After major operation questions

[Felinecougar]

I gained alot of lean muscle before I competed for Figure Top 5 provincial qualifier 6 months ago. I'm qualified for Med Talls and Grand Masters in Figure..I'm not a Barbie Doll and will not give up....

I'm returning to the stage next year as a bodybuilder. Even thou I am a Provincial Champion in Masters 05.

3 weeks ago I had major surgery to repair the labors of giving birth to large babies....

I can't lift for 6-8 weeks following this surgery. The last 3 weeks I have lost 5 lbs..still eating lean and high protein.

What gives..do u believe we never loose muscle gained? How quick is the recovery after time off?

[Delt King]

Without lifting heavy, i lose weight (muscle) within 2 weeks of stopping, no matter what the diet is. 8 weeks off would take a considerable toll on my mass. Last year i needed 2 months off to recover from extreme adrenal fatigue. Mass and strength came back very quickly upon restarting training thanks to muscle memory. As long as you can stay lean while losing muscle (as metabolic rate will also dive) you should have no problems getting back to your normally jacked self in a short time.

[ange_d]

Hey FC,
It is amazing how fast muscle comes back after a lapse in training. I always take long periods of time off the gym (for various reasons: having a child, having surgery, or when my arthritis limits my motion, or when I just need a break from it all). Even after 3 months off it only takes a few weeks of consistant training/good eating until my strength increases and my physique begins to change. Take the time off you need and start back slow. I like the "starting back" phase you will feel that muscle soreness you got when you first started training and see fast results, it's kind of fun.
Glad to hear your planning to compete next year!
Best of luck in recovery and in your prep!

[tiramisu]

I find it surprising how fast people seem to be able to lose muscle. Mine stays pretty readily. Strength decreases but the muscle sticks around for a long time. Cardio on the other had fades really fast.

[Talo]

Take the time off and do what you can do to stay as fit as you can. You will lose muscle and strength , but as DK said it will come back . I was forced to take 2 months off when my gym closed and it took awhile for my strength to come back , but it did !

[red rocket]

I've been plagued with time-off injuries and circumstances. I have always been amazed at how quickly it all comes back.

It can be depressing when you are loosing your hard earned physiques. But take the time to be 100% before you come back hard. If not it could spell more time away.

Good luck FC

[maximus14]

like everyone stated just take your time off, come backat 100%, and give it all you got, good luck

and RR its good to see you over here :moon :)

[Big D]

I have a friend who took a year off. he came back and gained so quick it was unbelievable.

take your time to recover, you'll gain everything back no problem :)