Some interesting reading on Cholesterol/ fats in the diet from a researcher that did his own funding.

http://www.ravnskov.nu/cholesterol/

About the author

http://www.ravnskov.nu/uffe/

Can download the entire 194 page pdf here:

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/486704

Not trying to change minds or sway any opinions with this, just presenting some alternative reading. In my ,personal only view,  there sure seems to be a lot of information being put out in the medical and nutritional realm that may not be based on facts or is simply wrong. (i.e. the food pyramid)

Then you have this article from a "dietician"

http://www.popsugar.com/fitness/What-Keto-Diet-41513803#comments

Sounds really bad until you start reading all the reader comments dispelling most of what was in the article by people who have had great success. Remember there are no "essential carbs."

Deb, Sorry to hear about your setback and painful rehab that you have coming up. I know you said you can't do low carb but I wish you could see how this eliminates the urge of between meal snacking and the ease of losing the pounds without added stress to joints. I probably drink more diet soda than I should but I can't say that it has prevented me from losing the weight nor has it kept me from maintaining it either. 0 calories 0 carbs in those sweetened with Splenda. 

Best of luck to everyone on your journey no matter which methods you choose.