I feel like a failure on my new elliptical machine.

Hi all, Let me give you some background info. I am just over 2 years postop from lap rny and have lost 165 lbs. with 20 lbs. more left to lose. I am almost 4 months postop from my abdominalplasty. My surgeon said I could go back to exercising. Since the tummy tuck he only allowed walking for the last 2 months.<p> So my husband and I did some research and decided to buy an elliptical machine. It was delivered last Friday and my husband assembled it. He is in pretty good shape and he could only do 6 minutes the first time. Well, I said please I know I can do at least 10 minutes and gradually build up to 30 minutes. So I get on it and after 5 minutes my heart feels like it is going to come through my chest. The manual said to start gradually and only use it every other day the first few weeks. <p>Keep in mind this is the kind with the arms. The machine is a Reebok RL525. It is a manual machine. Our local sporting goods stores said they don't even carry the electric ones. This machine was the nicest and smoothest at the stores we went to. It feels more intense on my thighs when I don't do the arms and hold onto the optional hand rest. My thighs, calfs, upper and lower arms have been screaming this week. I think I have found muscles I have never used before. I thought I was in pretty good shape and I know taking time off from exercise due to surgeons orders after the tummy tuck has made a difference. <p>I just feel like a failure on this machine. Is this unusual for first time users? Will I eventually be able to build up my time on this machine? We purchased it knowing it would give an intense workout, but I figured I could at least do 10-15 minutes to start. At 5 minutes this machine is kicking my butt. I have a 30-day return period, which I don't want to do if I know I will be able to build up my endurance. Any input would be appreciated?

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