Back in February 2009, when I was 32, my journey into fertility challenges began. After a year of trying to conceive with my partner, I decided to consult my OBGYN. After running some tests that came back normal, he prescribed Clomid, hoping it might help. Unfortunately, after three months without success, I found myself at a fertility clinic.
I never anticipated that my weight would play a role in this journey…
When I started in May 2010, I weighed 225 pounds. I figured my weight wouldn’t be a significant barrier, especially since I’d seen many others heavier than me achieve pregnancy without issue. After consulting with Dr. Jake Thompson, we decided to try intrauterine insemination (IUI) first. Our initial attempt in June 2010 was canceled due to a cyst, and our first IUI in July didn’t result in a pregnancy. Dr. Thompson suggested moving forward with in vitro fertilization (IVF) for better chances.
In September, we embarked on our first IVF cycle, which initially resulted in pregnancy, but sadly, I suffered a miscarriage at seven weeks. Naturally, I turned to food for comfort and ended up gaining some weight. We attempted IVF again in February 2011, but it was unsuccessful.
After some further evaluation, I learned that I had a poor ovarian response to the medication. I was only producing one to three mature follicles each cycle, leading to numerous failed IUI attempts. The emotional toll of these setbacks caused me to gain an additional 25 pounds over the course of a year. With only one IVF attempt left covered under my insurance, Dr. Thompson recommended that I focus on losing weight to improve my chances of success. So, I decided to take a break and work on shedding those extra pounds.
Tools for Success – Embracing a Low-Calorie Diet
Weight loss has always been a challenge for me, but a friend recommended a low-calorie diet that was working wonders for her. I started at 252 pounds, and to my astonishment, I lost 5 pounds in the first week! The immediate results motivated me to keep going. I also began hitting the gym one to two times a week for 30-40 minutes of cardio alongside some strength training. After 45 days, I lost 30 pounds and felt ready to resume my fertility treatments.
In July 2012, I restarted the stimulation medication and was thrilled to produce five mature follicles—more than I’d had in over a year! It was exciting yet terrifying, knowing this was our last shot at IVF. The retrieval process yielded five eggs, four of which fertilized, and we transferred three embryos on day three.
Miraculously, two weeks later, I received a positive pregnancy test! It felt surreal, as if all my prayers were finally answered. On March 27, 2013, I welcomed my beautiful daughter, Lily, into the world!
Now, I’m back on my diet to shed the baby weight and hopefully more. So far, I’ve already lost 9 pounds!
If you’re struggling with fertility and considering options like at-home insemination, check out this resource on pregnancy and home insemination. It’s also worth checking out this hilarious blog post that might bring a smile to your face. Additionally, if you’re looking for essential tools, consider this fertility kit for at-home insemination.
In summary, my weight loss journey has been an essential part of my fertility story. Through dedication to a low-calorie diet and a commitment to my health, I was able to improve my chances of conception and bring my daughter into the world.