Muscle / Weight Gain Efforts

I would suggest looking up vegan weight gainer that way a lot of options will be more broader for you.

I started weight training about a year and a half back.  Muscle mass and weight gain generally improved and better balance and energy are among the benefits. I've used Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Powder. Dairy Free, Gluten Free. Blends easily. Seems easy to digest. And adds calories.  

That sounds pretty cool! Do you wear hernia belts?

What is a hernia belt???!!  Never heard of it before.

@capper posted:

What is a hernia belt???!!  Never heard of it before.

Hernia belts are what you wear when doing heavy lifting, it helps prevent hernias. I am not sure how effective it is but It helps prevent hernias when weightlifting

I've never heard of weight belts being called that!  I used to use them but got away from them because I kept reading so much about how they didn't support core strength.  So it's probably best to avoid using a belt.  It may require one to lower the amount of weight but perhaps it will enhance your core strength.

@capper posted:

I've never heard of weight belts being called that!  I used to use them but got away from them because I kept reading so much about how they didn't support core strength.  So it's probably best to avoid using a belt.  It may require one to lower the amount of weight but perhaps it will enhance your core strength.

Since you do not have a colon, I would recommend using one for sure.

I definitely agree that weight training helps with energy and keeps us that have low weight to look and feel better.  I do strength training at least 3x a week.  After my last relapse it seems I can't gain, but at least I am maintaining my weight.  I had hernia surgery and it wasn't pretty.  I had a obstruction 2 days later.  I always wear a support.  When I work out I wear a belt.  I was given them after surgery. 

Hi,

formula for success; pun intended

best thing out there is either peptide 1.5 or standard 1.4 by Kate farms

it qualifies as medical food and it’s 80% covered by insurance ( too bad they jack the price up) but still ends up being 1/2 of what I’d pay otherwise

( this kind of stuff is too expensive)

the Kate farms website helps

i use Edgepark supplies and my Dr just sends Edgepark the form supplied on Kate farms website/ Dr also provides prescription

the Kate farms website is a great resource and walked me through it all

( still wasn’t easy though)

im 6’4” and used to be 170

i got up to 220 within 2 years ( I also use DHEA)

yes I worked out but only one muscle group a day ( short but intense/ no more than an hour / mostly resting in between sets lol)

surplus calories! I feel like Superman

it might sound easy here but it actually was a lot of trial and error, research and lots of time

@tf posted:

I definitely agree that weight training helps with energy and keeps us that have low weight to look and feel better.  I do strength training at least 3x a week.  After my last relapse it seems I can't gain, but at least I am maintaining my weight.  I had hernia surgery and it wasn't pretty.  I had a obstruction 2 days later.  I always wear a support.  When I work out I wear a belt.  I was given them after surgery.

Any idea how you got a hernia? Was it from working out?

My hernia was surgical after my last takedown with the J Pouch.  It was a  abdominal hernia.  The abdominal wall was weak I guess & exercise & daily chores could have contributed to it growing. Idk I was reluctant to get surgery but after 4 yrs it was getting bigger.  I couldn't work out or do most activities. I had reconstruction abdominal surgery with mesh. I am very careful with working out & activities. I wouldn't want to go through that again.

@tf posted:

My hernia was surgical after my last takedown with the J Pouch.  It was a  abdominal hernia.  The abdominal wall was weak I guess & exercise & daily chores could have contributed to it growing. Idk I was reluctant to get surgery but after 4 yrs it was getting bigger.  I couldn't work out or do most activities. I had reconstruction abdominal surgery with mesh. I am very careful with working out & activities. I wouldn't want to go through that again.

Damn! Thank-you for sharing that! I could not imagine going through that.

What do you do to stay careful with exercising and working out now?

I don't use a belt. I do work my abdominal muscles and the rest of the core. I have a sense that the abdominal strength helps with pouch emptying for me.  I lift reasonably heavy weights, but prefer additional reps over more aggressive weight increases - much to my trainer's disappointment. But it really doesn't take much weight to build and maintain strength. Body weight alone can get the job done with the right exercises.

I try to work out 3x a week. I use 3lbs weights, band & ball. I do reps & stretch. I workout with trainers online paid by my insurance company. I wear a belt & don't over do. I do what fits me for more strength & endurance plus strong bones. I  have more energy & can do more in every day life. Not in it for the big muscles😊

@tf posted:

I try to work out 3x a week. I use 3lbs weights, band & ball. I do reps & stretch. I workout with trainers online paid by my insurance company. I wear a belt & don't over do. I do what fits me for more strength & endurance plus strong bones. I  have more energy & can do more in every day life. Not in it for the big muscles😊

That sounds pretty cool! Sounds very safe!! It's recommended that we exercise 5 days a week for at least 30 minutes, do you do anything after the 3 days a week?

@capper posted:

Ever since Covid, I seemed to have lost some weight - mainly muscle.  I'll turn 57 in 3 weeks and I am trying to find ways to gain more muscle / weight back.

Can anyone recommend any really good and affordable dairy-free weight gainer?  I would like to increase my protein intake as well.   I find that lots of days I can't seem to get enough calories to gain or even maintain my weight and muscle mass.  This is especally the case on days when I have more bowel movements than normal.  I try to avoid eating or drinking a lot before going to bed.  It seems to disrupt my sleep and also either forces me to make a few trips to the toilet overnight, or in the worst of cases, suffer from incontinence.  Usually the latter only happens when I am in a deep sleep.

A dairy-free weight gainer with lots of extra protein would be helpful.  If not, perhaps a dairy-free weight gainer and dairy-free protein powder both would be beneficial for me.  I want to make sure that they won't upset my stomach at all...

Hi

Many comments have been made re training protocols, so i won't refer to that.

Check out Huel Black Edition. Various flavours.  Each portion packs an impressive 400kcals and 40g of plant based protein,,although relatively low in carbs...

Something else to consider...Since taking zinc l-carnosine,,my weight has noticeably increased. The science relates to it working positively on the gut lining.

Good luck!