Hey Guys - I have been practicing this WOE since end of April, 2011. I was on 40 mg of simvastatin at that time with these starting #'s:
TC: 162
LDL: 80
HDL: 41
TRI: 207
After 2 months of this WOE I had to have another lipid panel done due to a Life Insurance screening and I had these results:
TC: 138
LDL: 65
HDL: 52
TRI: 103
After getting those results, at the advice of someone here, I wrote a letter to my Dr. and sent him a copy of that info. I inquired about cutting my pills in half, down to 20 mg of simvastatin for the next 3 months, prior to my next visit/lipid panel. He called and said he agreed that I could do that.
Yesterday, I had my 'official' 6 month Dr. checkup (since I take both HBP meds and cholesterol meds I have to go in that frequently). I was very nervous to see how my 3 additional months of this WOE + 1/2 dose statins would come out. My results were as follows:
TC: 136
LDL: 67
HDL: 44
TRI: 124
I was so excited, nearly the SAME as the full dose of STATINS ! So, I boldly suggested
that I stop the statins entirely for the next 6 months to get a true picture of my cholesterol numbers. I still want to stay under 150 TC and <80 LDL, so I don't have a LOT of wiggle room but I have some for the anticipated increase of going off these drugs completely. He totally agreed and said my numbers speak for themselves and this WOE is totally the right way for me to go!
I'm 134 lbs and 5'5", so I'm not really expecting to lose a lot more weight, but am still seeing about 1/4 lb./week loss, so perhaps that will come down more and help things. Also, just more good eatin' may help keep my numbers steady.
I am SOOOOOO encouraged that in 5.5 months I was able to ditch my Cholesterol Meds and although mostly I lurk, I've learned so much from everyone here, gathered so much wonderful advice and information and seen the courage, great attitudes and mountains to be climbed for everyone that it really, really made a huge difference that led to my success. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU, you guys are inspirational !!!