Hi guys, I'm getting my lap band on the 14th of this month and I was wondering if I'll be able to continue to gain solid muscle mass. I ask, because I'm not only overweight, but I'm also muscular. Not only do I not want to lose muscle, but I also want to be able to build it after the procedure.

I asked my surgeon the same question and he said it wouldn't be a problem, but you all have first-hand experience. I'm 5'10, 27 years old, and weigh in at a solid 215-230 lbs when I'm in shape. I'm currently 330 lbs. I want to be healthy, not skinny.

I'm doing this for my health, but as I mentioned before, I by no means necessary want to be skinny and flabby.

Thanks

In-shape: (2007 pictures)

Out of shape (current): (what I look like now, but taken in 2005)

Not a problem at all. Your primary food intake should be protein anyway, which encourages muscle growth. I bench my weight now (haven't done that in years). There are plenty of strings in the mens room specific to weight training, so go ahead and check them out...

What Mike said! I've put on a lot more lean muscle since being banded (much easier to move, lol). Go for it!

Hey Uballe, Thanks for this post. I will be banded on Nov. 17, 2008 and I also wondered about this. This is my first post. I am 5'11 and 318. My weight when I am in shape is 230. Thanks to all you guys. I just discovered the Men's Room section and up to now, have had no one to reach out to. How are you guys doing now and what type of Protein shakes do you drink and what can you eat. - Sorry, I haven't had any guys to talk to about this.

thanks,

Jubei

Jubei - can really eat anything - just a lot less, and yes, some foods are more tolerable than others. But the goal of the band is not deprevation, just smart eating ! In terms of shakes, I still have an isopure shake in the morning,,,,

Thanks Mike for responding, All info is really helpful at this point. I was told to do liquids 24hrs prior to my surgery but considering to start earlier. Any thoughts?

Follow advice of your surgeon !! Mine told me low fat/high protein 2 weeks prior to surgery. No other guidelines and he did not require shakes/liquid only at all. I just find the shakes post-op a convenient way to start off the day with a high protein kick - I am not nor never was a breakfast person so this makes it easy...

Not a problem at all. Your primary food intake should be Protein anyway, which encourages muscle growth. I bench my weight now (haven't done that in years). There are plenty of strings in the mens room specific to weight training, so go ahead and check them out...

If you check out my "advice from weightlifters" thread, I let my protein intake lapse and I suffered tremendously. I've started up the Protein shakes again and, after taking one week off, will start back up this coming Monday.

However, I am able to bench 70 lbs over my weight now. I've NEVER been able to claim that. My all time max bench was 375 and I weighed approx 340 at that time.

Edited November 15, 200817 yr by Ceradad