Try our #1 Rated MEAL PLANNER for FREE! Get amazing recipes, meal prep tips, & more

When My Heart Surgeries Failed, Dr. Esselstyn’s Book Taught Me How to Take Back My Health

By Rick Mills,

Print/save
  • 3

In 2008 I had double bypass surgery. Two years later, both grafts were completely blocked. One was stented and the other could not be fixed. In October of 2011, I had another blocked artery that could not be stented. Being 54 years old and out of options, I was put out of work on disability. My total cholesterol could not be accurately measured because my triglycerides were near 600. My cardiologist said there was nothing more to do. I have 13-year old twin girls and wanted to see them grown.

In November of 2011, I found a copy of Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn’s book, Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease, and started a plant-based diet. Today I weigh 210 pounds, down 65 pounds from when I started. My total cholesterol is now under 150 (I was just taken off my statin drugs) and my triglycerides are 121. I do cardiac rehab 3 days a week and walk four miles 5 to 6 days a week. I have not counted the first calorie. I just eat my plant-based diet, which I’ve learned to enjoy. All I can say is thank you!

Has a whole-food, plant-based diet impacted your life?

We would love to hear about it!

SHARE YOUR STORY

Free Download

Free 5-day meal plan!

Get a taste for healthy, fuss-free meal planning with this free five-day meal plan from Forks Meal Planner!

By providing your email address, you consent to receive newsletter emails from Forks Over Knives. We value your privacy and will keep your email address safe. You may unsubscribe from our emails at any time.

Placeholder image

Join our mailing list

Get free recipes and the latest info on living a happy, healthy plant-based lifestyle.

By providing your email address, you consent to receive newsletter emails from Forks Over Knives. We value your privacy and will keep your email address safe. You may unsubscribe from our emails at any time.