Point is, I know where you are coming from.
You are the only one that really knows what you are capable of doing. If you think you can lose a substantial amount of weight then of course that is going to help alot. Even if you decide to have surgery later, losing the weight will help you with the surgery. No matter what you decide to do, losing weight will be a benefit. My physical situation is such that it is almost impossible for me to lose weight, I take so much prednisone and my range of motion is so restricted at this point that moving is very painful and difficult. If you still have pretty good movement I would do what you can now to lose the weight. It will get harder the worse you get.
I would recommend the shots as I have had SO many of them. Some have not helped at all and others have been a huge help. Bear in mind that it can take as much 6 weeks to really see an improvement. They will help with the pain and that will make it easier for you to exercise and lose weight.
Make sure that you go to a reputable pain management clinic. Really. Shop around and get advise from doctors that you do trust, have them give you referals. One thing to consider that I have always done, I have them give me what is called conscious sedation when you have the injections. I would never have them with out the sedation. You are only out for about 5 minutes but you never feel a thing. The doctor will be around afterwards to see how you did and do not be afraid to ask for pain meds. Even if you do not use them, you may very well need them later.
Have any of your doctors mentioned prednisone for the inflamation and the pain? It is a bit of a double edged sword. It will help substantially with the pain but it has awful side effects so use it very cautiously if at all.
I was on 60 mgs of it for quite some time and I went from a size 6 to a size 16 in about 6 weeks. Now I also have diabetes and vasculitus as well as high blood pressure and problems with my other joints. I have to have both knees replaced and before I can do that I have to have surgery on my right shoulder . It seems that when one thing starts, pretty soon everything is a problem.
Try to take one thing at a time. Try to lose the weight if you can, that will be helpful no matter what you do. Try the shots, they can be a Godsend. If the shots give you enough relief you may be able to avoid the surgery entirely. If I could have avoided the surgery I certainly would have.
Each condition is different and what works for one person my not work for another. Try the least invasive procedures first. I would try the anti-inflamatory drugs again as they can truly be beneficial. Of course you are the best judge of what is best for you but try to keep all the options open and do not close your mind to any of the things that will help.
I want to say one more time that the shots can really help with the pain and you may want to consider them again. They will buy you some time before you have to make a decision about surgery.
Get all the information you call. Read what you can and learn all that you can. Your doctors will always appreciate the fact that you are well informed. That way you will know what questions to ask.
Take care!
Love and Blessings
Lady Trinity~ Personal experience.