Lora, I just got my recumbent exercise bike last week.  I'm amazed that I can use it without pain to my knees (I need a total knee joint replacement).  How long each time are you able to ride yor bike?  Having just started, as of now I am only able to ride for 10 minutes at a moderate speed.  As my endurance improves I'm hoping to gradually increase my time without knee pain.

I had both knees replaced, so now I can use it for as long as my patience permits, LOL!  Before I had my knees replaced, though, it depended on the day. Some days even the recumbent bike hurt my worst knee so I wouldn't use it at all; other days I could ride for 20 or 30 minutes.

I, too, was amazed at how much better the recumbent bike was compared to a normal stationary bike or an elliptical! It may also help your knees if you shorten the length between the seat and the pedals slightly so that your leg doesn't get 100% extended (and therefore your knee doesn't get fully "flattened") when you pedal.  My ortho surgeon suggested that, and it helped at least a little bit.

Lora

I use mine while watching tv a lot. Not only is it good for your knees, but so much easier on my back than an upright bike. And my ass.

LOL, you have no idea how funny your "shortening" statement is to me.  Being that I am vertically challenged (4'11" tall) my husband had to cut 3" off the frame and drill an additional hole as close as he could get to the vertical frame that houses the seat.  All this was done so my knees wouldn't be fully extended.

5-14 hours.

Dont forget to add resistance/weight training. It is good for your bones!!

Summers are too short and precious here in northern Minnesota, so I only exercise indoors the winter months (no formal, routine exercise in the summer--just concentrate on having tons of fun doing whatever I feel like it whenever I can--biking, swimming, walking)  Wintertime, I use an exercise facility within the hospital I volunteer at as a perk for volunteering.  It's puny but I go 20 minutes using leg exercise, 20 minutes uses arm exercise and 20 minutes using the strength training about twice per week. What's really cool is the facility is available 24/7/365...I've purposely gone at odd times or on holidays just to see if anyone will be there...and...yes, a hospital exercise room seems to have somebody pedaling, walking, or lifting round the clock! 

I've started Zumba Monday and Wednesday and running on the elliptical on Friday. Like others have said for me its more for feeling good and taking some stress off than anything else for me. I take my daughter with me so its bonding time as well. At the end of the day all that really matters is that it is good for you. If it helps you lose more weight great! If it doesn't but you feel good Great again! 

I ride a stationary bike every day at least 20-30 minutes every day, and do some light weight lifting 3 x per week.  I look forward to my ride every night after work to help get rid of the stresses of my day, I always feel stronger and happier afterward. 

My nutrition and surgeon both recommend exercise as another tool in my journey as well. 

I love being outdoors.  I love to hike 2-5 miles. I used to bike 30-50 miles on a road bike.  One year I cycled 9,000 miles. After a few friends were killed, I cut way back on cycling.   I dance roller skate - usually a 2 hour class 2 times per week.  I am doing yoga 2 times a week and strength training 2 times a week.  I am retired and I love sports.  I find if I try to go hard, say a 5 mile hilly hike with a group, I am exhausted.  If I go by myself and pace myself the mileage is not a problem. During the summer before surgery I spent many a day swimming and kicking for hours at the lake.  I am 6 weeks out, I am doing things at about 40% intensity.  If I do too many things in a day, I get too hungry and want to pig out.  I am retired and have always been active, so this is my life.   I added the strength training after surgery.  I always hated weights.  I have been doing arms, hips, and legs.  I just added glutes (it pull the tummy some.)  I am waiting to add stomach/abdominal stuff.              

My philosophy from the beginning of my journey was to change my lifestyle for good.  That being said, I did incorporate exercise throughout my weight loss.  I am certainly glad that I did.  I got beyond my goal and continue to maintain my 157 pound loss by exercising and eating according to plan.  I feel that as long as I was doing this for my health, I may as well do as was recommended by my physician.  It has definitely made maintaining easier.  At 6 1/2 weeks out, listen to your body and don't overdue....you need time to heal!  Congratulations on taking this huge step toward a life of health!