So I am pre-op and will be having my surgery on Monday. One thing I have been wondering about is if there is a way to maintain all of the muscle I have or a good percentage of it. Are there certain foods or vitamins that will help in this??

I am sorry, but you will win in the end, I know it. Good for you not letting the *******s keep you from lifting.

Ouch, I hate sunburns!! Aloevera in the fridge mmmm Leg Press - single leg: Set 1: 12 reps @ 30.0 lbs | Set 2: 10 reps @ 30.0 lbs | Set 3: 8 reps @ 110.0 lbs Set 4: 8 reps @ 160.0 lbs Hamstring Curls - seated: Set 1: 15 reps @ 45.0 lbs | Set 2: 10 reps @ 60.0 lbs Leg Extensions: Set 1: 10 reps @ 50.0 lbs | Set 2: 15 reps @ 65.0 lbs Standing Dumbbell Calf Raises: Set 1: 15 reps @ 35.0 lbsx2| Set 2: 10 reps @ 35.0 lbsx2 Cross Crunches: Set 1: 40 reps | Set 2: 40 reps CARDIO: Skiing - Nordic: 533 calories burned: 1.5 miles, 25 minutes ,3.6 mph (Intensity 3 -- Moderate) 425/280/235

UGH... having one. Not feeling great, now I know why. I went to the tanning bed, and YOWCH I did way too long...lookin' like a lobster. So, I opted to stay home and read. I figure I can take a day off, it wasn't my scheduled bench night, and that's what my big priority is now... Someone wanna pass the aloe....Oh man...

Hi Jill! Welcome! Go with your brother...PROTEIN PROTEIN PROTEIN! It is THE building block of everything. However, you do have to have enough calories in so that you aren't in a state of starvation. So, in a way he is a little right too. If you aren't getting enough of the right balance you won't gain muscle. I haven't looked at your profile, how far out are you? In order to build muscle, you also need to do exercise that is going to tear it down...for example resistance work, like weight training. Trust me, you won't look like a body builder. They have to eat ungodly amounts of food and train 8 hours a day, and use steroids. Women really have a hard time doing that because we aren't manufactured to be that way, so most of those women area already predisposed genetic freaks. So if someone tells you that you are going to look like a man...just blow it off. That is how I got turned away from weight training when I was in high school and I could kick myself now. The more lean muscle mass you build, the more calories you will burn, the better your body will operate at a resting state. The more muscles you have the stronger you will be. It is also great for maintaining bone mass. (eh hum get your calcium and vitamins in too) Ok, say you are weight training 3 to 4 days a week (throw in some cardio) and you want a diet breakdown... On average, 1200 to 1500 calorie total is a good place to start. You want to get about 80 - 100 grams of protein in (at least) about 80 to 100 grams of carbs a day and 20 g of fat. You can not lose weight nor build muscle mass if you are depleted in any way. But you gotta hit the protein first. Drink as much water as you can. Keeps the kidneys functioning. The FDA says that 60-80 grams of protein a day is needed for survival. If you are weight training consistently you really need to up that. I hope this makes sense. I am sure Earl will hop on here at some time...He's my hubby. We are both powerlifters. I love the sport. I love the way my body is taking shape and I love the strength it has given me. Sounds like your brother knows a thing or two...can you train with him? At any rate...good luck! Take care, Valerie