Just had surgery and need advice

[KKryfko]

I just had knee surgery and will be out of the gym 3 weeks. I have a huge photo shoot in April and can't afford this time off but the doctor says if I don't I might be out of the gym for good. I do 40 minutes of HIIT 6 days a week and lift 4 days a week. My diet is 30 net carbs 60gm Fat and 125gm protein while in my strict training. Any advice on how I can maintain my muscle and burn fat while still out? Thanks so much!

[Ccm644]

3 weeks out of the gym for knee surgery seems very short to me

You need to rest your knee for recovery and maybe eat a little but more to help your body recover and get over the operation

In three weeks muscle loss will be very very small if any at all

Overall you can get another photo shoot but at your age do you want to have a knee that didn't heal properly causing yourself more problems.

[simpleguy4]

I have been out of the gym since Dec 18th after shoulder surgery (rehab with bands and pulleys only). I have kept everything with no training and no cardio just by maintaining my nutrition---bumped up protein and fats slightly (provide substrate for recovery and healing) and lowered carbs (no training no real necessity). Weight and body composition have stayed exactly the same as when training full tilt.....your macros are already very low, probably too low in my opinion for someone your size and the amount of cardio you are doing.

[KKryfko]

Thanks I really appreciate the advice!

[fltallpaul]

You can also try to do cardio which involves the upper body while the knee is stationary and safe. I have seen hand bikes or possible the rowing machine without using legs.

I would keep your diet the same and you shouldn't see too much change in 3 weeks. Even if you appear a bit softer it will come back quick once you are able to train again.