Using MFP after Heart Surgery

Jamesjr54

Hi all,

I had a triple cardiac bypass Sept. 29. In the following weeks I lost 18 pounds, just from post-surgery recovery.

My heart disease is the result of genetics, and some unwise food choices. But my main risk factor was genetics - no diabetes, non-smoker and drinker, not obese and only 61 years old.

My wife and I have always been health conscious - but we do love good food. We cook a lot, and make our own bread, yogurt, granola and lots of other staples like pasta, sauces etc. We grow lots of veggies as well. This is partly why I kept telling my cardiac surgery team "You've got the wrong guy!"

It's now 12 weeks since surgery and I have lost 26 pounds total — from 200 to 174 (I'm 5'-8"). In the first days post-op, I made a decision to do recovery by the book: to adhere to the diet guidelines suggested by the American Heart Association - essentially the Mediterranean diet; to attend cardiac rehab; to exercise daily; and to change my attitude toward food and eating.

So far, so good.