Discussion Board

I had my Executive Health Exam last week. i was really hoping that my cholesterol would be on it's way down so I don't have to go back on my chol. meds. No dice.

Total cholesterol - 190
LDL - 113
HDL - 61
Triglycerides - 79

My cardiologist wants my LDL around 70, so I'm far from that number. It's back to Lipitor for me, for the time being anyway.

I'm also looking out for info on kidney function now. My BUN and Creatinine numbers are low, so I'm a little concerned about that.

Other than that, my numbers were good. My iron, protein, calcium, B vits, T3 & T4...all good.

I'll keep going with this way of eating because I love it so much and really do believe that it's the best way to eat. I'm just a little disappointed because I thought I would see better numbers for my LDL.

Rachelle, if you started McDougalling last year, I expect you will continue to see improvements. Also, some of us have found that our serum lipids are very much related to our body fat. So if you have any excess fat (BMI over 21), you may also see improvement by reducing body fat--following the MWL program.

Most of your numbers are good but I hope they will get better with time and adherence.

Thanks, pinkrose. I definitely have excess fat on my body that I am working on removing. I think I really need to commit to MWL to take me to the next level.

Oh, and by the way, I joined a year ago, but I've only been following the program fully for about 3.5 months.

Good luck- keep at it!

Your numbers look great! Keep at it. That's what I am doing...

Sharon

Rachell - I am sure the MWL will jumpstart further improvements on your numbers. My Doctor is watching my numbers with me and is a big supporter of plant-based diets. I am pretty sure she is vegan - she seems to know all the best cookbooks

Anyway, she said as long as my BMI is high ( I am still in the obese range, just a bit above 30 now) my numbers won't be ideal. As soon as I get out of the obese range I am going in for new tests and hopefully more dramatic results this time. For me patience is key and yet another virtue I need to work on, lol

We are in the same boat, Sharon.

My BMI is a smidge over 25, so I definitely need to lose more fat. I'm going to keep plugging along. I wish my Dr. was supportive of plant-based diets. I keep being told to eat dairy and fish. Uggh.

Rachelle...keep your head up and keep on smiling as you know you have taken corrective steps for your health. I have no doubts you will get to the numbers your doctor (and you) are looking for. Hopefully the Liptor will only be temporary and you will be able to get back off the medication.

I have been happy with my numbers for the most part. Based on BMI calculation I am now "normal" at 24.9, but that is the upper most limit of normal. I am still about 7 pounds short of my goal (175 lbs), which I am pleased with but it's my triglycerides that have been frustrating me still at 208 (which was down from 269 last July) and only a drop of 2 points since January. While you mentioned moving to the MWL, I probably have to look at moving to an alcohol free lifestyle to see if those "empty carbs" are keeping my trigs high. Everything else in my blood numbers are continuing to improve.

By my estimation if I continue this way of eating and cut back or cut out my alcohol (beer usually) I have no doubts I will reach my weight goal and my blood numbers. Keep at it Rachelle!

Why don't you email Dr. McDougall? This WOE is always about tweaking, and maybe that is the direction of your visit. Doug Lisle shares when you have the thought of calling Dr. McDougall he already has picked up his end of the phone. I don't have the same relationship with doctors, and hospitals that you do as my history is different. So be patient and keep focused on the larger picture because your health is improving. It is always perception then projection. You are a Light body:)

Aloha, patty

We are both going to get our numbers where we want them to be, Steve. I truly believe that. I am hoping that going back on meds is temporary. My cardiologist once told me that my body reabsorbes the cholesterol it makes. Not sure I believe that, but I'll research it.

I just saw a video from Dr McD that mentioned giving up coffee to help lower cholestesterol. To be honest, it was the one are I didn't really consider on this WOE.

Thanks so much for your suggestions, Patty.

Yeah coffee, much like cheese and more so like beer are the challenges I face. Cheese was "no-brainer" and have now found the substitutes I can use for the cheesy flavor. Coffee was tough, but February 4th was my last cup and I have move on to drinking a nice sweet & spicy tea. As for the beer that is what I believe to be the culprit when it comes to the triglycerides. Thankfully there are many supportive and informative individuals right here to give us. But each of us must make that effort and to date I think we have all seen positive results to some degree.

Hi Rachelle,
I don't know how much exercise you do, but eveb 30 minutes of walking each day can be very helpful in improving cholesterol by raising HDL and lowering LDL. I agree with Patty that you should email Dr. McDougall who responds very promptly and may be able to give suggestions. He's also said that some people do have to take medications even with this diet, but they're able to take less than if eating SAD. I know that Jim (Star McDougaller) posted on my journal once about how he'd stayed on lower doses of medication for a long time even after going on McDougall. Let us know how you're doing.

Thanks, Birdy. I exercise on most days. I go to the gym at least 4 days a week and walk on the days that I do not go to the gym. As my knee and leg strength improve (knee replacement surgery 6.5 mths ago) my workouts are more vigorous.

My triglycerides and HDL are great, it's just the LDL that is too high for me.