halfwit, when you went back up in weight from lifting, how did you incorporate your diet to add mass without the worry of gaining fat? im eating real clean, so I just started eating more whole food, mainly protein but I get scared I will get fat again! I guess from being fat for so long this is normal to feel that way? thanks!
The first year or so is a serious mental battle. I tried very hard to bulk while eating as a rabbit, and while *some* results did happen, I did have to seriously rethink my strategy.
I have a TDEE of about 4200 cals, and aim for around 5k when I start a real bulk. I then do slowly increase them until I start noticing that fat is (I get second and third opinions on this) accumulating, and back down a hair. I finished my last bulk at around 7400 cals, and had some very good results. Of course, there's a HUGE difference when those calories come from better sources than the pizza and fast food I used to crave while hypogonadal. I do still indulge on occasion, but I make sure that it's not a common occurrence.
Unfortunately, I do have body dysmorphia (the vast majority of folks that go through such transformations do), and sometimes I see a fat guy in the mirror, while other times I stare in awe with what I've accomplished.
I do STRONGLY recommend that you avoid the scale while bulking. It will not tell you anything significant, and really make you doubt yourself. I have a spot above my hip that I use to judge my body fat accumulation with a measuring tape - that keeps it simple enough (I ask the wife and a few close friends too) and gives me a number to work with.
The journey back up in weight is scary at first, but once you accept the fact that you're INVESTING in keeping it off (more lean mass = higher resting metabolism), a couple extra pounds are a small price to pay.
