Toning Up after WLS

Is it possible to build back muscles? Would we "RNY" folks have to work harder to build muscle since we're not "absorbing" all the protein we intake? I'm down to where I want to be and need to start lifting those weights. I'm just wondering if I could gain back the muscle I lost during my rapid weight loss

I don't think you'll have any harder time building muscles than a similar guy of similar size would.  The absorption may mean a bit less protein is processed, but that's not a huge deal.  Shoot for something in the range of 1.2 to 1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight.  That should cover your needs. That said, building muscle is harder (for anyone) than maintaining, especially at low body fat.  Don't expect miracle progress.  To give you an idea, adding 5 pounds of muscle in a year is considered good by many people.  You might be able to do better than that first year, but 20 pounds a year+ is the stuff of steroids only.

I was down to 175 pounds and I looked so gaunt I couldn't stand the sight of myself.  I started lifting weights about a year ago and I can't believe the difference.  In just a few months I gained 8 pounds of muscle.  The beautiful part is for the first time in my life I could see it.  I am currently at 190 and I want to stay here.  Hit the gym and I promise you can gain muscle.  Keep your eating clean and make sure to incorporate cardio. Good luck,