I read your message. Please do not allow you being operated on, this is not a solution to your bursitis problem ! I think you made the right decision to start losing weight. However, artificial sweeteners are not a good choise. Stevia is an excellent natural sweetener, 300 times sweeter than sugar. Check out http://www.herbaladvantage.com, you can buy stevia there at a very reasonable price. Changing the acid/alkaline balance in your body might also help you. I take superfood supplements (powdered fruits and vegetables). IMHO "Earth's Promise" (Enzymatic Therapy) is the best tasting green food, and "Berry Green" (Newchapter) the best one. Jenny Lee Naturals have very good green powder, very powerful, but the taste is a bit strange in the beginning. They also have a new product called Prevention Powder. Those powders will also boost your health and immune system. Your body will be able to fight inflamation better. Check out the site http://www.newstarget.com. Healthy eating habits are the best cure for al sorts of conditions. Hope this might help you.