[Jules]

You can definately get an aerobic exercise just using your arms. I know you said sitting was a problem, but even lying down you can do many arm movements to keep your heart rate up. I'd look into that before you go back to smoking. You don't even have ot use weights if it hurts too much. Try punching alternating arms. There's a segment in the biggest Loser workout DVD where all we do is arms and it does keep your heart rate up. I'm sure someone could work with you on that. I'm sorry so many doctors and trainers have failed you. Have you tried deep water aerobics? You don't have to swim to do them and you're not standing. In my class we have one lady who cannot walk at all in that cl**** she can't do shallow water classes either but in the deep end she can. They put a lifevest on you so it's like you're just floating there and only whatever movements you make with your arms are all that you need to do, no need to swim at all. You might check into that for workouts too.

This is a really tough situation, but I'm sure you can find something to help keep your weight down. Like Missy said, what are you eating calorie-wise? IT's possible to eat lots of really low-calrie foods and still feel full. Salads, chicken broth, veggies you can pretty much eat all day if you want and they will provide nutrients without loads of calories. Maybe you could look at that, not starving yourself but changing what you eat.

Let us know if any of this helps -I'd also keep looking for a doctor/physical therapy trainer. There has got to be someone out there experienced in dealing with your kind of injuries.