A Little Worried.............Should I Be?

Ok so here goes, I was at the gym today for the first time in about a month. Felt great the problem is this. I have lost ALOT of muscle strength in that month. I know it is normal to lose strength if you are not working out but I went down about 10 lbs on what I could lift on every machine (Cybex)  I have also noticed lately that I have some swelling in my lower legs and hands. Not horrible swelling just enough that I notice it. Now hear is my question. Do you all think that maybe my protein intake should be higher, or that my blood levels could be off? I am one year out on March 20 and go for my labs about one week before that. I am averaging between 55 and 65 grams of protein a day. I am also only averaging about 40 - 50 ozs of fluids a day. Most of that being decaff coffee. So I am thinking that I need to increase both of those things and really get serious about the exercise thing. Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I just want to try to catch any potential problems before they happen or at least before they get out of hand. Thanks everyone.

Definately if you are exercising and weight training you need to up both the protein and the water.   The numbers you are quoting don't meet the minimum requirements for a sedentary person even (unless you are 4ft. something).  Swelling is actually symptomatic of dehydration (though that sounds backwards).   Your cells are holding on to what fluid you do have and your muscles will not regenerate after exercise with inadequate protein levels so yes, you are weakening your muscles as they need a minimum just to exist (talking brain, heart, liver, kidneys, pancreas will draw first then legs, arms etc.)  I'd increase both (but not the exercise) and give your bod time to rebuild its stores.   You will start to see neurological and/or muscular issues if you don't (legs giving out, carpal tunnel, heart palpitations) take care. 

I agree with Jackie - you need to get your protein to at least 80 grams a day and that is for a moderate exercise plan. Also you need at least 64 oz of water but 96 is much better! Cut out some of that coffee - decaf still has some caffeine in it and caffeine leeches the water from your body

I would get all your labs pulled and see where your levels lie, I wouldn't wait a month - have them drawn now for your appt and get a copy sent to you so you can see it in advance. We'll be happy to take a look at them with you too. Also - keep your eye on that swelling if it gets worse call the Dr right away.

Good luck!

Liz

Thanks for the insights. I knew I could count on you guys. My guidelines from the surgeon actually have listed 45 -65 gms of protein as my goal amount. I always noticed that is much lower than everyone else on the boards and I wondered about that. I knew that the liquid amounts and types were a problem. Something that I definately need to change. I will start today, I do not want to cause any problems that could have so simply been avoided just by reaching the right goals with nutrition and fluids. I will let you all know about my labs as soon as I get them drawn. Thanks again.

Just catching up from being away from a few days - definately get tha****er in.

My protein goals for the first year ****il I started maintaining) was 70, so not that far off from your high end of 65.  But I generally went over that every day.

Water....MUST get it in.  You definately do not have enough to sustain you let alone exercise

Congrats on making the changes and getting back to the gym!