After my surgery, my friend took my kids for 9 days while I recovered. Realizing that my recovery was going much more smoothly than we'd anticipated, my husband and I took advantage of being temporarily kidless, and went out to dinner every night. With no exercise and eating at restaurants, I managed to lose 6 pounds.

Then the kids came back. I've been working out the best I can (which, right now, means walking a lot--- I still haven't been cleared for anything vigorous, and I cannot lift weights for another 6 weeks or so). I have also been vigilant about what I put in my mouth. The results? I've gained back 4 of the 6 pounds I lost.

kids...