Need some help from the ladies...

[rubberduckyo]

Hi, Ladies. A friend suggested I post over here as you all seem to be quite knowledgeable.

Brief run-down. I've been quite ill for the past 2 months. Lost a tremendous amount of weight. About 20 lbs all told. Partially due to illness. Partially due to stress.

I'm not an avid body builder, just enjoy fitness. I do pilates, weight train moderately. Looking to stay firm rather than get big.

Recently had a surgery that prevents me from doing any lifting/pilates for 4 weeks. Except for maybe a walk in the park.

Was also told at the time of my surgery that I needed to gain weight. Low blood pressure was an issue in "putting me under".

Although, I've lost such a large amount of weight, I don't feel I look much different. I think I lost muscle more than anything. I feel "soft".

This has now become a medical concern for me. I realize that I'm quite thin, 5'6" at 112 lbs.

But I've lost no overall size.

My concern is that the doctor wants to see me gain. I don't want to just "pig out" and turn into a butter ball.

I'm trying to eat high protein / low carb. Thinking that may be the best way to go. Again, I cannot work out for another 4 weeks. I don't want to have all my hard work go to waste.

I've had one lady suggest creotine and aminos when I get within 2 weeks of being able to work out.

I DO realize that my health is my first and foremost priority. I guess I'm looking for suggestions on regaining some weight without turning into a porgie. I've worked so hard to keep my body fit. This is just really kicking me in the butt.

Please. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[supergirl]

Hey girl.. welcome to your recovery!! It is a bitch, but you will pull through.. Welcome to Steroidology!! You will love it here i am sure!

OK.. as per your diet. I definitely suggest you adhere to a clean diet. Clean meaning no McDonalds and garbage like that. Your idea of high protein and low carbs is a good one, but remember protein can cause weight gain too if you are not exercising. So IMO i would keep it moderate protein, moderate carbs until you are back in the gym. Eat clean meats and keep your carbs complex rather than the processed breads and pastas.. A healthy diet filled with vegatables which will also help restore vitamins is necessary... Just maintain an overall "healthy" diet for the next few weeks... Resort to Meal replacement shakes even to get a balanced meal.... There are many options, but try to regain clean healthy muscle, NOT fat.. so keep it clean and healthy.

Definitely try to walk everyday to begin building back up your endurance and get your muscles working as not to become sedentary. If you need to walk on the treadmill for 30- 40mins, so be it. If you can walk on a track outside that is perfect too... Find someplace you enjoy. I personally love walking in the sand at the beach.. great exercise for your calves lol

but don't be a couch potato because you can not do anything strenuous and don't let this recovery time be an excuse to gain too much bad/fat weight and slack off.. Definitely make it work for your ADVANTAGE!! Use the time wisely to recover.. SLEEP, EAT, AND WALK your way back to health.

I do hope i have helped a bit.. I am sure many other females will have their points to express as well
Best of luck to you and again, welcome aboard!

luv super

[Puddles]

Hugggs, Ducky! You're already almost a week post-op...the next 3 weeks will go by quickly. I'd keep the carbs to the earlier hours of the day. Carbs being brown rice, traditional oatmeal, sweet potato, and veggies...avoid white bread, processed cereals and simple carbs. For protein shakes, I'd suggest Lean Body for Her made with water...they're pretty low in both carbs and fats and they taste pretty good. Try to eat about 6 times a day. The meals can be small and snacklike in size, but keep them every 2-3 hrs if you can...that'll keep your metabolism going. Don't mix carbs and fats in the same meal (ie. if you have a steak at dinner, don't have a potato at the same time, instead choose a lower carb veggie like broccoli or a salad). Do have protein with every meal. Drink lots of water...1 1/2 gals. or more if you can.

Vitamin C should help your recovery. A multi vitamin is a good idea too. My dr. also suggested vitamin E, both internally and externally to help with scaring starting a week post-op.

When you're up to it, maybe you can start practicing some of the easier parts of pilates, breathing and good posture are always beneficial.

[Puddles]

I don't know much about creatine, but I always thought it made a person retain a lot of water. Here's a post by phoenixphyre where she quotes Andezzz at the bottom of the thread:


Originally posted by andezzz999:

Ok, I shouldn't be here in this form answering questions but as someone who is married, here's my two cents. I take Creatine and for men in adds water weight which for women is not a desirable trade off for a little energy. I also take Ephedrine products, either Diet Fuel by Twin Lab or Hydroxycut (which is harder to find). My wife will pop 2 tabs before here 4:00 am workout which is enough to jump her motor. I take about 9 caps a day. Last night I worked out 3 hours and still had energy. I don't recomend that dossage for you women a couple caps will give you a pretty good jolt.

My two cents.... Now back to the mens board where I belong.


Phoenix replies:

Definitely stay away from the Creatine...tried it a longtime ago and looked like the Staypuff marshmallow man.

Hi girls!! Lets talk!




Can someone explain how creatine works and when it's beneficial to use it?

[rubberduckyo]

Thanks, Super and Puddles. I appreciate the input.

[Fyre]

Hey hon, welcome to the boards! SuperGirl and MrsP hit it pretty much right on in terms of diet and training suggestions. I would also suggest taking some Vitamin C as well as E. You can get some great antioxidant blends of Vitamin A,C,E, this definitely will help you recover.
As for Creatine, creatine definitely will help you put on weight but you will probably not like how you look on it. Because you're absorbing more water to the muscles, you will look fuller. I've used creatine before and it does help for a kick in the gym but i lost all my definition when i was on it. As soon as i went off it, the definition came back. If you do decide to try it, try using say half a teaspoon twice a day instead of a full teaspoon twice a day. I would also suggest stacking it with some ALA to help it get into the system faster.
when using Creatine, it is so very important to drink a lot of water. My recommended amount of water when using Creatine is 4-7 litres a day. You should be drinking lots of water anyway but when on creatine, it's imperative to drink extra. Good luck with your recovery hon, and let us know how you're making out. Again, welcome aboard!

[rubberduckyo]

Originally posted by Fyre
Hey hon, welcome to the boards! SuperGirl and MrsP hit it pretty much right on in terms of diet and training suggestions. I would also suggest taking some Vitamin C as well as E. You can get some great antioxidant blends of Vitamin A,C,E, this definitely will help you recover.
As for Creatine, creatine definitely will help you put on weight but you will probably not like how you look on it. Because you're absorbing more water to the muscles, you will look fuller. I've used creatine before and it does help for a kick in the gym but i lost all my definition when i was on it. As soon as i went off it, the definition came back. If you do decide to try it, try using say half a teaspoon twice a day instead of a full teaspoon twice a day. I would also suggest stacking it with some ALA to help it get into the system faster.
when using Creatine, it is so very important to drink a lot of water. My recommended amount of water when using Creatine is 4-7 litres a day. You should be drinking lots of water anyway but when on creatine, it's imperative to drink extra. Good luck with your recovery hon, and let us know how you're making out. Again, welcome aboard!

I've been reading a bit on creatine and I'm seeing alot about water retention. Ugh. That doesn't sound pleasant. Think I'll stick to plan A and add some vitamin C and A. Thanks for the great advice ladies. I'll keep ya posted.

[Raina]

This is another thread I needed to read!! I'm in a VERY similar situation....but for me my questions are more training related vs diet.

I'm also trying to put on weight ducky-- and our stats are similar as I'm 5'7 and 118 right now (also down 15+ pounds). I just changed my diet around and have bumped up to 1400 cals. I'm keeping my protein around 150 g a day and cycling my carbs depending on my workouts.

Like everyone else said, try to eat every few hours and stick to healthy carbs, lots of veggies, and plenty of lean meat. I tend to cook a lot of chicken at a time so I can throw it in gladware with some lettuce and hop out the door with it. I'm always running around both at home and work so I have a big stash of protein powder both at work and home as I'm usually to busy to bring several meals with me. It's really important to keep feeding your body every few hours!! Like Puddles, I also like lean body-- bothe the For Her and the Low Carb. I also like cytosport muscle milk which is higher in fat and calories, but I've yet to have an issue with that (and I've been loving it for over a year).

Fyre mentioned ALA, I'm going to second her. It's awesome. I'm quite carb-sensitive and it's done wonders for me in keeping off water retention. I take it with my carb meals and it's made a significant difference. I've not yet tried using it while on creatine but I'll have to keep that in mind next time.

I think it's AWESOME that you're doing this!! It's so much easier to just sit on your butt, feel sorry for yourself, and make excuses!! Congrats on trying to do what you can to maintain/gain your lean mass.

[rubberduckyo]

Thanks, Raina. I appreciate the support.

I'm absolutely exhausted for some reason. Getting tons of sleep but still just dragging through my day at work.

For example, came home this evening, went for a walk (one of the things they've said it's okay for me to do as long as tolerable) Slapped my headphones on and headed out. Some really quaint neighborhoods around here so I was really enjoying the scenery. Can't say as I really broke much of a sweat, except it peaked at 90 here today. But I totally enjoyed just feeling like I was moving. Doing something, however minor, I felt like I should be playing 'Rocky theme song' or something. I almost giggled at the thought.

Time I got home I was pooped and took a 2 hour nap.

I'm skipping my pain meds tonight as so far I haven't felt like I really needed to take them. Maybe that's what's making me so groggy and tired throughout the day. Pain med hangover? Is there such a thing?

I'm simply refusing to sit around for the next 4, make that 3 weeks and feel sorry for myself. I'm gonna do whatever I am able to ensure when I come out the other side I'll be ready to jump back on the horse, so to speak.

As always. I greatly appreciate the help you ladies have to offer.

Great to have you here, Raina. Heard lots about you.

Good luck with your recovery as well.

[Raina]

I hope you keep up the awesome attitude cookie!! It's really inspiring. I'm glad you were able to go for a walk....even if it drained you. The body needs even more rest than usual when it's healing so just listen to it. It's also possible that you're feeling more run down from your meds. I can relate to pain meds making you feel icky. I avoid them as much as possible as they upset my tummy and make me tired. As soon as it was feasible I just relied on ibuprofen and ice.

[rubberduckyo]

Okay. New question for you ladies.

On the subject of supplements. Calcium and iron give me stomach troubles for some reason. I'm thinking on using Tums as my calcium supplement. One serving has nearly double the RDA. Any thoughts?

As far as iron goes, I'm not certain how to proceed except to increase natural sources in my diet.

Any suggestions?

[Fyre]

Originally posted by rubberduckyo
Okay. New question for you ladies.

On the subject of supplements. Calcium and iron give me stomach troubles for some reason. I'm thinking on using Tums as my calcium supplement. One serving has nearly double the RDA. Any thoughts?

As far as iron goes, I'm not certain how to proceed except to increase natural sources in my diet.

Any suggestions?

Have you tried using the Coral Calcium supps? Or Calcium Citrate seems to be a little easier on the stomach too.
I eat lots of greens for my iron. If I take supplemental iron, I get really constipated, so I stay away from iron supps.

[rubberduckyo]

Originally posted by Fyre
Have you tried using the Coral Calcium supps? Or Calcium Citrate seems to be a little easier on the stomach too.
I eat lots of greens for my iron. If I take supplemental iron, I get really constipated, so I stay away from iron supps.

Yeah, I have the same problem with iron.

What's the difference between Calcium Citrate and Calcium Carbonate(source of calcium in Tums). The calcium supplements I have been taking, I don't have the bottle here with me to check. But I believe the calcium source is oyster shell.

[rubberduckyo]

Okay. Week and a half post op check up. No new cells to report. Yay! Reported with a fever of 101.3. Funny, today's the best I've felt since surgery. Fever is supposedly due to an infection at the site of my incision. Script for Cipro to be taken for 10 days. Next appointment in 3 weeks.

All in all, not too bad.

Oh. My blood pressure has improved. 100 over 70 even though I've lost 2 lbs. Hey, I'll take it!

[Puddles]

Geez...post-op infections seem unavoidable these days. That exhausted feeling is like a precursor to the infection thing I'm finding. I'm on my second round of antibiotics, cipro first, keflex now. Take all the meds and drink lots of water and rest up girl. Great news that there were no new cells!!! Now cellebrate with some lasagne!

[moldytwig]

thanks raina

[rubberduckyo]

Update.

Doc appointment this am.

Infection still lingers. Switched me to amoxicillan. 10 day run. With another appointment immediately to follow as the doc wants to make sure it's done the trick.

Was wondering why I was so tired. Thought it was all the late night phone talking I've been doing.

Did get my butt chewed for being back in the gym. I was taking it easy. Cardio and light weights only. And I felt great if not somewhat weeker than I had been. Doc advised that when your body is healing from a surgery or infection it's best to let it do THAT. Not distract it by having it rebuild muscle. I feel like such a goof now.

So it's def oughta the gym till I see him again on the 18th. Grrrrr.......so frustrating.

In the meantime I've found someone to occupy my attention.

I'll keep ya posted, ladies.

[Mad4Iron*]

Originally posted by rubberduckyo
Update.

Doc appointment this am.

Infection still lingers. Switched me to amoxicillan. 10 day run. With another appointment immediately to follow as the doc wants to make sure it's done the trick.

Was wondering why I was so tired. Thought it was all the late night phone talking I've been doing.

Did get my butt chewed for being back in the gym. I was taking it easy. Cardio and light weights only. And I felt great if not somewhat weeker than I had been. Doc advised that when your body is healing from a surgery or infection it's best to let it do THAT. Not distract it by having it rebuild muscle. I feel like such a goof now.

So it's def oughta the gym till I see him again on the 18th. Grrrrr.......so frustrating.

In the meantime I've found someone to occupy my attention.

I'll keep ya posted, ladies.

Kisses my Love

Mad

[phoenixphyre]

Originally posted by rubberduckyo
Update.

Doc appointment this am.

Infection still lingers. Switched me to amoxicillan. 10 day run. With another appointment immediately to follow as the doc wants to make sure it's done the trick.

Was wondering why I was so tired. Thought it was all the late night phone talking I've been doing.

Did get my butt chewed for being back in the gym. I was taking it easy. Cardio and light weights only. And I felt great if not somewhat weeker than I had been. Doc advised that when your body is healing from a surgery or infection it's best to let it do THAT. Not distract it by having it rebuild muscle. I feel like such a goof now.

So it's def oughta the gym till I see him again on the 18th. Grrrrr.......so frustrating.

In the meantime I've found someone to occupy my attention.

I'll keep ya posted, ladies.

They say that love heals all!!

You'll be back to normal and then some in no time flat!!! Just take it easy and let a certain individual pamper you!!!

[rubberduckyo]

I absolutely intend to, my exotic Phoe girly. Crossing my fingers for my appointment on the 18th. Two days before my sweetie lands? Please, oh please let me be feeling better by then.

[Mad4Iron*]

Don't sweat it Baby

Thanks Phoenix,Your a Doll

Mad

[Puddles]

Originally posted by rubberduckyo
Update.

Doc appointment this am.

Infection still lingers. Switched me to amoxicillan. 10 day run. With another appointment immediately to follow as the doc wants to make sure it's done the trick.

Was wondering why I was so tired. Thought it was all the late night phone talking I've been doing.

Did get my butt chewed for being back in the gym. I was taking it easy. Cardio and light weights only. And I felt great if not somewhat weeker than I had been. Doc advised that when your body is healing from a surgery or infection it's best to let it do THAT. Not distract it by having it rebuild muscle. I feel like such a goof now.

So it's def oughta the gym till I see him again on the 18th. Grrrrr.......so frustrating.

In the meantime I've found someone to occupy my attention.

I'll keep ya posted, ladies.

Ducky...did you get a culture done??? After mine came back, it showd just a little staph infection, but I was treated full course for staph...they said that since I'd been on antibiotics so much already that the culture was probbly a bit off and if I hadn't been on antibiotics it probably would have shown even more staph. I'm finally almost better...couple of shots in the glutes and 5 days of orals cleared me up. They were two diff. antibiotics, both used for skin infections...unlike the other meds I was given before. Good luck!

[Puddles]

Also...we had to stop topical vit. E and switched to only oral, plus Zinc added in. I'm still takin my multi and my vit. C. I'm also using a topical antibiotic...seems to help.

[rubberduckyo]

Yes, Mrs P. Had the culture done. Doc thinks I'm resistant to Cipro. Had a case of bronchitis a few months back. Was prescribed for that. Couple other bouts with illness past year or so I've gotten cipro. After culture he thought cipro was the way to go but I'm apparently resistant.

I'm also popping vitamins like crazy. Got a bottle of chewable vitamin C in my desk drawer. Constantly with an orange tongue. LOL

[phoenixphyre]

Originally posted by rubberduckyo
I absolutely intend to, my exotic Phoe girly. Crossing my fingers for my appointment on the 18th. Two days before my sweetie lands? Please, oh please let me be feeling better by then.

Trust me; you'll be on such a "high" that you will feel absolutely euphoric!!

You guys are going to have the time of your life!!!