Discussion Board

New to McD-started 4/20 and hoping to find some motivation here to help me believe I can do this!
Here's my story: I'm 40yo, 5'1 175lb
For the past 5 years I've had increases in my BP, with family history of cardiac problems. I was determined not to go on meds, even though my doctor would have liked it. I was not able to lose weight(even though I kept trying!) I lost motivation easily and didn't have a strong support system in place. Needless to say, this past September I begain having chest pressure, trouble sleeping, lethargy and went to the dr and and that point was "talked into" taking Lisinopril/Hctz. I did it with the stipulation that I was going to find a way to get off it! My doctor was willing to work with me.
At that point I really began doing serious research and found Dr Esselstyn's "Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease". Also read "The China Study" by T Colin Campbell and found some information by both Dr Mcdougall and Jeff Novick online. So I had all this wonderful information, however, I was lacking the final piece of the puzzle... How do I put these ideas into practice? After cutting out meat in October (and trying to cut out dairy) I was feeling some better but without any weight change or BP improvement. Last week I was again looking for motivation, and stumbled across Dr McDougall's website (don't know how I missed it the first time) and in reading the diet/recipes I was sure I could do this - I love starches!! So on Thursday I went shopping, stocking up on potatoes/sweet potatoes/yellow and green things, and on Friday I cooked up some of my favorite Ten Grain Hot Cereal and was on my way. Now comes the hard part. Sticking with it! I would appreciate any wise words and motivation to help me on my journey.

Welcome aboard, Lexus!

If you love starches...why do you think it will be difficult to faithfully follow the program?

Probably just that nothing else has worked for me in the past? Also, I have a husband who loves chips/fried food and all food in boxes and isn't very supportive of my "strange" dietary changes. I guess I really just need to do it for me and stop the self-sabotage.

the chest pressure and having to go on meds isn't scary enough to get you motivated? Have you checked your cholesterol yet? You have a family history of Cardiac problems and you bp is increasing, those aren't motivating?

I found focusing on living, made it much easier to do the program instead of focusing on what I'm missing putting in my mouth.

Thanks Faith in DC for really putting it in perspective!

Had a great day today...realized I haven't had ANY cravings or constant thoughts about food in several days. This alone is a wonderful relief (not always resisting eating something) but in general I just feel GREAT!!! My mind seems clear, I have energy all day long, exercise used to make me tired but now it gives me energy. I can't deny it is working for me, and I've only just begun!

Thanks again...

Excellent. I found the only thing that really could motivate me was the fear of dying. Bathing Suit season, weddings, out grown all my clothes, can't sit in a airplane seat, none of those motivated me. I'd just get more down on myself.

But seeing my cholesterol very high (as a veggie) and my blood pressure being 210/100 was very motivating. I was able to take that motivation and get through Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas and lost weight. I have continued that motivation for five years now.

It has been seven days since starting this WOE. I feel GREAT!!!

Very exciting news on the status of my HBP! On day 4 I reduced my lisinopril by half (4/24 BP=114/78). Today (4/28) my BP is 98/70.I guess now I need to look at stopping it completely.

In everything I've read in the McD books and online told me this change could happen quite rapidly. This really is amazing. Nothing I have tried before ever worked to lower my BP let alone happen this quickly!

Wonderful news, Lexus!!!

I am concerned about risk of hypotension (and the risk for falling) and suggest you check with your MD about the need for the med.

Please keep us posted!

Thanks for caring, Pink Rose!

I plan on checking with my doctor ASAP. I've not been feeling light-headed, but very aware of the possibility.

I just wanted to say Hi! I think we have some things in common - we are about the same age (I am 42), I am also 5'1", and your starting weight of 175 is about where I am at now (176). Plus, my family has a history of heart disease, and my blood pressure has been high (I haven't checked it in the past couple of weeks, but the last check was 128/80, which was a big improvement).

I don't know if you have considered keeping a journal on this board, but I recommend it. It really helps me to stay motivated to stay on plan, and it also helps to be able to write about my struggles and receive advice and encouragement from others on the board.

You are doing great so far - keep at it! I started about the same time you did, and have lost (I think) about 7 lbs so far, even though I had a rough weekend this past weekend. But, I am feeling much better, and have completely cut out all sugar and processed foods, which is quite an accomplishment in such a short period of time.

Welcome!

I am just starting too. Did you see the maximum weight loss section? It has some guidelines in it that are different than the general health guidelines. I was doing atkins but my blood pressure went up with it. Members on their forum get nasty when you dare say that that is happening and they tell you it isn't possible. I was shocked at how they act.

Welcome aboard, Newme127!

I am glad you found us and hope you will find the help and healing you need here.

Yes, the MWL guidelines are very helpful for those who want to lose fat. See

http://www.drmcdougall.com/misc/pdf/pdfmc050100nl.pdf

You can also see my story here:

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=26307

Use the great resources, consider buying The Starch Solution and keep us posted on your journey!

Thanks CarolynA,newme127 and pinkrose for the support!

Things have been going very well for me... today is my first day completely off my BP medication, I went on vacation for a week and still lost 1.3lb without too much trouble finding McD friendly food, and I'm feeling in control and enjoying life!!!
As much work as this is sometimes (thinking about and preparing food) I'm getting more confident in my food choices (and speaking to those who might not agree) and learning to prepare food in a way that takes up less of my time. Right now I'm sticking with the MWL program, and it doesn't seem confining to me. Looking forward to mixing in some healthy bread/pasta/flour items but I see such awsome results so far...so I can wait.

Wonderful, Lexus! It seems almost too good to be true, doesn't it?