Waterloo

I come from a family with obesity on both sides. Yet, I'm the only one with quite grave bio-mechanical challenges. My kneecaps sit in the wrong place, They're too small.  The click and clack and move out of place as they please. I've had two surgeries on them which went ... so so. New knees have been on my wish list for a decade but Santa doesn't hear me.
I've spent a little over 30  years trying to lose weight but with a slow metabolism and the inability to weight bear on these useless knees, it's hasn't been particularly successful. I've been a regular gym goer since my late 20's, I got arthritis in my 30's and now (at 46) it's at Stage 4. My limbs are stiff as concrete. Since I mustn't weight bear, all I can do at this point is gentle exercising in water. It's really relaxing but burns zero calories. The ache is tiresome but it's good to focus on the positive: Some days are better than others.
Orthopaedic surgeons and specialists in Australia (where I live) all say the same: "No knee replacements until you're between 60-65 years old. We won't touch you until then." Due to comparatively low BMI I was worried I'd be excluded from bariatric surgery as well but luckily I was wrong. The bariatric surgeons I saw all said yes and on Valentines Day next year it's my turn. My knee specialist wished me good luck with the words: "This sleeve operation will have a dramatic effect on your knees. It will be life changing for you. You're doing the right thing".