Hi Sucia. Surgery isn't cheating. Good luck on your journey. Yes loosing even a few pounds is helpful. My knees feel a litte bit better with each pound I loose. The advice to get a good healthy diet from a professional is a good idea. We all need an eating plan that we can live with for the rest of our lives. This isn't a diet it is a lifetime eating plan. We all need help and encouragement on our journey.
Everyone have a Happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy yourself. Allow yourself a few small cheats so you don't feel like you are missing something. Otherwise you will probably consume more calories in the end. Get back on the wagon on Friday and do a little extra exercise.
Pat