Nutrition during 3 months of no training post-surgery

[ajm587]

I'm having open heart surgery replacing my aortic valve with a mechanical one. I cannot lift weights for 10-12 weeks after surgery, but then I can return to my normal lifting. I can start with light cardio about 6 weeks post-surgery.

What should my nutrition look like during my 10-12 weeks of completely no lifting? I'm trying to retain as much muscle and strength as possible.

I did a little bit of looking and most recommend a slight surplus over maintenance with higher protein.

I was thinking:

Calories: Maintenance x 1.2
Protein: BW x 1.2
Fat: 25% of calories
Carbs: The rest

[lylemcdonald]

Although your activity will be down, there is a post surgery drastic increase in metabolic raet during healing that can be like 50%. Your goal beyond everything else is to NOT lose weight. A small weight gain would ensure thaty ou're getting sufficient calories but at least maintain

But 1.2XBW is likely to be wayyyyy too low.

[ajm587]

Originally Posted by lylemcdonald

Although your activity will be down, there is a post surgery drastic increase in metabolic raet during healing that can be like 50%. Your goal beyond everything else is to NOT lose weight. A small weight gain would ensure thaty ou're getting sufficient calories but at least maintain

But 1.2XBW is likely to be wayyyyy too low.

Thanks Lyle!

Is the 1.2 x BW being low you mentioned for protein? Would 1.5 x BW be good then?

How about total calories? 1.2 x maintenance?

[ajm587]

Originally Posted by ajm587

Thanks Lyle!

Is the 1.2 x BW being low you mentioned for protein? Would 1.5 x BW be good then?

How about total calories? 1.2 x maintenance?

Anyone?

[w1cked]

He means 1.2x is too low for overall cals bro

"drastic increase in metabolic raet during healing that can be like 50%."

1.2x protein in a surplus sounds good enough to me.

[ajm587]

Originally Posted by w1cked

He means 1.2x is too low for overall cals bro

"drastic increase in metabolic raet during healing that can be like 50%."

1.2x protein in a surplus sounds good enough to me.

Thanks!

How much of a surplus though? I was thinking around 200 calories or so. I'll monitor my weight daily per usual to see if it's at least maintaining.

I'll go with the 1.2g per lb. BW for protein and about .4g per lb. Of BW for fats with the rest of the calories filled in with carbs.

[w1cked]

Although your activity will be down, there is a post surgery drastic increase in metabolic raet during healing that can be like 50%.

[ajm587]

Originally Posted by w1cked

Although your activity will be down, there is a post surgery drastic increase in metabolic raet during healing that can be like 50%.

Heart surgery on Wednesday. Out of lifting for 10-12 weeks. I'd been doing Alberto Nunez's Beyond the Basics Kizen Lower/Upper split. I think I'll do Lyle McDonald's GBR once I'm healed up. My macros during recovery is about 200 cals over maintenance due to metabolic rate increase during recovery, 1.2g protein/lb BW., .45g/lb BW for fat, the rest carbs. I'll weigh myself each morning per usual and try to maintain weight and possibly gain a tad, but at least maintain. I'm allowed to take long walks once I'm discharged, which is good. All cardio allowed at 6 weeks.

[w1cked]

Best of luck with the procedure!

[ajm587]

Originally Posted by w1cked

Best of luck with the procedure!

Thank you!