bodybuilding / weightlifting

i would like to hear from folks who have had this surgery and were able to keep or increase their muscle mass. s.

Hi Steve, It is very hard to increase muscle mass when you are on such a limited diet. I was a national champion powerlifter and I know from experience when I would have to make weight for a meet it was so very difficult to lose weight without losing pure muscle. The only suggestion I (and my two friends who still lift heavy and compete) can give you is to up your protien drink intake. Low sugar/carb is the key. Also because beef is so important you will want to make sure you eat a lot of it as part of your protien intake. It has certain amino acids in it that are vital to mucscle growth and unless you are taking amino supplements beef is the best way to full the need for these amino acids. Our body needs 8 essential amino acids to produce mucsle and without them it is very difficult to maintain any size. I was so upset that I was losing so much muscle mass in the first 4 months. I was really surprised too so I caught up with a former Dr. who was an advisor to the powerlifting team I competed for and he told me not to worry as my body was no longer in need of all that muscle and everything would even out. He told me to just do my cardio and with weight training to cut back on reps 5-7 per set and have my normal heavy and light days as before. I can tell you it has helped my arms but my legs have just leaned out so much it is weird to me. I was a 302lbs bench presser with a 400lbs squat and dead lift at 145lb body weight. So as you can imagine I was solid - this extra skin stuff kills me! I can barely get a 200lb bench press now and only for 1 rep! I had surgery on Dec 5, 2002 and just now I am seeing some good results in putting on a little size. So hang in there - and cut back on your reps if you are working out with weights. Feel free to email me if you have any questions. Marion Singer [email protected]

I have a trainer on his way to medical schoo lwith a lot experience. His suggestion was to consider this; you cannot not put on muscle mass and loose weight all at the same time. He states that once you plateau with the weight lose, then start on the long road to building muscle mass. He points out to be patient and that it is going to take more than the normal amount of time to put on good solid muscles mass. And of course consuming the proper amount of protein is important and prescribed by the doctor which he heavily relies on. He deals mainly with patients and is very careful about what he does. He recommends getting a trainer that is also studying exercise science issues and how it relates to B-patients. Because just like some doctors and nurses that do not deal with B-patients, they tend to suggest the wrong thing. Hope this helps.

Hi Steve, Here's what I to to maintain and build muscle: 1 hr intense cardio 1 hr/week X 3 days M-W-F 1 hr weight training 2 hrs/week (with trainer) T-Th Eat 5 oz lean protein 3 x a day 4-6 1/2 cup servings low carb steamed or raw veggies a day 2 servings fruit daily (mid morning and mid afternoon snack) 1/4 cup roasted almonds daily 4-5 24 oz bottles water/day On weight training days I do 1 low carb shake - Optimum Whey Protein - made with 8 oz. SF soy milk (Soy Slender by West Soy) and 10 ice cubes, before I meet my trainer at 6AM. I also take 2 multivitamins with iron daily and a B12 injection once a month. (preventative) By the way, if anyone wants to know-I sleep like a BABY when I work out Diane N @ goal http://www.weightlosssurgery.ws

I am post op. Had surgery 12-26-02. Plataued 9 months later with losing 135 pounds. I am now 180. I started lifting weights and exercising regularly. I have increased muscle mass, especially in my upper torso...mostly my arms. My biceps are now 14 inches. My legs have also toned down but have increased muscle. I used to lift weights before i put on the weight not sure if that helped any or not. I also started boxing and want to get a belt lipectomy so I can compete someday in bodybuilding. I have loose skin on my butt, hips, thighs and around my knee area. I am working with a trainer to try to get rid of it but dont think that is going to work bc you cant do much about loose skin.

I want to compete someday too. I am really getting serious with my routine. With hard work and determination everything is possible.

Hello Steven I am 4 months post-op and down -80lbs. I workout 6 days a week resting on Sundays (walking) I alternate Upper/Lower Body when lifting wieghts and work my ABS on all 6 days. I have significate tone in my legs, hips, buttocks, calves, and arms. I know my stomach is quite toned but you can't see the definiton because of the flabby skin hanging over it. I use EAS HIGH PERFORMANCE WHEY PROTEIN because it has 40 grams per 8oz glass. Weight Lifting is a very discipline sport and lots of hard work too but I love doing it. Diva Divine