Shar in shape's Journal, 20 August 2012

Perhaps try water aerobics at your local YMCA or something - it is almost no impact and will help you feel better and burn calories! Good Luck! 

Shar - I have been able to avoid surgery, so I can't say that I know exactly how you feel, but I have had knee pain due to osteoarthritis which I was just diagnosed with this year after I finally went to my doctor to find out why I had so much pain walking and using stairs. My doctor told me that the only thing that I could do to help eleviate the pain was to exercise and lose the extra weight. I started my journey in March and have almost reached my goal weight. I no longer have the pain in my knee and I have a lot more energy without the excess weight to carry around. I know it probably saved my hips too. My motivation was to lose the pain, but now I am motivated to stay healthier. Has your doctor given you suggestions on what kind of exercise you can and should be doing? My doctor suggested walking, cycling and swimming. I wouldn't think you could do cycling, but what about some swimming? Maybe focus on upper body exercising more in the beginning until you are stronger?? Just suggestions and you should consult your doctor about any exercise, but "dieting" without exercise will not yield the best results. Best of luck and I hope you find this site as useful as I have. 

Wow - thank you for the quick responses! I am in physical therapy, but it is mainly to loosen up the scar tissue so my hip can move. Ironically, the stationary bike is what they use to loosen me up before they twist and turn me. Swimming is my best choice right now - just need to get to the pool to do it :-). Thanks again for your input and support!! 

I had terrible back knee pain too when i was heavier, loosing 80+ lbs made incredible changes in my pain levels. Funny to day was the first day in 6 months that I had to use Volteran for my lower back- and that was because I pulled it the other night doing silly things...LOL Keep motivated and push thru the pain, its so worth it in the end!