Criteria for TTC?

I've heard several different and competing criteria for TTC. Some seem solely based on time (12 months/18 months). Others seem based on weight (at goal). Still others seem based on maintenance (maintaining at goal for a couple months). In the end, all of the criteria seem so arbitrary and don't take into consideration the individual. For instance, a person who was 350 pounds at surgery would be at a different place at 12 months than a person who was 250 pounds at surgery. Some are fast/slow losers? Some people stall for months but aren't really in maintenance.

Bottom line, which criteria are legitimate and WHY? Thanks!

(I'm still a ways out from TTC but I'm a planner who likes to make long-term goals, so no need to warn me about only being six-months out.)

My opinion?  (And my doctor's advice)

Be at a stable weight for at least 6 months -- a stable weight is not a stall, but a place you expect to land and stay at.  (Maybe that's not your goal, but a place you stopped at.) 

A stall implies you still intend to lose....if that's the case either don't get pregnant yet or put the further weight loss off until you have the baby. 

Others have differing of opinions....and of course "oopsies" happen. 

You're right about the time criteria... I started at a BMI of almost 60 and my 6 month only had me down 120 lbs with 100 left to lose while some at 6 months are done already.

Good Luck to you!

Cindy

Thanks for the confirmation on the x number of months criteria! The stable weight requirement makes snese to me as then I would be able to gauge how many calories I actually use each day and can add accordingly for baby. Do you know why the suggestion is six months? I'm not challenging, just questioning.

My Dr told me to wait a year (he knew we'd been trying for years).  His criteria is usually 12-18 months post op.  No weight goals or anything like that.  He doesn't even give weight goals.  He was almost as excited as my husband when I told him I was pregnant.  He knew the surgery he performed was the reason I was able to conceive after 8 years of trying.

My doctor says between 12 and 18 months out. He uses this guidline because that is usually when you will stabalize. I know I did at about 6 months more or less. I only lost 20 pounds from 7 months to one year.

That's kinda where I am. I am within 20 pounds of goal and am six months out. Again, I'm not rushing things, but since I'm getting close to goal, it is fun to start thinking about.

I would say a lot depends on how old you are.....A 35-40 y/o TTC doesn't have the same time frame to play with as I did at 29 and they might not care as much about Losing that last 30 pounds as having a baby. Of course it is important not to be in a losing cycle which is why the 1 year wait minimum they usually give. Plus being at goal for a few months is great but I don't think there is a good general rule of thumb for everyone. It just depends on you, your body, your age,  and your priorities.

Thanks. I needed to hear that there is some flexibility. I am within 20 pounds of my goal and within 5 pounds of my surgeon's goal. Since I am turning 36 in a few weeks and it took four years to get pg with my daughter, I'm trying to be prudent and make good decisions for my health and for baby without unnecessarily waiting for arbitrary reasons. I appreciate your perspective.