Want to lift, but can't join a gym...

Hi, I've lost 30 lbs so far, just by doing cardio and cc, and now I want to get into lifting. In high school, (ok, 15 years ago) I was an avid lifter, but haven't done any since. I can't join a gym, but I have been looking at weights and benches on e-bay.

What exactly do I need to start? I know that's a stupid question, but I want to know the bare minimum I need, because of money.

Can I just buy two 20 lb dumbells and work with them? Squats are out of the question, since my knees are shot, but I'm getting them fixed soon.

Please help, sorry if i sound clueless, but I am!

I would just go to Target and get a decent selection of free weights ranging from 5-12 lbs.  Yes, even 5 little pounds can give you a good workout, especially if you're doing arm circles.  They are killers.  Eights will be a good place to start biceps and triceps.  Twelves and 15s because you'll be there soon:)  Then check out some moves either online or from magazines.  My favorite magazine and website is Womens Health.  I don't know anything about the new rules for lifting, but I'm sure someone will respond with that. 

I do P90X and X+ and have gotten wonderful results.  Probably not the best place for a starter, but they do have other programs.  You can check those out on beachbody.com

Good luck

A basic set of adjustable dumbells is plenty to start with (I have the set in the link and paid $15 or $20 less at the store).

Focus on compound movements (bench press, military press, pullovers, rows, deadlifts, squats, etc) for best results, isolation exercises like bicep curls and tricep extensions are pretty much a waste of time.

I'd bet my last dollar that you actually can do squats (I'm assuming you made this post while sitting in a chair, and that you'll eventually get up out of the chair.  If that's true you just did a squat, congratulations).

It's actually a big ball, and i sort of roll to get up...:-) Too bad I live in Berlin and there is no such thing as Target. If there was I'd probably move in. But thanks for everyone's advice!

Don't need a gym. Buy some free weights and bar bells. A pull-up bar is also great. Free weights are superior to machines.

I'm surprised that no one's beaten me to this yet, but 

http://www.stumptuous.com/cms/

has a lot of tips for beginners, including a section on setting up your own home gym on the cheap.

good point, who needs a gym. push ups sit ups, all that fun stuff