Re: Help me figure this out...

Posted By Frustrated on July 14, 1999 at 09:30:27
After bypass surgery 8 months ago I have been on the Ornish Reversal Diet -  Low fat and no meat. I was very strict in following the principles. After three months my cholesterol increased by 20 points to 209, and my trig. shot up 100 points.  I exercise every morning for 30 minutes.  I am 35-40# overweight. I am not on any cholestrol lowering drugs, and would prefer not to be for the rest of my life. Can you explain why the Reversal Diet may have raised my numbers? My doc says I likely have a type 4 metabolism, but I am not diabetic. What does this mean?  What kind of diet should I consider?

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

Posted By CCF CARDIO MD - CRC on July 14, 1999 at 11:33:07
Dear frustrated,
Give this some time.  Remember you have only been doing this for 8 months after 40+ years of neglect.  It takes time for a ship to stop before it can go in the other direction.  I would recommend continuing what you are doing and adding a cholesterol medication for the time being.  Remember the goal is not changing a few numbers but changing your entire lifestyle.  Best wishes to you.
I hope you find this information useful.  Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only.  Only your physician can provide specific diagnoses and therapies.  Please feel free to write back with additional questions.
If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter.  The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.

[Frustrated__0]

Posted By Frustrated on July 15, 1999 at 09:50:40
Isn't it dangerous to stop and start cholestrol-lowering medications?

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

Posted By CCF CARDIO MD - CRC on July 15, 1999 at 12:26:33
No. The medication that is dangerous to start and stop is beta-blockers.
I hope you find this information useful.  Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only.  Only your physician can provide specific diagnoses and therapies.  Please feel free to write back with additional questions.
If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter.  The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.











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