exercise equipment

I am looking into surgery again now that I finally have my insurance back!! But...I gained a lot of weight after a radiation treatment for thyroid cancer.

I need to lose about 100lbs to qualify, so I need some exercise equipment.  I need something not to stressful on the joints as I am currently disabled.  I was thinking maybe a treadmill.  Does anyone know of a company that sells them that has a weight limit over 400lbs?

Thanks in advance for your help!! :)

An elliptical or swimming would be best on your joints, followed by a bike. At least that's what I was told. Not sure why they want you to lose 100lbs to qualify--if you could you wouldn't need the surgery! I went in at about 455 and lost 15-20 in the 2 week liquid diet and that was it. Good luck!

Well, Im in massachusetts and I have heard from other people that have gone through it that they like you to be under 400.  I would personally like to be there as well to minimize the risk as I have three young children. :)

I may be able to get into swimming once I have the xrays done for my back..then they may order swimming through physical therapy which would be amazing! :)

I'm not sure if you like paying installments sometimes(i do when the cost is a little too steep for me), but....hsn.com has tons of exercise tools and nice prices on teadmills. I purchased one from them years ago and it's weight limit was 500 pounds. My friends mom would come to my house to use mine because she maxed on hers.
My treadmill had speakers,arm handles,a fan and was VERY heavy and durable!!!

Thank you, I will certainly check that out, it sounds great. :)

You can also just start walking - even without the treadmill. IMHO, the treadmill makes it harder on your joints and not easier. If you do not want to walk outside, just walk inside your house. I would use music with different paces to ramp up and down the speed (just like on the treadmill.) If you cannot stand walking in your house, just be aware that a treadmill that is built sturdy enough for a larger person is not cheap - when we were looking at treadmills with very basic features they pretty much started around $1,000.

Thank you, I am not too worried about the price, I had a commercial grade elliptical but they sent me the wrong one and I didnt end up using it much because it hit me in the bust area when the arms moved.  I had called the company to tell them it was different and the sales person assured me that I had gotten a much better model, and then they were out of business.  Although I LOVED the elliptical, because I used to use it at the gym all the time, I am not sure I could get UP on it anymore.

I am disabled and can only walk about 20 feet without a cane or rollator, I figured with the treadmill I would be able to walk further because I have something to hold on to.  Thanks for your help...lots to think about.

:)

Well, I don't know how not too worried about price translates into actual dollars - especially this many dollars, but I checked at the gym I go to for PT (they specialize in both morbidly obese and pre- and post-bariatric patients.)

The elliptical machines they use are Sci-Fit SXT7000 e2 Total Body Ellipticals  - http://www.scifit.com/ellipticals/sxt7000e2.shtml Unfortunately they have a weight limit of 425 pounds. (And they cost around $5,000.)

The treadmills they use are Sci-Fit AC5000M Medical Treadmills - http://www.scifit.com/treadmills/ac5000m.shtml - and they have a weight limit of 500 pounds. It will run you about $6,500.

You can typically order these (and other similar machines - not just the Sci-Fit brand) from medical supply/rehab companies rather than fitness stores.

One place I have ordered from is:

http://www.pattersonmedical.com/app.aspx?cmd=get_sections&id=100004

They have a lot more options that have weight limits over 500 pounds.

I would also check with local medical supply/rehab stores and rental facilities in your area. Delivery and setup will be easier (and maybe cheaper) and some offer used equipment, will rent equipment, or actually buy back equipment (for a much lower price than you paid, of course!). They might also have in-store models or better return policies than an online or mailorder company.

Personally, I would opt for the elliptical over a treadmill every time. Easier on the joints and provides a different type of workout than walking or jogging does (which you can realistically do almost anywhere.)

Most elliptical machines with a higher weight limit are more user-friendly as well. You walk onto them just like a treadmill, they have extra long guardrails, and have more options (that work on lower speeds) - and no dratted flywheel to trip over. (Hate those stupid things.) One with a 500 pound weight limit is theLandice E950 ElliptiMill® Cardio Trainer.

Hope this helps!