How Do You Know If You Have Too Little Muscle/Protein On Body?

 I was going through the carwash a couple of nights ago when the sprayer knocked my driver's side mirror forward at a sharp angle ..  I didn't notice this at the time, but when I went to exit the wash I remember looking to my left and accidentally saw myself close up in the mirror ..  I didn't even recognize myself -- I looked like I have aged 10 years since the surgery ..  What was a fluidy, bloated face pre-op was now more like a sack of loose skin . and a very pale one at that ..  Gone was the much-healthier look that it had to it at one year post-op, despite almost no change in weight between then and now  ..     I suspect all the muscle on my body is being slowly eaten up, despite getting in my daily protein, yet my blood tests show my protein and albumin levels as within normal range ..    Is there a systemic test, akin to the Dexascan used for bone density, to determine how much muscle we have on our bodies and whether we are in a correct % range for that?   I know some weight scales now give bone density %, hydration (il.e. water) %, and body fat %, for the body.  So, would the difference between those three figures and 100% be the % of muscle tissue on the body?   

I know when I lose weight now, I lose it in my face (not a good thing).....so thats why I purposely regained 7-9  lbs because at 191 I was really really really gaunt, people were actually asking my wife if I was sick,  at 198-200 my face looks more full and healthier. We just don't lose weight evenly....I also followed vitalady's advice (michelle) and started to drink a protein shake before and after my work outs and it seems to have helped.  Have you checked your RBC and iron levels lately?  I know when I became even a slight bit anemic, I became really pale. But an iron suppliment made my levels shoot throught he roof.   It doesn't change the fact that I still need some plastic surgery on my face....unforunately I had more chins then a chinese phone book back in the day....those chins have turned into a saggy turkey waddle neck. Scott

That is one of my big questions...Have I lost muscle mass.  I really think I have.  When I got below 190#, I started to look like I had come from a concentration camp in Germany during WW-II.  When I added a few pounds my face looked alittle more rounded and better.  Brian

The paleness can be due to lack of B12. I had better luck switching from dermal to injections. I know that when I get near time for my next B12 I start to get pale and weak. The Doctor said  1cc IM once a month but most of the nurses I know are doing 2cc once a month. personally I find it works better 1cc every three weeks with daily oral folate. Bumping up your protein will help with the gauntness. I am not much for the shakes so try to use alternates such low fat meats, legumes and nuts. Also, you can get protein enhanced soups and other foods. Also stick with the chewable multivitamins twice a day! Very important.. Alot of the situation is just getting used to your new size. I thought the same thing but the more I go forward the more I think I am normal now. I was HUGE before.  You'll go through that like forgetting how much room you take up, thinking you can't sit places because you wouldn't fit PRE surgery. good luck and hang in there.