There is a well founded theory that the body will revert back "near" to it's former stage of prime development rather quickly. All thing being equal, that is. Planned workouts, recovery and nourishment applied. This can be called Muscle Memory, among other titles. As suggest, the word "near" is included, because you will not quite be on the same level as before. That may take a little longer. This is referring to muscle mass. If you have become the Philsbury dough boy, your going to have a longer battle on your hands. Damitman seems not to have this concern. He will have an easier time of it.
Really no need to over eat. BB'ing nutrition is an understood science now-a-days. Eat normal portions (quality foods) and do add (as you are) a couple hi-protein shakes between meals. Do not chug-a-lug them down, but take time to sip them. You want around 400 to 500 extra quality calories per day over the normal daily active body maintaining needs. Varies with each of us, though the mean average is around 2,6000 calories in a 24 hour period. Want more calories than add sunflower, peanut, safflower, olive oils, etc. A few tablespoon fulls a day can make a big difference in boosting up the good calories. Four tablespoon will be around 500 extra calories.
Creatine has show many times over the ability to increase strength and add muscle mass.. Problem for a lot of people is that, even if using the best grade stuff, it may cause stomach and bowel trouble. Creatine also will tend to hold extra water in the cells, which can give a bloated and smooth muscle appearance. Our football players use it with very good results. Also can be used for muscle recovery. Helpful as an added supplement for older people and the aging process.
Take it slow when beginning to workout with serious intent. Should be back in your normal workout groove fairly quickly. Hold it down to 3 times a week, as a rebreaking in period, for awhile. Muscle mass will be encouraged to return and should with a good planned workout(s). Good Luck.
