Hi,

I just had surgery 12/28 and I'm feeling great. I'm back into the gym almost 5 days a week.

My trainer and I are trying to figure out what will work as a pre workout meal before my resistance training.

Any ideas? Also, how far ahead of my session should I eat?

Glad I found this forum. I really need it.

Thanks!

Allyson

I think everyone's body has a different way of responding depending on their meal, how long before workout, etc. For me, I try not to eat 2-4 hours before my workout. I like to exercise on an empty stomach myself. I've tried a small meal right before a workout, a regular meal and hour or two before and I've tried a workout on a completely empty stomach. For me, I have better exercise sessions on an empty stomach and my focus is also much better. But everyone's body seems to have their own optimal point. I certainly would not have a large meal right before a workout. Maybe try a small meal, whey Protein and half a banana about an hour before and adjust from there? Wish you the best!

Edited January 27, 201412 yr by aroundhky

I don't suggest eating right before or even half an hour prior to working out. It's a very bad idea. Especially if you have weight loss surgery! food sticks around longer in our stomach and digestive track and it's a very bad idea to workout that way. You're better off working on a totally empty stomach and having a large Protein filled meal after your workout. If you must must eat before working out I might suggest a Protein Bar or one of those energy slime packs. I find they don't fly around your stomach and bust you up when working out.

I have no idea, I always workout before dinner... I prefer to eat after. I eat lunch at noon-1 and typically workout about 430 then have dinner when I get home. So I don't eat for a couple hours before I work out but I eat almost immediately after. One time i did eat about 30 min before a workout because we had lunch with friends and I was miserable the entire time.

I haven't been able to workout right after eating since the surgery. My NUT suggested drinking a Protein shake right after when I was first able to workout again. Now that Im a little further out (4.5mos.) I eat a protein bar or a handful of almonds within 15 mins. of working out.

It's surprising because I don't hit a wall working out even on an empty stomach. I always had to eat before working out prior to surgery. Oh well, one of life's mysteries huh?

A lot of science is coming back that working out on an empty stomach us optimal. Some do pre work out drinks that amp up performance but certainly are not mandatory. Getting 30grams of protein within 30 minutes following your workout is however very critical!

I workout on an empty stomach..first thing in the morning, at 5-6am....afterwards I will have a "Recovery" shake...

My theory is....we humans, hunters-gatherers....store excess food/energy away as fat, for those days of famine....

When I work out, I use that stored energy source, as opposed to something I recently ate...if I eat before, then it is that food I am using for my energy, and not efficiently burning the stored away fat....

I also feel lighter on my feet....

Just my theory, but I will say it has worked for me....and I have never had an issue with energy either...I run 5 miles every day, and do weights every other day....also attend "Advanced" Training classes (boot camp) on Monday mornings....

I should also add, I'm 62 years old, and have had one heart attack with consequent cardiac surgery (before banding)

NOW, I have no excess body fat to burn....I take a Protein shot with my morning coffee before heading to the gym....

Edited January 27, 201412 yr by B-52

I wish I could help you. I work out on an empty stomach too. Two cups of coffee, and then I work out at around 10 or 11. I eat after I come home. Sorry I was of no help!

I like to carb it up 2 hours before a workout. It helps to prepare the muscles for the energy they need while going hard.

I'm doing resistance training and I'm pooping out after 30min. I need fuel.

When I do cardio only, I'm great on an empty stomach.

Anyone lifting weights and doing resistance training longer than 30min? What do you eat?

I usually have some kind of a snack about an hour ahead of time. I'll usually do something like half a protein bar or a protein pudding that has a good ratio of carbs as well. Nothing big, about 100 calories. That pretty much gets me through the workout, whether CrossFit or swimming, both of which run about an hour.

Ally, it seems we all differ some. If you want to keep trying the resistance training on an empty stomach, I say give it a couple of weeks before you drop that approach and see if your body adjusts more and has more energy after a week or two. When I first started it, I probably only had 20-30 mins in me before I hit the wall, now I can work out for an hour and a half on an empty stomach and with great intensity due to complete focus that I get in that state. Again, exercising this way may not be for everyone, but perhaps worth a try.

Remember that people like Fiddleman are in advanced states of athleticism, they need to pre-workout carbs to fuel their efforts, I on the other hand still have a very high body fat % and still have a solid 40 lbs to lose so I do not eat prior to a workout. I also keep my carbs pretty modest throughout the day, saving them on purpose for after the workout which, according to the literature in weight lifting, is optimal.

I have a protein drink , just water mixed with a scoop of protein powder.

My surgeon told me to have half before and half afterwards.

It is very comfortable as I hate to exercise with food in my tummy and helps muscle recovery afterwards .

I eat an energy ball (homemade) some mornings but every morning before I work out I drink a grande soy latte. The caffeine stimulates my metabolism and the soy milk is enough calories to keep me going. If it's a long session or I've been particularly hungry or low on calories in the last 48 hours, I eat. I eat oatmeal about 2 hours before. I'll eat an energy ball all the way up to the gym door if it's been that kind of morning.

If I don't, my body will eat my lean muscle over fat. Lucky me, I said never. I used to work out on empty stomach. Until I met with the endocrinologist and his repeat testing revealed this. So I have to eat before and then high quality Protein with in 20 minutes of finishing.

The last time I was tested I only had 4 pounds of muscle to make up. He said in WLS patients he currently has some with as much as 30#. But I lift a lot, RTC to help combat that. Any....not about lean muscle wasting....

(I make an no bake energy ball of raw oats, chia or flax seed, dark choc chips, local honey, Peanut Butter and a tsp of vanilla. Depending on the size you want, you can use a melon baller or a regular teaspoon to make balls. Refrigerate to harden. Nom nom nom.)

omg, CBT, I make those too! Except I can't do oats so I use the leftover almond paste from making my own almond milk. The chia I use is amazing, it is Ruths Raw Organic chocolate Chia, so freakin' good! I am driving myself crazy over this topic of how to feed my muscles for growth and fat loss, I just don't know what to do and everything I try doesn't seem to work! I've been lifting for about 3 weeks now and I swear my front and back views I look even worse!! gah!!