Hiya Missy,

I have the gazelle with the pistons.....I don't use the pistons for the entire work out as it is harder than without them. If you do decide to buy....I'd go without using the pistons until you are completely healed. I have been using mine for around 3 weeks now and find that I work up a really good sweat using it for 30 to 45 minutes. I only weigh and measure once a month so I can't tell you what it's done for me in that sense, but I sure feel great after using it and my clothes are definately looser in the thigh and butt area.