Going into surgery, we were already slowly working toward a building phase.. calories sitting around 2,000. We weren’t pushing food too aggressively yet because we knew surgery was coming. Now we’re just waiting for my surgeon to clear me so we can BUILD, BUILD, BUILD. 🍑 The plan is to compete again in 2027, and I am SO ready to get THICCCC ish! Being stage lean is FUN, but improvement season.. EASILY my favorite. Eating more.. getting stronger.. seeing what you can build with time and consistency. But for now, recovery is the priority. And let me tell you, surgery was NO JOKE. The inflammation.. discomfort. and medications my body isn’t used to have been an adjustment. I’m also focusing on my digestion and gut health while everything settles down. For almost FIVE years, I’ve trained religiously every single week. Going from that to absolutely nothing has been a HUGE change. But once I get that clearance.. OOF IT’S GROW TIME. 2027, I’m coming for you. 💪