Hey surfmore I had an ACL reconstruction. Luckily for me I was in a follow up study that helped with my motivation. I also set up a stationary bike in the garage.
The say 9 months well it takes that time. At that stage I was mid thirties.
Listen to the specialists.

I never completely 100% straighten my legs so to give a buffer.

Good luck with surgery and recovery

Very Good listen....

surfmastery.com/podcast/tomcarroll3

Check out POD knee brace, Aussie brand , worn buy Mic Fanning, Scotty of Smik and other chargers. The website looks like it's for dirt bikers, but find the link to other extreme sports , water, snow, etc.

LDyer said..
I had both knees replaced(at the same time) in Perth WA.Rehab is tough and progress can be slow.I was surfing after 3 months ( felt like a learner ) .The closer you get to 12 months the progress is accelerated.Now almost two years to the day feels better than it has for many a year.
Don't overdo your rehab and if you can walk in the ocean is my tip.

I have put off by a couple of years (so far) a knee replacement by converting from a leg rope to a waist rope

I've even ( also seamlessly) converted to the waist rope when short boarding [ which i only do overseas now ]

ghost4man said..
I'm looking for a knee sleeve to wear whilst paddling/surfing. I am guessing neoprene would be the preferred option. Trying to steer clear of any mechanical braces. Wondering what's available that is suitable in the water.

Even if you do not want to buy at Amazon, browsing their site can give you a good idea of what is available.
My daughter uses one with a hole to keep the kneecap in place to play squash rackets with good results.

E.g: search "knee brace water": www.amazon.com/s?k=knee+brace+water
Not exactly the same, but I used a neoprene calf compression sleeve with 3 velcro straps, a bit like www.amazon.com/Vive-Calf-Brace-Compression-Circulation/dp/B0101BXKHM/ and it stayed in place perfectly during the session, not taking weight.

Hey mate I'm having both big toes fused in February then once the possibility of infection clears I'm in for a total right knee replacement probably around May depending on the surgeon. Would like to bounce off you through the process. 2023 is not gonna be a good year but it's been crap surf wise so far here!! Bloody Nor Easters..

I had a partial (medial) knee replacement in my back foot 3 years ago. I was back surfing in 4 months (not sup-surfing but regular surfing my high performance longboard. I don't sup-surf, except occasionally on a raceboard). The knee worked almost right away like before, no difference. However now it has showed some aching and pain in aggressive cutbacks and backhand surfing on the lateral side that was not replaced. Good to hear that total replacements are surfing ok too in case I need a one some day...?