Question:
Worried about losing muscle mass.

I am a female firefighter and need to have the strength to do my job. Worried that it will be hard to regain the muscle I might lose after surgery.    — firemedicwoman (posted on January 16, 2010)

January 16, 2010
Increase your Protein intake before cutting your carbs now. Plus start lifting more weight now too. Then continue as soon as you can after your surgery.
   — Michael Eak

January 16, 2010
Hi, weight loss that occurs from calorie restriction without exercise results in 75% fat loss and 25% muscle loss. So if you don't exercise and lose 100 pounds 25 pounds lost would be muscle. Protein intake also plays a role. When you have enough protein available to the body as you exercise it helps you build muscle mass countering the breakdown of muscle from taking in such low calories. After surgery my surgeon recommended 4-500 total calories a day with 60-80 grams of protein. I worked out aerobicly 45 minutes a day 6 days a week and lifted weights 3 days a week. I'm sure I lost muscle in the 164 pounds I've lost so far but I have good muscle tone, much better exercise tolerance, and feel stronger. Muscle loss is a concern but can be minimized by following your surgeon and nutritionists plan. Kevin
   — hapkidodoc

January 17, 2010
Thank you Michael and Kevin for your answers.
   — firemedicwoman