I like to walk, of course it's not easy as before because of all the excess weight. I have to walk at a fairly slower pace, my feet hurt and my ankles get swollen when I stand or walk for too long. I also plan on joining a gym after surgery, but do need to start walking know since someone here mentioned muscle loss because of rapid weight loss. Can anyone tell me how that muscle loss would affect me? I think I know, but just want to make sure.

I am so looing forward to the surgery. The waiting is tough. I am focused and ready.

The reason I barely get out is because I suffer from depression and anxiety. I know I will be able to make all my medical appointments. I am just so self conscious now but I am trying. I went out for an hour walk with my daughter over the weekend. I was proud of myself.

Well, just needed to check-in and say hello.

Mari

I think you are on the right track and thinking about exercise for the long term. Since I notice that you are in NYC it will be difficult to just get up and walk with all the congestion and all. May I suggest for you to do sometype of excercise in your house or apartment. There are lots of fitness dvd's, some free from the library and you can watch them on youtube. You can buy a few small weights and work the arms, shoulders, legs simple squats and arm raises at first. You can then progress to dips on your chair or do wall pushups. You can do zumba or simple dance moves to work up a good sweat. What about walking in your hallway or some stairs if they are safe and available. Put on your music in the house or put on your Ipod and just do (10 or 15 minutes at first) then workout longer as you start to gain endurance.

You can walk for two minutes, do some wall pushups, walk for two minutes stop and do some bicep curls, walk/dance for three minutes, do some squats with your small weights and do it again, this is a simple circuit training routine. This will maintain your muscle strength, mass and build your intensity, which will burn the fat and help you lose weight faster while keeping you toned. Good luck to you.

Thanks for your advice. What you are suggesting are all great ideas and definitely easier for me to do. I really can't wait to start exercising. I know it'll be tough at first, but I remember how good I felt when I did it years ago.