Patella removal (knee cap)

Ok along with my foot problems (http://www.cyclingforums.com/t60164.html) I've also got a problem with my left knee, supposedly unrelated. An MRI scan has shown a large area of cartlidge to be badly damaged/torn behind the knee cap, the surgeons recomendation for me is the removal of the knee cap. I have been told that I will be able to ride again (pain free) and may suffer some loss of power to the left leg.
The current situation is I can't get out of the saddle to climb or sprint, so being able to do this again even with a slight loss of power is huge improvement.
Any of you out there had this procedure done, and if so how are you doing now, hopefully back on the bike and putting in the miles??????

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Lucky enuff to ride a Trek Madone5.9 10sp Dura-Ace Project One same result every ride .