When you get into the FAI Fix, you may feel like doing so much exercise is a huge chore and is unsustainable in the long run. You might feel like maybe surgery is a better 'fix' since it only requires you to sacrifice a few months of recovery time (if all goes as promised).

There are two analogies that are helpful here.

First, think about your current physical state in a financial sense. Right now, you are in debt, and you need to get out of it. In the beginning you will have to invest more "money" (time and energy doing exercise) to get out of debt. Once you are out of debt, it takes less effort to stay out of debt (you won't have to exercise as much to stay out of pain and discomfort).

Second, did you eat yesterday? And are you planning on eating today? What about tomorrow? You need to eat regularly for your stomach and the rest of your body to feel good. You cannot eat once every three or four months and expect to feel optimal. Your stomach will hurt if you starve it of food.

If you starve your muscles of movement and challenge, they will hurt as well. Muscles need regular challenge for you to feel optimal. There is no magic pill or procedure that will override your body's need for movement and exercise.