I can relate to this thread .. BIG TIME. I had two major knee surgeries, the last was a total reconstruction back in 1977, back surgery 1999, and I have neck compression. I am also in the process of losing weight .. have lost almost 10 lbs and another 20 to go. The biking is definitely helping, but this isn't my first rodeo dieting. Food portion is the key and burning more than what you consume in a day. When I get serious to loose .. I just don't eat *meals* per se. I will eat a wedge of cheese, small portion of meat and later some vegetables. I am 62 and losing gets harder when the metabolism does a 180* around 40 years old. As you get older it is even more important to figure ways to burn the calories and stay fit. Winter months is my bane, like a lot of people we get lazy, and I am no exception. I will be looking into buying a bike trainer when I can't ride due to the weather.