Creatine & WLS

One of my goals in 2008 is to lift more weights and get toned. I've lost 270 lbs and ready to build back muscle.    How does creatine afect our pouches?  Would one dump on it?  Is it safe for our pouches?  Do we have to double up on it since we're not absorbing 100%?  I'd call my surgeon today but he's closed. I'll call on Monday to confirm... Do you guys use creatine?

Don't have an answer for you, but instead a question.  How much strength or muscle mass do you think you lost during your incredible 270 pound ride? This is one of my underlying concerns.  Can I drop the fat weight and still have enough energy to lift and maintain.  From what I've been reading, after about 4 months, I should be able to down 16 oz liquid which would be perfect for a whey and creatine concoction after lifting.  Plus, it should accelerate the fat loss with the reduced calories. Not sure what the creatine water retention will do to the whole scheme though... Guy

That is my case. My percentage fat today is very low. If I recall, I measured it in Oct of 07 and I want to say it was 18% (not 100% sure).  My arms and legs are a whole lot smaller than how they were before. When I make a muscle (arm), it's so tiny! Plus you can see every bone on my chest and neck area including back...yuk! Now that the fat is gone, I want to replace it with muscle.

The problem with creatine is that you have to load it with a ton of carbs to get the maximum effect.   Rarely will you find a sugar free version and if you do you will have to mix it with a high carbohydrate beverage.   It's safe for your pouch but if you are sensitive to carbs you may want to avoid it. 

I used both the high-carb versions and GNC's brand which was just creatine without the sugar.  I can't say that either did much of anything but make me put on water weight.  I discontinued use after around 2 months.  

 

 

Yup....I thought about the water retention. I'll see what happens with just consistently lifting weights and incorporated higher protein than what I'm currently doing. Thanks for the feedback.

I just want to respond about your tiny arm muscles.  You don't have to look like a weight lifter to be strong.  Look at the men who specialize in cardio events such as runners, cyclists, and swimmers.  They are all strong athletes but they don't look like weight lifters.

hey gus, i'll give you my standard reply. don't use it for six months if you're just starting to lift. you don't need it. all it will do is add 2 to 7 pounds of weight. it's no****er retention but volumization. there's a difference. anyway, you need to get past basic lifting and into int. level. then you can take the stuff. you need to see how much you can consistantly lift and how many reps. once you've done that for six months then take the stuff. ONLY then can you measure if it works for you. you should be able to lift more or do more reps. also, it will puff up your muscles, that's great but it does it with water. you don't want to gain weight right now. i can stay pretty cut on this stuff but i do cardio too. it works for me. i'll cycle on and off for a month at a time. you don't stay on it forever.

so no point in taking it now. you'll never know if it works or not and you'll just gain weight on it. i would say the most and i mean most important thing to do if you're going to lift is get protein in. at least a gram per pound of IDEAL body weight, not what you weigh now. you can't build a single muscle without it so that is the first and only suppliment you need now and as long as you lift. you can take less if you stop lifting and do the amount your doc told you to.

oh, somewhere in an old post i had a great beginner workout. maybe you can find it. start with all compound moves, no isolation moves. the basics are squat, press, curl, bench and deadlift. you'll get a whole body workout with just those moves. this will give results fast and big time. you will see a change in three months and have a physique in six! good luck.....carbonblob

Thanks for the information. I'm currently doing lots of cardio. I will do more protein and take your advice of lifting weights for the next 6 months and go from there... Thanks!