Beware of sympathy weight

If you told me nine months ago that all the work I put into losing weight would go out the window, I would have laughed. Like many people, I was all determined that once it was gone it was never coming back ... then I found out I was going to be a father.

I was one of those people who believed that "sympathy weight" was a load of crap. I have been convinced otherwise. I am now the proud father of an absolutely beautiful little girl and I am also the not-so-proud owner of 35 extra pounds and a larger waistline.

I fell into the trap of ease and convenience. For anyone who is, has been, or knows someone who has been pregnant, you know that what mama wants, mama gets ... and usually it is not the healthiest of options. My wife's biggest craving was two bean burritos with no onions and lots of hot sauce from Taco Bell. I don't know how many trips I made, but I do remember that few times did I get hers and not get something for myself. I figured, if I'm picking up her dinner, I might as well get myself some dinner, too.

I guess while the father doesn't have much of a role during the actually pregnancy, aside from doing everything in his power (and outside his power) to make the mother happy and comfortable, there is something to be learned here. I did everything I could to make my wife happy, even it if meant not taking care of myself. If you read all the success stories and watch "The Biggest Loser," one common theme comes up -- take time for yourself. I didn't do that and I'm worse off because of it. I can feel myself moving slower; I can feel my clothes not fitting as well. The bottom line is I can tell I gained the weight and I feel terrible.

So on Dec. 5, I gained a 4-pound-11-ounce baby girl, however, in the nine months prior, I gained about 35 pounds. I guess this means that both mom and dad have some baby weight to get rid of.