I had five blocked arteries and had bypass surgery in July 2009 . Prior to the surgery I had been on what I thought was a fairly healthy diet , exercised a lot , non smoker . I had been on cholesterol medication for about 7 years prior to my operation. Unfortunately I inherited this problem from my parents who both died before they were 70 with heart disease . Anyhow my cholesterol levels were not that great after my surgery even though I was exercising a lot and on a strict diet . My niece who I thought was just a health nut was following the Esselstyn plan and she gave me the book . I read it and was impressed so I commited to following his plan for one year and started in May 2011 . I am very fortunate to have a very supportive wife who also is a great cook, she also follows the diet in support of me . We muddled along for the first 4 or 5 months and our menu was mainly from Esselstyn's book and the internet . We got very lucky and came across a book titled "The Happy Herbivore" and boy did our menu ever improve ,great dishes and even great desserts and all of it is super healthy . My cholesterol levels are now below average and I feel great .I must add though it's not all the diet , we walk 10 kms five days a week and exercise for 45 minutes each morning. Was the diet easy , for me , yes ,I had a choice eat properly or die young . I would heartily recommend a fat free vegan diet , if you suffer from heart disease or have a family history of heart disease.
