muscle loss prevention

[Anne Jectible]

Im getting ready to have hernia and muscle repair in a few weeks.
I’m 51 y/o female 5’3 120 lbs 23% BF. I have been working on building as much muscle as possible and wasn’t anticipating ny surgeon telling me 12 weeks with no lifting. (Just came off of 6 week of var and my lipids are trashed but damn I look good!)
I’m going to be smart about this and listen to my surgeon. Other than eating sufficient protein is there anything I can do to minimize muscle loss in that time or am I cooked? I hate starting over because at my age it’s twice as hard as it was a few years ago.
I’m also on 2x week estrogen patch and 1mg test-P daily.
Also none of this is on a timetable. I don’t compete I’m just vain as all hell.

 

[Grey Spartan]

I'm thinking, with the test-P, estrogen, higher protein, lower carb, and low fat diet you should be as good as you can with no training. You already have low body fat so the goal should be not to gain any more fat. Thankfully, its only 12 weeks so the muscle loss will be minimal. Think of it as a "health phase" giving your body a break from var and training.

 

[Anne Jectible]

I'm thinking, with the test-P, estrogen, higher protein, lower carb, and low fat diet you should be as good as you can with no training. You already have low body fat so the goal should be not to gain any more fat. Thankfully, its only 12 weeks so the muscle loss will be minimal. Think of it as a "health phase" giving your body a break from var and training.

Thank you. I appreciate the reply. I hate rest days and deload weeks so the idea of 12 weeks of no training is really messing with my head. Being essentially sedentary for the first 6 is going to require some careful nutrition for sure.

 

[AnTabolic73]

The only advice I would add is maybe increase carbs a bit. The reason your body would even burn it's own protein is to turn it into glucose. If protein is high enough, it shouldn't be an issue cuz it'll use that instead of breaking down your protein(muscles) for energy.

But to be safe, eat enough protein and a good amount of carbs.

 

[Anne Jectible]

The only advice I would add is maybe increase carbs a bit. The reason your body would even burn it's own protein is to turn it into glucose. If protein is high enough, it shouldn't be an issue cuz it'll use that instead of breaking down your protein(muscles) for energy.

But to be safe, eat enough protein and a good amount of carbs.

Oh interesting. I have one vote for low carb and one for high. I know weight loss is a problem with abdominal surgery so at least maintaining my calories while understanding I'm sedentary will be beneficial.

 

[Grey Spartan]

Oh interesting. I have one vote for low carb and one for high. I know weight loss is a problem with abdominal surgery so at least maintaining my calories while understanding I'm sedentary will be beneficial.

My suggestion was lower carb not really low carb. My thought process is, since you will not be training you don't need the extra energy to power through the workouts.

I hate rest days and deload weeks so the idea of 12 weeks of no training is really messing with my head

Same. Especially at our age when we worked so hard for our gains and made training part of our lifestyle.

 

[Anne Jectible]

My suggestion was lower carb not really low carb. My thought process is, since you will not be training you don't need the extra energy to power through the workouts.

Same. Especially at our age when we worked so hard for our gains and made training part of our lifestyle.

No that makes sense! Thanks

 

[Dunkirk]

Have you considered Bpc/tb500 to help speed up the recovery? Obviously still consult with your doctor if you feel you reached a good level post surgery, but it could cut down on the 12 weeks.

 

[egruberman]

Just came off of 6 week of var

At what dosage?

 

[AnTabolic73]

Oh interesting. I have one vote for low carb and one for high. I know weight loss is a problem with abdominal surgery so at least maintaining my calories while understanding I'm sedentary will be beneficial.

High protein low carb is good advice if you're concerned about any fat gain. If protein is high and carbs are low your body will just turn some of the extra protein into glucose, and spare your muscles.

But if carbs are high and total calories are adequate( meaning not a deficit, at maintenance or even slight surplus) you don't have to worry about muscle loss.

 

[buck]

I have always made it a point to get in my protein healthy fats and nutrients post surgery for recovery. Carbs i moderate as needed.
I have always stayed more active then surgeons have recommended and do not regret it. I find they are vert conservative with their estimates. And often tell patients what they want to hear as most people want to be told to do little after surgery even though studies show activity can be beneficial.