where do i start?

i am morbidly obese, so much that it has become a struggle to even walk. i know excercise plays a huge role, and without it i am not seeing the pre-op weight loss results i feel i should for the amount of change i have made to my diet. where would you suggest i start, what can i do that will be effective with just really starting out? ive definitely had a major lack of activity due to my weight & i need to start somewhere.. all i am getting in now is some walking, but not as much as i know i should. any suggestions would be greatly appreciated

Don't underestimate the power of walking!  See if you can squeeze in some more... I would also recommend if you have access to stairs, try walking up 1 flight of stairs...  gradually increase it each week.  Don't give up hope - take it one day at a time.  Lots of luck to you!

Hi, I just read in your profile that you have herniated disks.  Do you have pain with walking? If you can walk without too much pain, that would be a very good start.  Plan on a particular time of the day, perhaps early in the morning, or later in the day when it's not so hot and set yourself a goal - today I will walk around the block twice, something that you know you can manage plus a tiny bit more.  Challenge yourself.  Research if their are any exercise groups in your area for people who are limited in mobility.  Sometimes you can luck out and find someone to walk/work with you, it will inspire you to do more and it's more fun with another person.  If you have an Ipod or MP3 player, use it, it makes walking less boring. Good luck to you! Sue

i can walk without pain on most days now. the herniated discs are very new to me and its only been a few days now since i have been able to get around without much pain at all. im hoping it stays that way. Thank you both very very much.. i wasnt sure if other than walking there was anything else i should be starting with. also love the ellen quote sue thats cute!

I didn't know how bad the disks were.  I know very well of disk problems, I had surgery a few years ago for a herniated disk.  So I was trying to establish your pain level.  If you can do more than walking, that would be good, too.  Also you can incorporate things in the walking such as wrist weights or small hand weights to strengthen your arms.  I think it's important to tone up and exercise even before you have your surgery - since you are so young, you might not need plastic surgery to fix your skin if you can tone a lot and your age is very much on your side. Again, all the best! I love the Ellen quote, too, thanks for mentioning it! Have an awesome weekend, Sue PS - If you want to read of my experience, my long winded story is in my profile.

You can do this love!  Slow walking to start...at least 15 minutes  a day if youcan.  DO not over do it.  When sitting in a chair...march in your chair by lifting your legs one at a time like you are marching.   Drink a bit more water and start down sizing portions, upping protein.  Keep up the great work love!

WALK WALK WALK...at  your own pace and if you have them or want to get them, an ipod or mp3 player with upbeat and positive songs. If today you can only walk 1/2 a block strive for the whole block tomorrow. Each day go  a little further and eventually you will be where you want to be. All big trips start with leaving the driveway! ANDI