I'm 5'8" tall, 335 pounds, and turning 44 years old as I prepare to be banded. As part of this, I'm looking forward to getting into serious weight training--the one "athletic" activity I've ever really enjoyed. I'm wondering, though, whether the restricted food intake will support it. Can you get enough Protein to keep up with the ongoing muscle repair, and ideally start adding muscle?

I understand that my focus should probably be on the wide range of health benefits I'll get from losing the weight. To be honest though, the last thing I want is to lose 100+ pounds, just to become a scrawny, pencil-necked weakling with chicken legs. :thumbup: Has anyone else here been able to start packing on some "lean beef" after banding?

This is really a tough one. To gain lean muscle tissue you need to theoretically be in a calorie surplus - but to lose fat you need to be in a calorie deficit.

My primary exercise was cardio for fat loss (with minimal strength) but now I'm very focused on my strength training (and less cardio). I am consistently able to increase weight so at least the muscle I have is becoming more efficient. The scale and my body fat measurement are continuing a very slow downward trend. I try to stay well hydrated and get plenty of rest. I'm happy with my recovery between workouts.

I still have very significant restriction which I'm hesitant to give up - but I know it will eventually be necessary if I expect to have any meaningful muscle gain.

I try to never go longer than 3 hours without a complete Protein source. I also cycle my calorie intake. On the lightest days I may end around 1000-1200 calories (rare) and on the heaviest days I may end at 3000+. Heavy days require me to eat steadily throughout the day.

The band, at this point, is basically a tool to keep me from binging. I guess I'm basically in a slow long-term cutting phase. Once I achieve a decent body fat % with the muscle I have I will probably have a partial unfill and try a controlled bulking phase - because I'm just about to (if not already at) the point where the band is holding me back.

Good luck!

Edited August 12, 201016 yr by bambam31

I'm 5'8" tall, 335 pounds, and turning 44 years old as I prepare to be banded. As part of this, I'm looking forward to getting into serious weight training--the one "athletic" activity I've ever really enjoyed. I'm wondering, though, whether the restricted food intake will support it. Can you get enough Protein to keep up with the ongoing muscle repair, and ideally start adding muscle?

I understand that my focus should probably be on the wide range of health benefits I'll get from losing the weight. To be honest though, the last thing I want is to lose 100+ pounds, just to become a scrawny, pencil-necked weakling with chicken legs. :thumbup: Has anyone else here been able to start packing on some "lean beef" after banding?

Hi, know you posted this awhile ago but wanted to comment. I am still about 25/lbs from my goal but have been working out for about 18 months with a trainer etc. Still have issues with the scale and Christmas new years were not good! Lots of mindless eating! Started back on my food plan and had my body % done. Although I gained over the holidays from November untill the other day I gained 9 / lbs of muscle mass. So althought the scale is up about

2/lbs since the last time my fat % were done my fat is 9 lbs less. So yes working out will help. I eat about 1500 calories a day and 150 grams of protien. To do so you have to use protien powder thier is no way I could eat that much and keep my calories within reason. Hope this helps.

Ross