Considering my relative young age (57), if I elected to have the surgery and did not change the lifestyle that most likely caused my heart disease, I would be back in the hospital for another bypass operation 10 years down the road, so if figured WTF, lets see what the lifestyle changes can do.
The changes:
- Daily exercise of 30-60 minutes. Began with slow walking and escalated into cycling and finally into running.
- Diet: Elimination of animal protein, saturated fats and liquid calories. No fast food, no fried foods, no soda. Lots of whole grains, fruits and vegetables.
Weight Loss: Beginning Weight 211, Weight now 169
Cholesterol: June 30, 2011: Total 211; LDL (bad cholesterol) 135, HDL (good cholesterol) 45
July 10, 2012 - Total 136, LDL 73, HDL 52
Exercise Heart Rate: Walking August 15th, 2011 4.03 miles in 1:08:28 (16:59 per mile) HR Avg 123, Peak 151. Same course August 17th, 2012 1:04:37 (15:57 per mile) HR Avg 108, Peak 120.
Cycling : September 2,