Weight Loss Wednesday: Courtney was Determined to Get Fit After Baby — and Lost 70 Pounds!

After gaining 55 pounds while pregnant with her first baby, Courtney Geist says she felt self-conscious and depressed about the extra weight on her body.

So the 38-year-old set out on a nine-month weight loss journey through the Natalie Jill diet and fitness program — and has since shed an amazing 70 pounds!

"This was something I never thought would happen. I [am] so proud that I made this change and was able to prove so many people wrong. Moms can be hot!" Courtney exclusively told 'Closer Weekly.'

Read on to find out how Courtney successfully lost the weight and turned her life around!

Courtney before her weight loss.

• What was your life like before the weight loss?

Life was difficult before my weight loss. When I got pregnant I was 145 pounds and [at the end of my pregnancy I weighed] 200 pounds. I was so excited to be a mom… but I was never truly happy with how I looked before [getting pregnant] so I didn't know how I was going to feel afterwards. I felt self conscious about my body. I would see other women who were in great shape, confident, carefree and happy [and] it would make me angry and depressed because I wanted to feel that. It was a daily struggle with clothes, feeling tired, stressed, depressed… it was all so overwhelming.

Related Story: Patti Lost 103 Pounds After Surviving Cervical Cancer

• How did you get started with your weight loss journey?

I called Natalie Jill and asked for her help. She told me about a meal plan and a seven-day jumpstart [program] that she thought would help. I was very excited and purchased it right away. I did the seven-day jumpstart meal plan for two weeks and lost 10 pounds right away! The key thing for me was to follow the plan exactly. Later, I switched up the meal plan and snacks based off of what was convenient and what I liked, but I had to stick to their rules. I also [started taking Pilates classes at the gym] for the first six weeks [of the program] to help with strengthening my core. Then as I grew stronger I would work out at home with online videos or just do sit ups while my daughter was sleeping.

Courtney after her 70 pound weight loss.

• What were the most difficult aspects of losing the weight?

The most difficult part was how long the process took. I would look in the mirror and get discouraged, especially on the weeks when the numbers of the scale hadn't changed at all. I felt like I would never reach my goal. I would see people around me eating whatever they wanted when I couldn't and I would get depressed. But every time I felt truly discouraged or bad about myself, I would block it out. I focused on the positive and chose to find happiness. You have to have a strong and happy attitude to make change happen.

• How does it feel now that you've lost the weight?

When I finally lost all of the weight (and then some), I couldn't believe it! How come after [having] a baby I looked the best I have ever looked in my entire life? This was something I never thought would happen. I [am] so proud of myself knowing that I made this change for me and was able to prove so many people wrong. Moms can be hot!

To submit your own weight loss story, email (jbirkinbine@bauerxcel.com).