Diet, Veg,etc.
*All suggestions below are layman's suggestions, based on the writer's experience * Barb, the doc is 'putting to much pressure' eh? What about what you want? Don't you want to be as healthy as possible, even feel good? I would suggest you set your own do-able goals for weight loss, exercise, and improved health. Ornish is an extreme example; I tried it, and due to the relatively high amount of carbs I was eating, my triglycerides were not doing too well. I now eat 'heathy' meats in small amounts (chicken, turkey, and bean -based chili dishes with just enough meat for flavoring). Some fish can be heart-healthy too. I don't think the Atkins diet is for everybody , either, though it has worked for many. I say, minimize the bad things and try to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. With your triglycerides, a low-carb orientation (NOT fixation or fanaticism) might be a good starting place. But I don't think chesesburgers every day is a good idea, either, as Atkins seems to suggest. Cutting out sweets (ALL of thme, sodas, cookies, ice cream, etc) will put a big dent in your triglycerides, I would guess. For years, I have been taking B vitamins; Folic, Niacin and Multi-B Complex. Now, recently, it appears on T.V. that these are 'heart-helpful' . Check it out. As for exercise, you know a safe level from your cariac rehab. It is now up to you to get out there 3-5 times a week.(I DO recommend rest days !) Hang in there, you will get better !. Harold