I lost 12lbs in 2 months all by changing my caloric intake and exercising daily.
You also need to explore the world of alterations. I had a fully beaded La Sposa that is hand beaded over the dress making it damn near impossible to alter. Well.... it's possible. The dress was much too snug and the zipper wasn't zipping. I took it to 2 different seamstresses and both had different opinions, I went with the one that I felt knew the most. It worked.
Get second opinions on your dress and know your options. There is NOTHING WORSE than feeling like a beached whale in your wedding dress, it's emotionally exhausting. Watching what you eat, coupled with exercise and a good seamstress will get you to where you need to be!
If I may add my 2 cents as a seamstress - your choice of a corset back is the most flexible option of all dresses for weight fluctuations because you just adjust the lacings. Of course, if it's allover too small even that won't help but you CAN add an extra placket underneath the lacing and it's quite straightforward for any good seamstress to do.
Maybe try pilates? I lost about 5 pounds and a bunch of inches after I was consecutively doing it. It could be a bit costly but the results are there especially if you are not a big fan of the gym. Cardio I try to do 45 minutes 5 days a week especially to lose weight before the wedding. The best time to go is in the morning.
OK. This is controversial and you may not be able to do it due to your medical condition. But stop eating carbs. All of them. Starting now. In two weeks you can lose up to 10 pounds by not consuming the simple carbohydrates found in most store bought breads and pastas. Replace those items with lean meets and lots of veggies. After two weeks you can add whole grain pastas and breads and brown rice into your diet, but minimally. I workout everyday and do long runs twice a week, but after I did this diet my entire outlook on food and eating changed and I lost those 10 pounds that I'd been struggling to lose for years! It's called the South Beach diet, which has a bad wrap, I know. But read the book. It changed my life.
Ok, I can't believe I'm about to say this, but...have you tried Spanx? Obviously exercise and eating healthy are good, and the Spanx won't shave 15 pounds, but they might give you an added edge. I've never worn them, but a lot of friends have recommended them for under the wedding dress (from their own personal experience). Also, a friend just told me she read that Jessica Alba wears two pairs under dresses for red carpet events. Now, that sounds kind of crazy, but I suppose if it works, it works!
I'm sure I'm going over some information that you've already gotten, but some of it might be useful.
First, I agree with previous comments - make sure your goal is reasonable, and that you are setting realistic goals - your body will always equilibrate around its ideal weight. Check your BMI to see where you stand.
Second, I definitely like the personal trainer idea. If nothing else, get two or three sessions during which they can show you a workout routine that you can follow. They will also show you how to properly perform the workout without injuring yourself and without improper form.
Third, cardio is always good. One thing to keep in mind(for plateau purposes) is to vary your workouts. I have several friends who have joint issues or back issues, so they cannot do as intense of a workout as I can. Still, they were able to lose weight by putting a treadmill on a higher incline, walking moderately, and monitoring their heart rate to get into their target zone(if you don't invest in a trainer, try a heart monitor - it'll help you keep track of heart rate, calories burned, etc.) Each time you notice you begin to plateau, try something different. Go from jogging, to elliptical, to biking, and classes. Rotate as much as possible to avoid your body getting used to anything.
Lastly, weight training is a huge help. Even though I don't have great genetics for building muscle, any little help I get makes burning calories easier. More muscle = more calories burned. Don't worry about bulking up - most women never get anywhere close to being "big." A trainer will also be able to modify your workout to your goals.
Ultimately, remember that all those beautiful models have been working out for years and years(not to mention airbrushing), so don't get discouraged. Aim for what your body is capable of, and remember to take care of your body. Eat smaller meals and more often(up to 6 times a day), work out at least 5-6 days a week for at least 30-45 minutes in your target heart zone, and vary your workouts!
Good luck! Just remember you'll be beautiful no matter what, because on that day, you're going to be glowing from happiness!
amandaR- I LOVE LOVE spanx. I am thinking of getting one to wear under my dress. The one I have is a high power one, but I was thinking of getting one that looks like a tight strapless stress.
Definitely no matter what shape or size, spanx will smooth out everything!
I would exchange for the bigger size dress if you can. It is easier to alter sizes down than up. It sounds way too stressful and also unhealthy to lose 15 pounds in such a short amount of time.
Novbride08 - i love your positive attitude! Thanks for posting this - it's so helpful to read what has worked for others.
I have to agree with MsShamrock about cutting out bad carbs...it really changed my body. I used to be addicted to white rice, pasta, bread, muffins, cereal - that was the bulk of my diet. I worked out and managed to stay in shape, but there were always a few inches in trouble spots that never budged...I just attributed it to getting older and having a desk job. My fiance told me I would see results if I just gave up the daily rice and pasta meals...I told him he was crazy.
Well, after I ordered my dress I tried cutting out the bad carbs and eating lots more protein and veggies...the stubborn spots disappeared, all my clothes fit differently, and everyone noticed. I still eat carbs, but it doesn't dominate my meals and I substitute for the whole wheat options when possible.
indecisivebride- That is one area I have probs in. Asians eat a LOT of rice, and i am one of those asains. Love the rice, love the bread and pastas.
Along with workout, that is one thing I am going to try to cut back on. I don't want to go on those NO carb diets bc I do not want to deprive, but I am going to cut back big time. No more rice, pastas and bread for a few months~ =)
If you're looking for something to help guide your routine, I've really liked using self.com's website. They have a free online program called "Reach Your Goal" that actually starts tomorrow. You choose the goal (e.g., lose 8 pounds in one month, tone w/out cardio, etc.) and follow the four-week program. You can stick with it or try different goals after the first month. Takes the guesswork out of developing a routine without the cost of a trainer!
I was in a very similiar position just weeks ago!
You have 3 months. YOU CAN DO IT!
I lost 12lbs in 2 months all by changing my caloric intake and exercising daily.
You also need to explore the world of alterations. I had a fully beaded La Sposa that is hand beaded over the dress making it damn near impossible to alter. Well.... it's possible. The dress was much too snug and the zipper wasn't zipping. I took it to 2 different seamstresses and both had different opinions, I went with the one that I felt knew the most. It worked.
Get second opinions on your dress and know your options. There is NOTHING WORSE than feeling like a beached whale in your wedding dress, it's emotionally exhausting. Watching what you eat, coupled with exercise and a good seamstress will get you to where you need to be!
Good Luck!
posted by glittergrl Helper bee: 356 posts 4 months agoIf I may add my 2 cents as a seamstress - your choice of a corset back is the most flexible option of all dresses for weight fluctuations because you just adjust the lacings. Of course, if it's allover too small even that won't help but you CAN add an extra placket underneath the lacing and it's quite straightforward for any good seamstress to do.
So fret not - I think it'll be great!
posted by mrsallgood Worker bee: 68 posts 4 months agoMaybe try pilates? I lost about 5 pounds and a bunch of inches after I was consecutively doing it. It could be a bit costly but the results are there especially if you are not a big fan of the gym. Cardio I try to do 45 minutes 5 days a week especially to lose weight before the wedding. The best time to go is in the morning.
posted by pinklau325 Worker bee: 150 posts 4 months agoOK. This is controversial and you may not be able to do it due to your medical condition. But stop eating carbs. All of them. Starting now. In two weeks you can lose up to 10 pounds by not consuming the simple carbohydrates found in most store bought breads and pastas. Replace those items with lean meets and lots of veggies. After two weeks you can add whole grain pastas and breads and brown rice into your diet, but minimally. I workout everyday and do long runs twice a week, but after I did this diet my entire outlook on food and eating changed and I lost those 10 pounds that I'd been struggling to lose for years! It's called the South Beach diet, which has a bad wrap, I know. But read the book. It changed my life.
posted by MsShamrock Newbee: 26 posts 4 months agoOk, I can't believe I'm about to say this, but...have you tried Spanx? Obviously exercise and eating healthy are good, and the Spanx won't shave 15 pounds, but they might give you an added edge. I've never worn them, but a lot of friends have recommended them for under the wedding dress (from their own personal experience). Also, a friend just told me she read that Jessica Alba wears two pairs under dresses for red carpet events. Now, that sounds kind of crazy, but I suppose if it works, it works!
posted by amandaR Newbee: 11 posts 4 months agoI'm sure I'm going over some information that you've already gotten, but some of it might be useful.
First, I agree with previous comments - make sure your goal is reasonable, and that you are setting realistic goals - your body will always equilibrate around its ideal weight. Check your BMI to see where you stand.
Second, I definitely like the personal trainer idea. If nothing else, get two or three sessions during which they can show you a workout routine that you can follow. They will also show you how to properly perform the workout without injuring yourself and without improper form.
Third, cardio is always good. One thing to keep in mind(for plateau purposes) is to vary your workouts. I have several friends who have joint issues or back issues, so they cannot do as intense of a workout as I can. Still, they were able to lose weight by putting a treadmill on a higher incline, walking moderately, and monitoring their heart rate to get into their target zone(if you don't invest in a trainer, try a heart monitor - it'll help you keep track of heart rate, calories burned, etc.) Each time you notice you begin to plateau, try something different. Go from jogging, to elliptical, to biking, and classes. Rotate as much as possible to avoid your body getting used to anything.
Lastly, weight training is a huge help. Even though I don't have great genetics for building muscle, any little help I get makes burning calories easier. More muscle = more calories burned. Don't worry about bulking up - most women never get anywhere close to being "big." A trainer will also be able to modify your workout to your goals.
Ultimately, remember that all those beautiful models have been working out for years and years(not to mention airbrushing), so don't get discouraged. Aim for what your body is capable of, and remember to take care of your body. Eat smaller meals and more often(up to 6 times a day), work out at least 5-6 days a week for at least 30-45 minutes in your target heart zone, and vary your workouts!
Good luck! Just remember you'll be beautiful no matter what, because on that day, you're going to be glowing from happiness!
posted by angeldoc Newbee: 34 posts 4 months agoamandaR- I LOVE LOVE spanx. I am thinking of getting one to wear under my dress. The one I have is a high power one, but I was thinking of getting one that looks like a tight strapless stress.
Definitely no matter what shape or size, spanx will smooth out everything!
posted by Novbride08 Worker bee: 67 posts 4 months agoI would exchange for the bigger size dress if you can. It is easier to alter sizes down than up. It sounds way too stressful and also unhealthy to lose 15 pounds in such a short amount of time.
posted by rzblna Helper bee: 200 posts 4 months agoNovbride08 - i love your positive attitude! Thanks for posting this - it's so helpful to read what has worked for others.
I have to agree with MsShamrock about cutting out bad carbs...it really changed my body. I used to be addicted to white rice, pasta, bread, muffins, cereal - that was the bulk of my diet. I worked out and managed to stay in shape, but there were always a few inches in trouble spots that never budged...I just attributed it to getting older and having a desk job. My fiance told me I would see results if I just gave up the daily rice and pasta meals...I told him he was crazy.
Well, after I ordered my dress I tried cutting out the bad carbs and eating lots more protein and veggies...the stubborn spots disappeared, all my clothes fit differently, and everyone noticed. I still eat carbs, but it doesn't dominate my meals and I substitute for the whole wheat options when possible.
posted by indecisivebride Helper bee: 228 posts 4 months agoindecisivebride- That is one area I have probs in. Asians eat a LOT of rice, and i am one of those asains. Love the rice, love the bread and pastas.
Along with workout, that is one thing I am going to try to cut back on. I don't want to go on those NO carb diets bc I do not want to deprive, but I am going to cut back big time. No more rice, pastas and bread for a few months~ =)
posted by Novbride08 Worker bee: 67 posts 4 months agoIf you're looking for something to help guide your routine, I've really liked using self.com's website. They have a free online program called "Reach Your Goal" that actually starts tomorrow. You choose the goal (e.g., lose 8 pounds in one month, tone w/out cardio, etc.) and follow the four-week program. You can stick with it or try different goals after the first month. Takes the guesswork out of developing a routine without the cost of a trainer!
Good luck!
posted by subee Worker bee: 51 posts 4 months ago