The way I stay motivated is by buying fitness magazines and looking at people who are my age and build. Of course, they usually are in better shape which only motivates me more. Be careful though, you don't want to over exert yourself after having surgery. Are you an experienced weight lifter? If so, competing is a great motivator. I have my first competition in October and I'm just recovering from a Tendon rip in my Pectoral Major. I didn't take my advice; I wasn't careful in the recovery. GOOD LUCK!