If Ive a bad back and am only 23 what are some non impact exercises i can do 2 h!

If Ive a bad back and am only 23 what are some non impact exercises i can do 2 help tone up and lose weight?

I was in Iraq last year and returned home. While I was there I hurt my back. Months later I found out what the cause was and thus I have a disk removed from my back. Mind you Im only 23. Now I sit here day after day unable to do situps or push ups or run because I feel pressure and pain if I attempt any of those things. So what happens? I put on weight. For the first time in my life I am 200lbs and coming from a military background and discipline this isnt sitting well with me. Outside of physical therapy I would like someone out there who has a bad back like me and deals with this same issue. This really is a depressing issue and to counteract the weight gain I am eating less and drinking coffee black constantly to keep my metabolism running. I know that sounds weird but I am trying anything at this point.

First, get off the caffiene...it will further dehydrate your body, making you slower to heal.

Probably the BEST exercise for someone who is looking for low impact exercise after discectomy surgery is a water based exercise...swimming,water aerobics, water walking, etc. These are exercises that are able to get your heart rate up enough that, if sustained long enough, will help you enter the target heart rate for fat burning. The buoyency of the water greatly unloads the spine.

Don't like to swim? Your next best options would be cycling (maintaining good posture), then stair masters/ellipticals, then walking...etc...it's a progression from non-weight bearing to weight bearing...the more weight bearing there is, generally the more impact there is. Be sure to follow up with your surgeon, if possible, before beginning an regemine.

Good luck.