[Trying4Thin]

I am impressed! I wouldnt be discouraged that you hit a plateau so soon. 18 pounds is a lot of weight when you actually stoop down to lift it. Your body is just catching up with everything. As I am sure you know; having surgery sets you back a few pegs and your body needs time to readjust. I have heard that particular surgery you had is extremely painful. I am surprised that they didnt have you do any PT to reacclimate your knee. But seeing as you were in great shape before the surgery, that can only help you. Sounds like you are picking up right where you left off. Just take it slowly. I dont think you want another surgery for a blown out knee.

All exercise is good. I never used to believe that until I got a heart rate monitor and began experimenting. The higher your heart rate; the lower your fat burn and higher the calorie burn. The lower your heart rate; the higher the fat burn and the lower the calorie burn. You want to burn fat. So by saying that you only burned 100 calories; maybe so, but you most likely burned the majority of it in fat calories. Fat loss = inches lost. THAT is a great thing and it will get you into smaller sizes. Even if your heart rate isnt elevated, you can still burn a good amount of fat calories. For example: I can bike slowly for an hour on my stationary bike, not even get into my fat burning zone, and still burn 100 calories/60% fat. (60% is the highest you can burn in a workout.) So all movement is good movement. Slow and steady wins the race. However, if after you are done fat burning you want to blow off some steam, go for it. It's fun to see what you are really capeable of. As you further condition, you will be able to do more and more. At any given moment; we are a heck of a lot stronger than we give ourselves credit for. Never be afraid to both find and stretch your limits of what you think you can and cannot do.

Cheering you on!