Need some help from the ladies...

Hi, Ladies. A friend suggested I post over here as you all seem to be quite knowledgeable.

Brief run-down. I've been quite ill for the past 2 months. Lost a tremendous amount of weight. About 20 lbs all told. Partially due to illness. Partially due to stress.

I'm not an avid body builder, just enjoy fitness. I do pilates, weight train moderately. Looking to stay firm rather than get big.

Recently had a surgery that prevents me from doing any lifting/pilates for 4 weeks. Except for maybe a walk in the park.

Was also told at the time of my surgery that I needed to gain weight. Low blood pressure was an issue in "putting me under".

Although, I've lost such a large amount of weight, I don't feel I look much different. I think I lost muscle more than anything. I feel "soft".

This has now become a medical concern for me. I realize that I'm quite thin, 5'6" at 112 lbs.

But I've lost no overall size.

My concern is that the doctor wants to see me gain. I don't want to just "pig out" and turn into a butter ball.

I'm trying to eat high protein / low carb. Thinking that may be the best way to go. Again, I cannot work out for another 4 weeks. I don't want to have all my hard work go to waste.

I've had one lady suggest creotine and aminos when I get within 2 weeks of being able to work out.

I DO realize that my health is my first and foremost priority. I guess I'm looking for suggestions on regaining some weight without turning into a porgie. I've worked so hard to keep my body fit. This is just really kicking me in the butt.

Please. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Hey girl.. welcome to your recovery!! It is a bitch, but you will pull through.. Welcome to Steroidology!! You will love it here i am sure!

OK.. as per your diet. I definitely suggest you adhere to a clean diet. Clean meaning no McDonalds and garbage like that. Your idea of high protein and low carbs is a good one, but remember protein can cause weight gain too if you are not exercising. So IMO i would keep it moderate protein, moderate carbs until you are back in the gym. Eat clean meats and keep your carbs complex rather than the processed breads and pastas.. A healthy diet filled with vegatables which will also help restore vitamins is necessary... Just maintain an overall "healthy" diet for the next few weeks... Resort to Meal replacement shakes even to get a balanced meal.... There are many options, but try to regain clean healthy muscle, NOT fat.. so keep it clean and healthy.

Definitely try to walk everyday to begin building back up your endurance and get your muscles working as not to become sedentary. If you need to walk on the treadmill for 30- 40mins, so be it. If you can walk on a track outside that is perfect too... Find someplace you enjoy. I personally love walking in the sand at the beach.. great exercise for your calves lol

but don't be a couch potato because you can not do anything strenuous and don't let this recovery time be an excuse to gain too much bad/fat weight and slack off.. Definitely make it work for your ADVANTAGE!! Use the time wisely to recover.. SLEEP, EAT, AND WALK your way back to health.

I do hope i have helped a bit.. I am sure many other females will have their points to express as well

Best of luck to you and again, welcome aboard!

luv super

Hugggs, Ducky! You're already almost a week post-op...the next 3 weeks will go by quickly. I'd keep the carbs to the earlier hours of the day. Carbs being brown rice, traditional oatmeal, sweet potato, and veggies...avoid white bread, processed cereals and simple carbs. For protein shakes, I'd suggest Lean Body for Her made with water...they're pretty low in both carbs and fats and they taste pretty good. Try to eat about 6 times a day. The meals can be small and snacklike in size, but keep them every 2-3 hrs if you can...that'll keep your metabolism going. Don't mix carbs and fats in the same meal (ie. if you have a steak at dinner, don't have a potato at the same time, instead choose a lower carb veggie like broccoli or a salad). Do have protein with every meal. Drink lots of water...1 1/2 gals. or more if you can.

Vitamin C should help your recovery. A multi vitamin is a good idea too. My dr. also suggested vitamin E, both internally and externally to help with scaring starting a week post-op.

When you're up to it, maybe you can start practicing some of the easier parts of pilates, breathing and good posture are always beneficial.

I don't know much about creatine, but I always thought it made a person retain a lot of water. Here's a post by phoenixphyre where she quotes Andezzz at the bottom of the thread:

Thanks, Super and Puddles. I appreciate the input.

Hey hon, welcome to the boards! SuperGirl and MrsP hit it pretty much right on in terms of diet and training suggestions. I would also suggest taking some Vitamin C as well as E. You can get some great antioxidant blends of Vitamin A,C,E, this definitely will help you recover.
As for creatine, creatine definitely will help you put on weight but you will probably not like how you look on it. Because you're absorbing more water to the muscles, you will look fuller. I've used creatine before and it does help for a kick in the gym but i lost all my definition when i was on it. As soon as i went off it, the definition came back. If you do decide to try it, try using say half a teaspoon twice a day instead of a full teaspoon twice a day. I would also suggest stacking it with some ala to help it get into the system faster.
when using creatine, it is so very important to drink a lot of water. My recommended amount of water when using creatine is 4-7 litres a day. You should be drinking lots of water anyway but when on creatine, it's imperative to drink extra. Good luck with your recovery hon, and let us know how you're making out. Again, welcome aboard!