Hi geordiegirl, I just noticed your post. I don't usually come to this thread, but I am glad I did tonight. I feel for you! This is a terrible disease that just robs you of your life in so many ways.
My problems have progressed to the point where I have to use a wheelchair in order to go out and do anything. The pain that walking brings is just too much. I know that I need to lose a lot more weight to make it easier, but as kaplods says it is almost impossible to do. This disease causes obesity from all I have read. I don't use that as an excuse to not try though. Regaining is the biggest problem.
I will be interested to see how the surgery turns out for you. Please let us know. Take care, Ruth