Bodybuilding and the Sleeve---

This really isn't a question, I think I'm looking for some opinions on this subject. When I start going back to the gym, now that I'm "skinny", I would like to do some heavy lifting and put on some quality muscle mass, but I'm not sure if I'll be able to take in enough protein and calories to gain muscle size, I'm not talking about Arnold size, just some good old muscle. Or will I be just killing myself lifting heavy, and not seeing results, or would it be wiser to go with lighter weights and just tone up. Just not sure which path I should take. Dean

Heavy lifting doesn't require huge amounts of protein to see results, Id make sure I was getting 80-100 grams a day, you may need a few more carbs depending on how low you go at this time.

The same rules for eating like an athlete apply with or without the sleeve. You need protein and calories to repair and build muscle. It is very difficult to build muscle with a deficit in calories. Moving from eating for weight loss to eating like an athlete requires vigilance for those of with small stomachs.

If you research, you'll find daily protein intake recommendations from body building nutritionists to be 1-1.8g/kg of body weight. There are also macronutrient calculators to help you fine tune your ratios of fat/carbs/protein/calories. sareyko.net/leancalc/ or 1percentedge.com/ifcalc/

Do you want to cut weight? Recomp (lose fat/gain muscle at the same time)? Or just bulk up with pure muscle? Many body builders/heavy lifters cycle their calories, with different fat/carb/protein/total calories targets for workout days and rest days. This gives the body extra calories to repair and rebuild on days it can use them efficiently, while keeping total calories in check over time. You can find out about this strategies from the lean gains website rippedbody.jp Other body building nutrition strategies to google: IIFYM (if it fits your macros, eat whatever you want) or IF (intermittent fasting)

Ultimately you should be able to take in whatever amount of calories over a day that you decide is optimal with these calculators, but you may not be able to wolf it down all at once like unsleeved lifters can. Being vigilant about the nutrient density of food so that you are meeting your targets with minimal stomach space will help you get the kind of body you want.

I'm within 20% of my goal weight and have shifted into the recomp process now. I eat a 30% deficit on rest days and 10-20% surplus on heavy lifting days. The weight loss has slowed way down because I'm eating more than 800 calories a day now, but I am getting stronger and lifting heavier.

Ok I just got a trainer and he said eat 4oz of protein with every meal and get 1 cup of veg in. snack on almonds and protein shakes. your not going to build if you don't get that protein in.
good luck, it's rough but I am seeing results

Also I forgot about if you take in carbs it should be 1/2 cup of carbs (oatmeal, jasmine rice, sweet potatoes),

I'm a woman. I started lifting a few months after my surgery in July 2014. I've kept it up and noticed changes. But once I was able to up my calories on maintenance -- about 1200-1300 calories most days, and some days as high at 1400, I started really noticing definition and muscle. While I'm not trying to compete or anything, if I'm wearing a tank top it's quite obvious that I lift weights.

I also started running, but not till I got to maintenance. And that's reshaping me too. I weigh in the low 120s (I'm short) but most say I look 10 pounds smaller as muscle takes up less space. I can wear a 0-2-4 in clothing. It's just crazy. I never expected this and never expected to love exercise so much.

Thanks everybody for the great replies. This gives me a good starting point. I guess I'll start out slow and push the envelope as I progress and see where that takes me. One of these days, I'll have to post before and after pics. Thanks again. Dean

Would you tell me how many meals a day and how many hours between each meal?

Thanx for your time.