Exercise is the key, I had my surgery a year ago, my anniversary is Oct 30th. I started working out with a trainer about 3 weeks before my surgery and I still am, and she kicks my butt. But it works, I am down from 320 to 208, and firming up every week. I walk and run 3 miles a day now, and work out with her in the gym 3 days a week. You will start out slow, but within a year watch out. Good luck