Post surgery help?!?

[Mnkybiznes]

Although I've been lurking around this forum for some time now, I have finally become a member ......... nevermind the underlying reasons! :)

I recently (5 weeks ago) had a spinal fusion surgery performed at the L4/5/S1 lumber. Prior to this I had been dedicated to keeping in shape with cardio, lifting and of course dieting. Obviously, I am unable to do a whole lot more than walking at this time and am finding it extremely difficult to watch my physique slowly go away. I am facing another 2-4 months before I will be able to resume my workouts and was hoping for some advice from anyone having gone thorugh something similar with regard to being unable to be physically active.

I am able to walk no more than 2 miles per day and am pushing it at that! I am 6'0", 191 lbs., 38 years old and have a large muscular build. Are there any stacks that could be used to keep the fat to a minimum and muscle at least where it is?? I have been using the Scorch along with Lipodrene (Ephedra) and really am unable to feel the effects I've read about. I was wondering about maybe stacking the Lipodrene with Man Vaporize ??? Any help is ALWAYS appreciated!

[dinoiii]

Unfortunately, much would be better aided through anti-catabolic modes now versus thermogenic.

Save Vaporize and Lipodrene Dreams for when you get more on your feet and are able to make a return to the gym.

Some anti-catabolic strategies that would bode you well:
(1) L-glutamine in doses up to 40 grams per day (based on your body size)
(2) BCAAs
(3) ACES (antioxidant vitamins, not bandages)

are great starts. Perhaps something like SNS or Designer 7-keto products would be of some benefit to you now. I would also throw out there a dosing protocol of 10-12 grams Tonalin CLA and additional Sesamin supplements (minus FLAX - you may get what I mean here) to fend off fatty accumulation.

Outside of that, diet is going to be absolutely crucial during the recovery process and work outs - you'll have to play by ear as you recoup...namely walk if it is all you can do.



Note: Wedg and myself are planning on something in this realm later this year. While it will be of no benefit to your current situation, I am always available for extra help with great sympathy for cases such as yours.

Keep us posted and good luck!

[wedgylx]

Note: Wedg and myself are planning on something in this realm later this year. While it will be of no benefit to your current situation, I am always available for extra help with great sympathy for cases such as yours.

Keep us posted and good luck!

Yes, it will be very interesting!

[wedgylx]

This is really too bad because your case fits our project almost perfectly.

I'd recommend:
-creatine (not monohydrate to avoid bloat, SNS CE2 caps are good)
-Amino Acids (BCAA especially - dose around 1g BCAA for every 10lbs body weight)
-high protein diet with good levels of whole wheat
-Omega 3 (fish oil around 8g a day)
-multivitamin
-Vitamins E, C and a B complex as well
-glutamine (15-20g a day)
-bone formula would be nice (calcium)
-biotin
-I'd aim for 30-40mins of sunlight a day depending on where you are
-stay as active as you can without compromising your healing ability. This will be hard with your operation.

[Jswoll]

OK, been here, dun that; 2003 I few out of a firebird, superman style and broke my back in two places, and was laying on a hospital bed for 3 1/2 months, so I know about going from sugar to sh!t, about inactivity. You have a choice to make when inactive, to eat or not to eat, inexcess that is. Not to eat means less fat more muscle waste and in the case of healing you may not get the means, calories+nutr., to speedily recover. To eat means, yes, fat but more muscle preservation, they will shrink from inactivty but less catabolism for fuel due to the excess calories. The above suppz are great recomendations, I used most when I did this. Either way I find it's a losing proposition. EMS, try looking into it if you'd like, I found electronic muscle stimulation kept me tone at least to off set the inactivity.

[Mnkybiznes]

All of the advice/info is greatly appreciated from everyone! Knew I could count on you :)

Wedg - I have actually followed your list to the "T" without thinking of the creatine (good idea, btw). I'm being as careful as I can with my intake and am finding with the posts I've received that I'm probably doing just about everything possible at this time. I'd be interested in learning more about the project yourself and Dinoiii had mentioned just to see what type of benefits would be attainable. I'd really appreciate anything you can offer in that area.

JSWOLL - I can definitely relate to what you've gone through and what it feels like. To watch all that work slowly slip away sucks!! Did you use any of the protein shakes or did you just keep the protein intake coming the old fashioned way, i.e. chicken, tuna etc.?

I appreciate, once again, ALL the help, advice and info received and will continue to surf the forums in search of remedies! I'll keep you posted with changes, healing and progress!

Tony

[wedgylx]

Wedg - I have actually followed your list to the "T" without thinking of the creatine (good idea, btw). I'm being as careful as I can with my intake and am finding with the posts I've received that I'm probably doing just about everything possible at this time. I'd be interested in learning more about the project yourself and Dinoiii had mentioned just to see what type of benefits would be attainable. I'd really appreciate anything you can offer in that area.



Tony

I'll keep you updated. Not sure what I should/shouldnt say here, but shoot me a PM

[dinoiii]

hehe - good idea to keep it hush on public forums for a bit! ;-)

Don't worry though - there is much more I have to incorporate since we last spoke Wedg!

[Jswoll]

JSWOLL - I can definitely relate to what you've gone through and what it feels like. To watch all that work slowly slip away sucks!! Did you use any of the protein shakes or did you just keep the protein intake coming the old fashioned way, i.e. chicken, tuna etc.?
To tell the truth I started out with a clean protein and up the carbs as well if you intend on over compensating like I did. Beware of depression, that set in on me and my diet went a little dirty, ice cream and fried foods. There's a lot of psychology to it, attitude plays a lot in it. Dinoiii, Wedge if you need any personal experience insight feel free to PM me, that's my worst experience but I've had a few more, ACL, etc. nothing too major.