Myosynthesis Forums

I don't even know where to begin. Except here.


I am recovering from surgery. I had an abdominoplasty with muscle repair done March 3rd. So, I'm still pretty fresh.

I have been training the last 2-3 years the right way. I have a decent amount of muscle. I did a 5 week cycle of UD2 last fall and had (I think) outstanding results. (I can post pics if it would help, but I think everyone here has seen them anyway) It was the leanest I have ever been and still held quite a bit of muscle. For a little girl. I Lyle.

Anyway, after the UD2, I kinda did whatever I wanted with food. And then kinda whatever in the gym. We all see where this is going. From November to January, then through to March, gained/lost about 8 pounds of pure fat. Trust Which seems like 100 lbs. on my 5'2" frame.
So, I know I need to recover from surgery. But, let's not forget I'm a girl and I feel myself turning into a tub of cottage cheese doing nothing.

My surgeon says NO training for at LEAST 12 weeks. I am not even allowed cardio for 6 weeks.
I did know all of this going in, but living it out now is depressing the shit out of me.

I know I cannot diet now.

My concerns today are #1. Losing ANY muscle. I worked so hard for them. And #2. When can I diet again? (remembering the girl part and summer is coming and the cottage cheese factor) #3. Is it as simple as eating at maint. with my protein and fats where they need to be? #4. I'll probably be able to technically diet before I'm able to train-then what? I need to train.

So, I guess I want to know your thoughts on any of this. The recovering, the dieting, the no training, the muscle repartitioning into fat(lolz), the turning into a fat ass while recovering, so on and so forth.

What are your thoughts?

Thanks!

You won't turn into a blob of muscleless fat. lol

You can't train, you can't diet. It's pretty simple, as much as it sucks.
All you can really do is eat as healthfully as possible and keep your calories as close to maintenance as you can. You want to heal, so pack in your veggies, make sure you are getting excellent lean protein sources, and don't cut your carbs... eat a lot of whole grains. You want to get the most nutritive value out of your foods as possible... and you don't want to get fat - so avoid the chips and beer.

You'll be fine.. and once you've recovered you'll hop back on the training wagon and be very happy.

(03-21-2009 02:44 AM)Freckles Wrote: [ -> ]You won't turn into a blob of muscleless fat. lol

Too late.


And I know. It is simple. It does just suck.

Thanks babe.

(03-21-2009 07:17 AM)Brandy Wrote: [ -> ]

(03-21-2009 02:44 AM)Freckles Wrote: [ -> ]You won't turn into a blob of muscleless fat. lol

Too late.


And I know. It is simple. It does just suck.

Thanks babe.

((hug))
You just might be surprised with how your body responds after the time off. When I broke my foot last spring, it was a very long and depressing few months of not training, and like you I felt like I was turning into a bowl of custard. However, once I started training again, I saw quick changes and even surpassed a few of my pre-break sticking points.

Main thing for not losing muscle is getting in the protein. Without training I don't think it has to be excessive, but 0.8-1g/lb would probably be the threshold.

Other than that, yeah, just keep a reasonable calorie target, doesn't necessarily have to be a deficit (also account for the calorie needs of someone not exercising regularly). Get some good carbs, some good fats, and you should be good to go.

It takes a long time to build muscle, and it takes a long time to lose it.

What does 'no cardio' mean? Can you walk?

I think docs tend to be too conservative when it comes to things like this, but then, I don't have any idea what I'm talking about.

Eat healthy, keep an eye on your waistline, adjust a little. You'll be OK. Take up another hobby to expand your brains.

Thanks guys.

Yeah Matt-I've been tracking on fitday just to make sure I am getting at least my protein.

But, same as dieting (especially recovering from surgery) a lot of ice cream hits the spot much better than chicken breast.

What are the caloric needs of a regular person that doesn't train or exercise? I'm sure that is a basic, stupid question, but I have no clue.

And Paul- Well, his exact words were "The least amount of activity you do, the better" My next appointment with him will be at my one month post-op. He cleared me to go back to work at 3 weeks. His norm is 2 weeks, but-he knows I'm a nurse and it's a pretty physical job. So, he knows I'm on my feet a lot.
I agree 100% with what you're saying. I do feel he is being WAY conservative. I've been spending my time researching this surgery and kinda getting a consensus/middle ground on other's recovery.


But thanks guys and girls. I just needed a big dose of "STFU-this is not a big deal"

Think long run and not this short period of time. Eat and try to enjoy your time away from the gym by doing other activities (if you are allowed, that is).

Nutrition - enjoy this while you can. Eat healthy, in moderation, and remember, you're recovering from surgery, so get your calories in.

(03-22-2009 11:00 AM)JBU Wrote: [ -> ]Think long run and not this short period of time.

That's the biggie, in the grand scheme of things this will be a hiccup. Be conservative, do what your Doctor says and heal up. Training and diet will still be there afterwards and your body will thank you.

Okay. So I decided to make lemonade out of my lemons. I'm listening to all of you, so thanks.

I'm getting my protein. And as much as I hate myself for even thinking/saying this out loud, I am eating pretty clean. But, I figured I can help facilitate my healing, hopefully without going overboard.
Anyway, I am having fun out of the whole 'diet' mindset. (for a hot minute at least)
This is what I had for breakfast yesterday. I had my eggs first. And I even fitday'd it all and I was in within maint.

This was un-clean.
Nutella crepes w/ bananas, strawberries, glaze, and whipped cream.