My Weight Loss Journey as a Mom of Four (Including Twins) — And What I’d Do Differently
After my fourth pregnancy — which was twins — my body didn’t just look different.
It felt different.
Four C-sections. Hormonal shifts. Sleepless nights. Running businesses. Taking care of everyone else before myself. My metabolism didn’t respond the way it used to. The weight felt heavier. My muscle tone was gone. I felt inflamed, puffy, exhausted — and quietly discouraged.
And here’s the humbling part:
I work in healthcare.
I understand nutrition. I understand metabolism. I understand hormones.
But knowing what to do and trying to execute it while raising four young kids are two completely different things.
-I wasn’t lazy.
-I wasn’t uneducated.
-I was overwhelmed… and my body needed support.
The Food Noise Was Constant
I didn’t want another crash diet.
I didn’t want to obsess over calories or feel guilty every time I ate something off plan. I didn’t want to white-knuckle my way through hunger while making snacks for everyone else.
I wanted mental peace.
Using a medically guided GLP-1 gave me that. It quieted the food noise. It reduced inflammation. It helped regulate appetite so I could make decisions instead of reacting to cravings.
For the first time in a long time, I didn’t feel like I was fighting myself all day.
But that wasn’t the whole plan.
The Part Most Women Aren’t Told: Protect Your Muscle
After pregnancies (especially multiple pregnancies) we lose muscle mass. Add stress, poor sleep, and hormonal shifts, and your metabolism adapts.
If you use a GLP-1 without a strategy, you can lose weight… but also lose strength.
And I didn’t want to be smaller and softer.
I wanted to feel strong again.
So I committed to:
Strength training consistently
Prioritizing protein
Preserving lean muscle
Supporting recovery
Because muscle is what keeps your metabolism healthy long term.
Hormones Were the Missing Piece
Pregnancy changes hormones.
Chronic stress changes hormones.
Sleep deprivation changes hormones.
I optimized mine.
For me, that meant addressing the underlying hormonal shifts that were making fat loss harder than it needed to be. When hormones are supported, your body works with you instead of against you.
Energy improves.
Mood stabilizes.
Recovery gets easier.
Results last.
What This Actually Looked Like for Me
This wasn’t overnight. This was TWO YEARS of ups and downs and being imperfect.
In the beginning, it looked like:
Not thinking about food 24/7 for the first time in years
Having steady energy in the afternoon instead of crashing
Lifting weights and feeling stronger week by week
Watching my body composition change — not just the number on the scale
It looked like feeling confident putting jeans on.
It looked like not avoiding photos.
It looked like feeling like myself again.
And that matters more than a number.
I Practice What I Preach
I would never offer something to my patients that I wouldn’t take myself.
My journey is why I approach weight loss differently in my clinic here in the Sioux City area. (Sloan, IA to be exact) Whether you’re local to Iowa or working with me through telehealth, my approach focuses on:
Strategic GLP-1 use when appropriate
Muscle preservation
Hormone optimization
Long-term metabolic health
Especially for busy moms in their 30s and 40s who feel like their body changed after babies.
To the Mom Who Feels Stuck
If you feel like your body changed after pregnancy…
If you feel like you’re doing everything “right” and nothing is working…
If you’re tired of starting over…
You are not broken.
You are not lazy.
And you are not failing.
Sometimes your body just needs strategic support.
And if you’re ready to feel strong, energized, and confident again, I would be honored to walk that path with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GLP-1 safe for moms in their 30s and 40s?
When medically supervised and prescribed appropriately, GLP-1 medications can be a safe and effective tool for weight loss. The key is individualized dosing, monitoring, and combining it with muscle-preserving strategies. Contraindication for nursing mothers.
Will I lose muscle on a GLP-1?
You can — if you don’t prioritize strength training and protein. That’s why my approach focuses heavily on muscle preservation and metabolic health.
Do I need hormone replacement therapy?
Not everyone does. But many women after pregnancy experience hormonal shifts that impact energy, fat storage, and muscle. Testing and individualized evaluation matter.
Do you offer weight loss and hormone therapy in Iowa?
Yes. I work with patients locally in the Sioux City area and throughout Iowa via telehealth consultations.
