did it all naturally…I have tried weaning my daugther but she just isn’t ready yet…I didn’t diet, I just changed my diet and ate fruits, veggies and white meat and kept my calories under 1600 a day…i lost over 40 pounds (the rest of my pregnancy weight) changing my eating habits. P90X comes with your workout and even your meals…It’s very simple to figure out..Not so simple to do….It’s very intense but you notice a change physically inside and out very quickly.Yes I am a 36 D…other wise I will have the arm flab in the back if I go to a 34…That’s just how I’m made.

  • Monday, May 31, 2010 at 7:42 pm
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    I agree with getting the bra size checked :) Very few women are wearing the right bra, and a too big band is one of the biggest mistakes. If you have a size 3/5 waist, that would mean something like 26″ waist (I can’t remember before I was a size 7 and had about a 28″ waist), then you’d have to have a big barrel chest to get that bra size. I wear a 36D and a size 12/14 pant–but I carry my weight on my front and you’re MUCH slimmer through the ribs (and weigh less) than I am.
    You look great though!

  • Tuesday, June 1, 2010 at 10:13 am
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    wow i think everyone should leave her alone .. she has done an amazing job at looking great and she obviously cares so much about her baby! :) and who cares if she is a 36 inch bra or not!! sheesh! lol

  • Tuesday, June 1, 2010 at 12:31 pm
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    Goooooooooooooo Elissa. I was meaning to comment to address Sarah’s comment but Elissa already did. However I would still like to say….Sarah no where did Elissa ever say she took pills to loose weight so it is wrong to accuse someon of not doing what is in the best interest of their child. Second, breastfeeding is a personal choice and the amount of time one breastfeeds is also a personal choice. IF she is weaning at 14 months she has do a wonderful job thus far and it is not right to question this choice and make someone feel like they are doing something wrong. Instead of asking why are you weaning??? WHy not congradulate her on the fact that she lasted that long….it is demanding and we are only human with normal needs ourselves. Third who does anyone thinkg they are to question her bra size!!! are you serious?? SHe knows what size bra she wears ladies!! To me it sound like by questioning her bra band size you are really questioning if she is really a size 3-5 pant. I was very surprised and dissappointed with some of the ladies who commented…..however society has made us jealous and hateful toward each other especially if someone looks better than us. Stop questioning her she has done nothing wrong, in fact on previous posts she lifts others up and explains that somethings do not work for everyone and that no one should be ashamed and just do what works for you. If you don’t have anything nice to say don’t say anything at all. Elissa you are doing great and you are still an inspiration as I commented on your proir post. YOu go hott mama

  • Tuesday, June 1, 2010 at 12:33 pm
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    oh an please please repost once you are done with the workout thingy…I am not sure if I want to attemtp it or not ;(

  • Tuesday, June 1, 2010 at 12:41 pm
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    My thought is that no one intended to be hurtful here. It’s true most women don’t know their bra size, I think that’s a valid question to ask with good intentions. The person who assumed Elissa was taking something I am willing to bet (without going bqck to read the comments-I’m on my phone) didn’t know what P90X involves. I don’t think anyone here intended anything negative. JMO.

  • Wednesday, June 2, 2010 at 2:29 am
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    I commented here before to congratulate this woman and just read all the subsequent comments just now- to be honest, I think the question about the breast feeding was intrusive and inappropriate- short answer, it’s none of anyone’s business except the mother’s! I think she did an amazing job breastfeeding her child for as long as she did/ is, and i still think she has done an amazing job even if she didn’t breastfeed at all or whether she wants to do it till her kid is 5! This type of behaviour has happened before on this site, I remember that other marathon-running mum who got comments suggesting she had been a sub-par parent because she was so disciplined and determined about running and other backhanded comments about how other mums wished they had her support network and time! ALL types of women get support from this site, but sometimes I feel that people are much quicker to criticize the mums who are taking care of themselves as well as their kids!!

  • Wednesday, June 2, 2010 at 12:06 pm
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    I do sense some hostility towards me and that is fine. You will always find that in places, but I noticed when I was posting on here and I weighed more I got nice comments. I am sorry that my 36-D bra and waist size is not to your liking. My daughter is 15 months old and I feel she is ready to be weaned…She only uses my breast for comfort and to sleep….Sits on it for a minute then pulls off…That is when they suggest you wean them. NO SUPPLIMENTS were used…I was eating healthy because I wanted my daughter to get the best…She did, and in return my healthy habits resulted in losing the weight I gained during pregnancy. I am heavier than I was prepregnancy but that is because I have more muscle from P90X…My bra size believe it or not, is a 36-D…I go get checked at Victoria Secret often these days….It was a 42 DD after I had my daughter….I have always had hips, small waist and a bigger chest……Which is probably why I have those measurements. Thank you for those of you who were supportive. I really do find mothers who have put fourth the effort to maintain a healthy diet , healthy body/outlook/attitude have been bashed here often…When I was 197 pounds ready to have my daughter I was here thinking good for those women who lost it all and feel great…Even when I was 178 and struggling to lose my weight I felt that way…NEVER in a million years would I ever try to put someone elses body down or make them feel stupid by putting words in their mouths and suggesting they are not doing their absolute best for their child. Everything I have done for my body has been second to my daughters care…Which is why it has taken me 14 months to look this way…It took me 9 months to lose all my weight….Because I did not go to a gym, and I only worked out a half hour a day…Now I have time to do an hour as she takes a two hour nap in the middle of the day. I am fit and work hard because I want to be here for a long time…I know what having even 20 pounds on your body will do to you physically…Two of my sisters are diabetics and one has breast cancer…She was a little heavy and chose to not lose her weight after her babies….Now after diabetes and stage 4 breast cancer she is taking control of her weight…Lost 20 pounds and now after 18 years of insulin she has diabetes under control. Her doctor also told her that her diet is high in saturated fats and could be a cause of the cancer as it has NEVER been in our family.

    I have my reasons for wanting to be healthy and those reasons are for my daughter and my husband…I want them to have a mother and a wife for as long as they possibly can…I want my daughter to see that if you want a change in yourself to not sit and talk about it but to DO it…I do that with every aspect of my life. I want my daughter to be a do’er not a talk’er…When she sees someone she looks up to taking care of themselves and staying positive she will learn those behaviors.

    I really feel this site should be about coming together as women and being here for each other…All I have ever tried to do was share my story to help other women who are struggling like I was. When I was pregnant and just starting out as a new mommy I wished I had read more stories about how women were over coming all the obsticles and how hard it is but hey we are here for each other and we can do it…So I offered that and I always will. I hope that some people can find peace with themselves and see that other people have reasons for doing what they do…and Yes breastfeeding for 15 months is hard work and it really is no one elses business but mine and my husbands with what we decide for our child. This really goes back to a post on the woman who said she had a problem with, “Skinny” moms…You do feel that women who have not lost the weight judge you for looking the way you do and make comments that are hurtful as if you aren’t a good enough mother and obviously care more about yourself than your child to stay so fit…No it’s the opposite…and my husband told me how it makes him love and respect me more that I changed my life around health wise for our daughter…It was a choice I made all for her….My daughter is happy, healthy and extremely advanced…But not only due to breastmilk but her environment…She is in a happy home and trust me, she is number 1!

    Thank you to those of you who were supportive and I wish the best to those of you who were not.

  • Wednesday, June 2, 2010 at 12:42 pm
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    Yes I will post pics when I am finished and P90X is a workout like someone answered before…just google it and it’s on the beach body website. It hurts at first, but you work through it slowly…The great thing about it is they tell you to pause it if you need breaks…It took me 3 hours to get through the polymetrics lol! Phew that was some hardwork…but you feel it throughout your entire body and you see it too after just days…They also give you the diet plan with it…I wouldn’t call it a diet what I would call it is eating healthy…I love how distorted our views are now as eating healthy is ACTUALLY called a diet….Crazy!!!

  • Wednesday, June 2, 2010 at 8:54 pm
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    Well done to you!!! I just posted a submission “skinny but strong my way” and am already feeling a bit of a negative bite… I so appreciate your honesty, sincerity and strength, its sad that being a slim mum draws such negative attention regardless of our good intentions to share what worked for us to HELP others… and for sure, breastfeeding for 15 months definitely has challenges, we have been at it for over 14 months now (he’s actually feeding while Im typing, smiling up at me:) though I have no intentions to ween my boy anytime soon, I can understand the desire to.
    Oh, and I totally agree how crazy it is that eating healthy is called a diet… we have complicated things in our lives so much that we cant see clearly anymore.
    Anyway, your doing a fantastic job and you look beautiful!!! keep shining:)

  • Thursday, June 3, 2010 at 9:53 am
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    Skye I saw your post, you look great! I saw some of the comments and I choose to ignore them sometimes. YOu raise your baby how you want and as long as they are loved and you know they are happy and healthy I think you can continue to do what you want. No one else needs to tell you what you’re doing wrong…I would feed her longer if I felt she was getting anything from me but it’s more just a run real quick, jump on mommy, slurp and then leave….But she does feed at night when I put her to bed for about 45 minutes and I have decided that we can keep that for as long as she stays attached. If she was more into it I would be all for it because she gets the best…But I know she is doing it, just because she can. I show her my love and comfort in other ways. Trying to teach her my breast is not needed for that anymore. :) Congrats to you and your body and you’re adorable baby!

  • Thursday, June 3, 2010 at 2:14 pm
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    I want to say congrats on your healthy mind and body. You are a wonderful role model for your daughter and for all of us. I’m four weeks post-partum and I hope I can look as good as you at the same point. I had lost all of my weight from baby #1 when I got pregnant with #2, but it’s coming off faster this time.
    And I wear a 36 D when I’m at my normal weight and size 4 or 6 pants. I was a 34D before my first child, but my ribcage has expanded, never to return.

  • Saturday, June 5, 2010 at 10:01 pm
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    I just want to say you look ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!! I am currently almost 39 weeks with baby number 2 and I am really hoping I can one day look as good as you. Thank you for posting this about the P90X workout. Ive heard about it before but after seeing your results I really do think my husband and I will go and purchase it and try it out! I congradulate you on your wonderful progress for your weight loss and what an awesome mommy you are to your little girl! You are doing the very best for her, caring for yourself! Thanks again!

  • Wednesday, June 9, 2010 at 9:09 am
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    I think Sarah EP didn’t know what PX90 is.

    Sarah, it is a exercise program that incorporates strength training, high intensity interval training, cardio, yoga, and clean, healthy, wholesome eating. No pills are involved. Being on PX90 probably improved the quality of her milk, actually.

    Elissa, GREAT JOB, MAMA! You look SO STRONG–even stronger than yo look in your pre-pregnancy photo! Please, please keep up the great work! Succeed!

    I, too, am on the road to being healthier and stronger. It is a lot of hard work. I have three girls whose ages range from 8 months to 5 years. Sometimes, even though I can get anything done during the day, I will make it a point to exercise.

  • Thursday, June 10, 2010 at 5:41 am
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    Elissa, I think you are the best inspiration i have seen in a long time! I am currently 20 weeks pregnant and had tried to be active during my pregnancy, but i have an autoimmune disease that has left me inflamed and easily worn out so i’m sticking to prenatal yoga for now. My husband has been doing p90x for the past month due to his “pregnancy gain” (i’ve only gained 15 pounds even with having blimped up fast at 4 weeks due to being hospitalized right before i got pregnant which caused me to lose 20 pounds in a week, he gained almost 40 pounds total before he got active) and i have to say it looks scary to be honest. I intend to try it once I have delivered and recovered from my anemia enough to move that much. I was fairly active before i got so sick and i’m trying my hardest to stay as active as i can right now as well, but i’ve had to shift my focus more towards my food choices for now to insure that me and my baby are as healthy as possible. So far, so good and she’s growing just as fast as she needs to. But in all seriousness, I can understand where the more biting comments are coming from since that is very much how i was before i was pregnant, but i made the effort to change my views on myself an everyone else and their physical appearance because i grew up with a mom who was gorgeous and very young looking, but was overweight due to hypothyroidism after she had me (i’m her oldest, she has an 18 and a 2 year old as well, both boys) and she was very harsh on herself and those around her when it came to how everyone looked and it hit me pretty hard growing up. I don’t want that for my little girl. I struggled with an eating disorder through high school and had suicidal habits for years even before that and i am terrified of that happening to my own baby girl as she is growing up. So my biggest focus for my life now is living by what is right for my child and her health, physically, emotionally, and mentally. I am very lucky to have the husband i do, who even as young as we are (21, yeah that young) he finds real, healthy women to be gorgeous as opposed to the “typical” opinion of our peers to lust after altered and airbrushed figures like those we are so bombarded with so often now. I know that as we team together to build up my view of myself and a healthy view of those around me, that teamwork will go so far to do the same for our little girl. It all lies with what we expose them to, and a healthy lifestyle teamed with a positive attitude towards others, a healthy view of ourselves, and a shower of genuine love and devotion are what make for the best parenting in my opinion. Good luck to all of the other mothers on this site. You are all so beautiful and your babies deserve all the love you have for them!

  • Thursday, July 8, 2010 at 3:40 am
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    Great post! Thanks for writing your story, I will definatly get this workout! People always like to try and pick faults with others to make themselves feel superior! This is a site to congratulate women who are brave enough to post there storys! So well done you look fab!

  • Thursday, July 29, 2010 at 11:40 pm
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    you look soo great! im almost 6pp and plan to use the p90x.

  • Saturday, July 31, 2010 at 6:27 pm
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    GO ELISSA! Good on your girl. Another inspiration for me! I am 27 yo with pre-pregnacy 65 kgs. At the moment I am 3 weeks post partum weighing 85 kgs. I gained 30kgs up to peak pregnacy. I can see a bit of negativity by some regarding the weaning and the thoughts of you taking supplements. What will some of you judgemental ladies say to others who are not breastfeeding at all? :p

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