Don't get too dependant on braces if you can help it and ask about some phys. therapy! The right therapy can stengthen the muscles in the right area and do wonders.I had a tear repaired about 3 years ago and did'nt do p/t for awhile,when I finally did I could tell the difference.I'm not taking care of it now and I can tell come season changes,work up the muscles and stay on top of them!

i did a month before i got it fixed but they said i did not need it after i got it done
and since i am a big guy i was told to stay off it for at least a month and not walk to much for 3 to 4 months i was off the crouches in 2 weeks and i hyper extended a few times

Jim, when I had my shoulder surgery, they told me to leave it in a sling for 5 weeks. I did what I was told. After the 5 weeks they started me on my physical therapy. My shoulder was already locked down to minimal movement. After 8 months, they took me back in to "manipulate" the shoulder. For those of you who don't know what that means, they put you under and then by forcing the arm around, tear the scar tissue that has built up. After the manipulation, I was in therapy for another 4 months.

Go to another specialist and see what they say on your knee if your not happy with the results of the first surgery. I did and was told by two different doctors that my shoulder has gotten about as good as it is ever going to get. Now I have to adapt, adjust, and overcome the hand I was dealt.

Jim-Ialso had shoulder surgery, but my doctor had me working out the next day he say he didn't want my shoulder getting stiff. He gave me some rubber bans to work witha green one blue one and red one , i stared out with the easier one the green then work my way up to the harder one which was the red . after 3 weaks my shoulder was realy feeling good so by the 4th weak i could go back to work on light duty.I still have a 30 percent imparment in my shoulder but there's no pain anymore thank god for that.

Tim, I'm not trying to be cruel one bit but I think where you really need to focus is some kind of a weight loss plan. All the surgeries in the world aren't going to do squat unless you get yourself in better shape. 375lbs is a big man, thats allot of wear and tear on your knees and definitely isn't good for your ticker either. Once you start some kind of weight loss program don't get lazy and put it off. You've got to want to do it or it will never happen bud and your knee's will never be any good.

Good luck and take care of yourself, you've got allot of hunting ahead of you yet my friend!

Schultzy, I was about ready to post the same thing. Come on Tim! First goal, get down to 325. Then let us know who it feels. You might not have any pain after that 50 pound loss.