Exercising with a prolapsed disc, help?

bethyfaceee

]Hey guys, my name is Bethany. (not sure if ive put this in the right category, sorry!)

I've never really been thin/healthy, ate what i wanted when i wanted and that only became worse as i got older and had money to buy my own food. I don't think i've actually done any exercise since school! (I'm 20 now) I weigh 17st 7lbs and ive had enough of it now. In October 2014, i woke up one morning not able to walk down my stairs, 2 months on i found out i had a prolapsed disc in

L4/5 at the base of my spine. I got a bit of truth juice from the surgeon when he told me that my weight is a major factor in my spine health being so bad.

That was enough to shock me into the fact i needed to do something about this. I have been unable to work since October, and i don't know the first thing about exercise. I don't want to put any more pressure on my back, as it can be unbearable after standing/sitting for more than 20 mins.
I have struggled with depression in the past, due to my appearance and weight and have some severe anxiety doing such simple things. I know this is something i will have to overcome eventually, but the thought of being in a gym makes me almost burst into tears.

I'm just really trying to find a way i can exercise and not cause myself more pain, because i really REALLY want to change my lifestyle. Any simple rules for dieting or a workout routine would be very helpful!

Thank you!