Exercise

I have a little dog and we would walk a block at a time until I built up to quite a distance.

When it's hot, go grab a cart a walmart or some big store and stroll the aisles or just walk an indoor mall.  Nice thing about an indoor mall is if you get tired, there are usually places to sit a spell if you need to do that.

The arm curls are probably good but I would check with the surgeon; mine would not let me lift more than 10-15 # for up to 6 weeks after surgery.

Sounds like you are on the right track! Find what works for YOU!!

 I just got a medical clearance - from the nurse - recumbant bicycle is ok, as is walking.
She did say to hold off on the arm curls until 6 weeks.

So I have ordered gym leggings and a big shirt for working out.  

I tried to embed photos but it did not work.   On my profile is a pic of me 10 years ago at 140 pounds, and one last May at 310 pounds.  I gained another 15 pounds before surgery (also had to up my thyroid).  I was just miserable - it hurt to walk.  Even losing 30 pounds, walking is easier.

As a couch potato, I had to start exercising with several short walks a day, gradually adding time until I was able to do a 30-40 min. walk.  I joined Curves and did their 30 min. workout 3 days a week, and walked 4 days a week.  Eventually I joined a regular health club because Curves wasn't challenging enough any more.  If you've joined a gym, you should be able to talk to someone who works there about your exercise history, any physical limitations, and fitness goals, and get suggestions for a program that combines cardio training, strength training, and flexibility exercises.  If they can't do that, consider doing a session or two with a personal trainer who can design a program for you.  Most health clubs offer personal trainer services or can refer you to a trainer.

Jean

Edited to add: I've tried running (since losing weight) and my joints just can't take it for more than about 3 minutes at a time

Be careful with the personal trainer.  They beat you up and spit you out.  I'm a people pleaser and whatever she told me to do I did.  I ended up with a bad case of vertigo from the strenuous workout and quit.  Walking is my exercise now.

As with many things, it's important to be forthright.  Tell a personal trainer what your physical limitations are, and you should never do something that causes outright pain.  Discomfort from extra effort is OK, pain in not.  The trainer I use does not beat me up and spit me out. She does, however, challenge me to work harder than I would ever do on my own.

I haven't heard of exercise causing vertigo.  It's inner ear infections that give me vertigo.  If you feel dizzy while exercising, it might be a good idea to check your blood pressure.

Jean

My doctor said that 'crystals' broke apart in my middle ear that caused the vertigo.  No infection.  The breaking apart of the crystals (whatever they are) was caused by strain.  That was a couple of years ago now, and I haven't exercised strenuously since because vertigo is just awful.  I even had Gary take me to the ER it was so bad.
I'm good now, even if my bp is low.
Jan