Yay!  I used to love the elliptical before I found running.  :)  

I recommend that you start by working up to be able to maintain a fairly brisk pace for 30-60 minutes.  Something equivalent to a fast walk - where you could carry on a conversation.  Start with 10 minutes and see how that feels.  If it's super easy, add 5 minutes the next day.  If it's not super easy, do 10 minutes for a week.  (You should be aiming for 3-4 days a week.)  For week 2, up it to 15 minutes.  Week 3, go to 20 minutes.  Etc.  Until you can do 30-60 minutes at the brisk pace without too much trouble.  

This advice is based on not knowing what your fitness level is right now and assuming that you're fairly sedentary.  

From there, work on moving toward a "running" pace.  I'll paste the same advice I gave Insert Fitness the other day.  While it uses the terms "walking" and "running," you can just modify that with whatever feels similar on the elliptical.  So.. "a pace like walking" and a "pace like running."  :)

This is the progression I suggest:  

Week 1: walk 5-10 minutes to warm up, run 15 seconds out of every 5 minutes for a total of 30 minutes, walk 5-10 minutes to cool down.  STRETCH.  (If you don't stretch, you need to start.  Seriously.  I didn't stretch for forever and it was life changing when I started.)   Do this 3x in the week.  

Week 2: walk 5-10 minutes to warm up, run 30 seconds out of every 5 minutes for a total of 30 minutes, walk 5-10 minutes to cool down.  STRETCH. Do this 3x in the week. 

Week 3: walk 5-10 minutes to warm up, run 45 seconds out of every 5 minutes for a total of 30 minutes, walk 5-10 minutes to cool down.  STRETCH. Do this 3x in the week. 

Week 4: walk 5-10 minutes to warm up, run 60 seconds out of every 5 minutes for a total of 30 minutes, walk 5-10 minutes to cool down.  STRETCH. Do this 3x in the week. 

You can use most any running app (I like Runkeeper) to set up your intervals.  Keep increasing in this manner, adding 15 seconds of running each week.  Work up to running 4 minutes out of every 5.  If you need to repeat a week, do it.  

Once you're at the point where you're running 4 minutes and walking 1, and this feels survivable, consider an app like the Zombies Run 5k Training plan.  It's much better than C25K in terms of development and progression.  Plus it includes things like stretching and heel lifts and knee lifts that help keep things interesting.  (And, seriously, I did this with the elliptical pre-op.  So being on the elliptical isn't preventing you from the training plan.  You just have to dismount every so often.)  

This probably sounds like a insanely slow progression, but, believe me, it's worth it.  The number 1 route too injury is trying to do too much too soon and that's even more so for people like us who have jacked up body mechanics due to our obesity.  You'll also need to replace your shoes more often than a normal weighted person will - I have to change mine every 200 miles to stave off shin splits.  My normal weighted friends can get away with closer to 400 miles between shoes.  

Hope this helps!

i am going to start using my elliptical again, its been awhile.. i was down to 143 pounds in 2012 now having a baby 2 years ago and eating bad. i want to start the new year 2017 using my elliptical. how many minutes should i do. i am now 209 pounds.. i had surgery on aug 28, 2003 .. help....   anita

from the Tailwind page...."Thanks for checking out Tailwind. It's an endurance drink mix I designed for racing the Leadville 100. Drinks and gels were killing my gut, leaving me running on vapors. I needed complete energy, electrolytes, and hydration in a simple form that didn't make my stomach seize up or my taste buds revolt. That's Tailwind. It's all you need, all day. Take our challenge for your next race, and if you don't agree, we'll pay your entry fee."

it does not have near the sugar as gatoraid  it mixes easy and taste good. i just need to find something that will make it through the pouch. It seems that maybe I am constricting the gut by trying to control the flopping

I think in part because I was so active pre surgery I got the go head to go back under strict rules to do nothing with abs/core (don't want a hernia)  

Today was my 3rd day back and it was good.  I have been running a bit on the treadmill (got specific permission to start running again as long as I built up slowly).  Did 2 and 1s (intervals) for 18 min.  Then isolated some leg muscles on some machines.  Stretched, sat in a massage chair and had a lovely long hot shower.

I have missed gym endorphins lol.

Tomorrow is a rest day and then maybe again on thurs or Friday as I am aiming for 4 times a week.

Monday-2 mile run

Tuesday-2 mile Run

Wednesday-2 mile run

Thursday-2 Mile run

Friday-2 mile run

Saturday-Swimming 

Sunday-3 mile run

i have to scale back on exercise :( I went to Dr. and am scheduled for surgery in February due to an incisional hernia. Anytime I exercise have a fair amount of pain in my abdomen. Not a happy camper!

Have a happy, healthy week!