> I am considering purchasing a trap bar so I can still do deadlifts without fearing for my back.
I bought an XMark Chrome Olympic Shrug Bar with Raised Handles XM-3686 a while back. The construction is pretty good, knurling is not too deep or too shallow, and it's big enough to load 4 plates per side.
I'd wait until you stop NPP to start the var. It won't do much to combat the bloat but it will increase the chance of virilization or other sides.
You'd be limited to Amazon and Titan Fitness if you can't spend more than $150.
I have the X-Mark Chrome Trap Bar from Amazon, it's pretty much the same as the Cap ones but with a price bump for chrome finish instead of zinc.
I've used the Cap Mega Hex Bar, which is nice because it has thicker handles and more sleeve space for extra weight, but the finish comes off quickly and it can rust if you're in a humid environment.
You can give Titan's Trap Bar a try and report back.
Iron or bumpers? I have this one which has 9.5" sleeves and it holds 7 iron plates
It doesn't look like you've even tried to look yet.
Like /u/ghostmcspiritwolf mentioned, it depends how much is "a lot." Even the the low end CAP and XMARK (which I own) bars w/ 10" sleeves can hold 7 iron plates per side with clips. That's 675 lbs... sounds like "a lot". Otherwise plenty of manufacturers have extended sleeves and rackable versions. Rogue just came out with a new one that has high and low handles that I personally have my eyes on.