from what i see on these posts about weight loss and exercise. people want to lose weight without the exercise.you need a little of both.for most people on here you have your limits on weight lifting. myself i dont lift over 35 lbs. so i do reps lifting instead of heavy weights. you dont need to lift the heavy weights to stay active. if certain things hurt when you do certain exercises dont do them plain and simple. do the ones that feel good. start out with low reps for a week and increase from there. dont need to push yourself. remember the tortoise and the hare? slow and steady wins the race. while i was off from work with my surgery i had gained 30 lbs and 5-6 inches on my waist. about the 10th week after surgery i started to cut back on what i ate. less sugars and carbs. i didnt jump right in to lifting a lot of weights. only did 3-10 lb dumbbells for several weeks along with my total gym. recovery takes time. right now after surgery i lost my 30 lbs, went down to a 29 waist,everything is toned. i was able to go back to work carrying mail,i am also reffing soccer again which calls for a lot of running. so yes it is possible to get back into shape.