Hi this is Cindy and I am 56 years old and have two artificial knees. I got the right one in 1999 and the left one in 2001. I have been so overly caustious of my knees. I was told the artificial joints have a life expectancy of 10 to 15 years. So in the beginning I did not exercise much because I did not want to wear them out. Here it is 2010 and they seem to be holding up pretty good so I started exercising at 24 hr Fitness. I splurged on a trainer who has worked on my knees and this is what I found. Number one, swimming or exercisng in the pool is the best. I do well on the bicycle and the elyptical. I have also used the big exericise ball doing squats against the wall and I was amazed how far I could bend before it hurt. There are plenty of joint supplements out there, but if you are like I was bone on bone with no cartiledge for the supplements to work on then they won't help. There are tons of knee stretches and exercises that can be found on some Physical Therapy web sites.  If your knees are totaly gone think of replacement. I have had no trouble at all and was amazed how pain free I was after the recovery time from the surgery. If I can lose weight even if I wear out my knees it would all be worth it, even if I have to get a second set. Good luck, hang in there. Keep in touch.

Hi DebraAnnG,

This is sandyselle and I'm with you in making major changes in my weight this year.   I'm starting with no cookies at night as I was eating 3-4 fig newtons everynight. No french fries even though I only have them once in a while and no fried foods.  I do eat a lot of fish and chicken and my hamburger meat has the least fat in it....93%.  But I have to cut out any kind of pork as my husband loves pork.....pork steaks, chops & roasts.  And start drinking plenty of water....at least 4 full glasses a day.  Whatcha think?  Sandy 

Hi.  If anyone would like to buddy up and share your goals, successes, flops, or just want to talk, my e-mail address is wispyblonde1@hotmail.com.