I would recommend the Southbeach Diet. Of course some diets work better than others for people, so keep that in mind.

My reasons for recommending Southbeach are that I have done the diet and lost over 20 lbs. Granted, you have more to lose, but it can be done on this or any diet, but will take TIME. Most healthy diets will tell you that you will lose 1-2 lbs a week. This is NORMAL. Losing a lot more that that (at least over time) can be unhealthy.

Another reason: you see results in the first two weeks. The first two weeks are more restrictive (Phase I) but of all the diets I've tried this one had the best food (for me) and I wasn't ever hungry. They tell you you can lose 5-10 lbs in the first two weeks, and that was true for me.

Third reason: It was designed by a Heart Dr. for heart patients-the goal of the diet was a healthy heart and the weight loss was an added bonus. Since it was designed to be heart healthy, I think it is a good diet. You eat lots of vegetables, lean meats, cheeses & dairy, etc. After the first two weeks you slowly add in fruits and whole wheat bread/carbs. You stay away from sugar as much as possible.

I found it easy to stay on this diet and still be able to cook for my family. I would cook a meal with lean meat, two veggies (or one and a salad) and then add a starch for the rest of the family that I wouldn't eat. I would be full and they would be happy. I also converted the family to a lot more whole wheat starches (we already did breads that way, but I added whole wheat pasta and rices and they didn't complain!!!)

Look around and find a diet that sounds like you can stick to it and it lets you eat things you like. I could never do Atkins because they don't want you to eat things I like (fruits, veggies, etc). I have tried low fat diets and really miss having cheese. So find the right fit, and go for it!

I agree that as you lose weight, you will probably see some relief in your bad knees. That will lead to more exercise, which will lead to more weight loss. Break it down and make a goal of small increments (say 20 lbs by summer). You'll get there!

Good luck and keep us informed!

Cathy