from memory you had a lateral meniscetomy? they do take up to 16 weeks to settle post-op and i agree RICE after games is best method to reduce swelling. being lateral you will also have more stress on that side of the knee and the articular surface (condyles) in particular. there may be a remnant of cartilage missed and so left behind, but unlikely. you will probably always have swelling from this knee (remember a very improtant piece of shock-absorbing as now gone) that you need to RICE religiously following training and games. you never mentioned what level you play but this will also have a huge bearing on how the knee will hold up and your expectations.