I am having the biggest problem getting the motivation to exercise. I have no energy to do so. I am 3 weeks post op and have only lost 12 lbs. I feel defective and like the surgery may not work as well on me. I also get cravings like crazy on some days. Idk, I really hope I turn things around.

My doc told me to lose 40lbs my first three months, then another 40 the following 3 for a total of 80lbs. I was advised to start light weights but to increase my cardio from walking my neighborhood to light jogging and increase from there. Guess how much of that advice I have followed? zero. I barely have the energy to keep up my home. I'd rather not pass out while jogging by a neighbors yard trying to keep up with my doctors expectations. This is your journey and you can travel as slowly as you'd like.

For the first 6 months after surgery, I only did regular walking and (once my wounds had healed) some gentle swimming.

After I'd lost a lot of weight, I upped the swimming (to the point where I got out of breath) and went to a gym. During lockdown, I started running. I really enjoy these exercises, but if I'd started exercising hard when I was still heavy, I don't think I would have enjoyed them and I think I may have put my joints at risk. Also I felt more confident about my body after I'd lost a substantial amount of weight.

I'm glad I waited before I started to push myself - it was right for me.