Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

The Surgery and Muscle



Recommended Posts

I'm definitely sold on getting the surgery. Will be making a plan very soon to get it going.

I have a couple questions that some of you may be able to answer.

I used to work construction, lift weights and generally be VERY strong when i was younger. I am still very strong with a solid core....I can still bench 225. I have a lot of muscle under all this fat....when I lose the weight post surgery will I also lose my muscle mass?

What will happen to all the skin on my belly (which is where most of my weight is)

Thanks again team. You are all an amazing support!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I know nothing about bench pressing or weight lifting in general (just starting to learn). But I can tell you this, as a woman, I didn't have a ton of muscle but I had a decent amount. Because of the liquid phase and healing phase of the surgery, and exercise restrictions, I lost every bit of muscle mass I had. I'm serious, I'm a weakling now. I don't know if people lose all their mass or if it's proportional to how much you had to start with. But I would bet you can count on losing at least some of your muscle mass. You're also restricted from any exercise besides walking or lifting anything over 10 pounds (not sure if it's different for men) for about 6 weeks after surgery.

Once you start your exercise program, you'll build all your muscle back up. Unless you have absolutely no muscle to start with, it's almost impossible to not lose muscle during the weeks right after surgery.

Hope that helps. Good luck on your journey.

Edited by beachgurl84

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Your diet will be high in Protein to help maintain muscle mass.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My nutritionist is all about lowering my body fat percentage, NOT weight loss. Thus she wants me eating 100 grams of Protein a day and had me doing 60 minutes of brisk walking per day immediately post-op. My lifting restrictions were minimal and I was allowed to start doing core exercises (crunches, etc.) at two months post-op. If anything, I've gained muscle because I work out all the time now.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

You're certainly going to lose some muscle mass, but it doesn't have to be a lot - keep up with your Protein intake (80 grams a day can be harder than you think when you're "just not hungry") and start gentle exercises as soon as your surgeon clears you (emphasis on GENTLE)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

You may lose some at first for all the reasons mentioned, but at more than a year out my muscle mass is actually greater. I run and do yoga several times a week and eat 80-100g Protein a day and my body fat % is 18.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • cryoder22

      Day 1 of pre-op liquid diet (3 weeks) and I'm having a hard time already. I feel hungry and just want to eat. I got the protein and supplements recommend by my program and having a hard time getting 1 down. My doctor / nutritionist has me on the following:
      1 protein shake (bariatric advantage chocolate) with 8 oz of fat free milk 1 snack = 1 unjury protein shake (root beer) 1 protein shake (bariatric advantage orange cream) 1 snack = 1 unjury protein bar 1 protein shake (bariatric advantace orange cream or chocolate) 1 snack = 1 unjury protein soup (chicken) 3 servings of sugar free jello and popsicles throughout the day. 64 oz of water (I have flavor packets). Hot tea and coffee with splenda has been approved as well. Does anyone recommend anything for the next 3 weeks?
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        All I can tell you is that for me, it got easier after the first week. The hunger pains got less intense and I kind of got used to it and gave up torturing myself by thinking about food. But if you can, get anything tempting out of the house and avoid being around people who are eating. I sent my kids to my parents' house for two weeks so I wouldn't have to prepare meals I couldn't eat. After surgery, the hunger was totally gone.

    • buildabetteranna

      I have my final approval from my insurance, only thing holding up things is one last x-ray needed, which I have scheduled for the fourth of next month, which is my birthday.

      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BetterLeah

      Woohoo! I have 7 more days till surgery, So far I am already down a total of 20lbs since I started this journey. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NeonRaven8919

        Well done! I'm 9 days away from surgery! Keep us updated!

    • Ladiva04

      Hello,
      I had my surgery on the 25th of June of this year. Starting off at 117 kilos.😒
      · 1 reply
      1. NeonRaven8919

        Congrats on the surgery!

    • Sandra Austin Tx

      I’m 6 days post op as of today. I had the gastric bypass 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×