My cholesterol's up!

[BittyGeorgia]

I've been on Atkins for 6 months and lost 30 pounds. I'd like to lose another 20 pounds.

Today I got blood tests back and my cholesterol has gone up. In May, it was 189; HDL 47; LDL 127. Now my cholesterol is 228; HDL is 55 and LDL is 155. I was hoping my cholesterol had gone down!

I've been taking lovastatin to lower my cholesterol for a few years. My dr. doesn't want to increase my meds; she thinks my it has increased because of Atkins and wants me off it.

I really want to continue losing this weight, and I don't know what to do! I haven't had any success at all on low-cal low fat diets. Any suggestions?

Thanks for your support.

[Atkins_Nutritionist]

Congrats on your weight loss success. That is great! I can understand your surprise that you cholesterol had increased but there are a few things to keep in mind. First, when a person loses weight, cholesterol may rise because your body must break down stored fat for energy. Your total cholesterol should drop within two months. Also, remember that some of the increase may be attributed to your HDL rising. And your HDL is now at the level that it is protective, which is great! You didn’t mention your exercise routine but note that exercise is an important component. The food choices you make also need to be considered. Cut back on processed meats, such as bacon, sausage, and cold cuts, and limit your intake of hard cheese. You also didn’t mention how your triglyceride level changed, as cholesterol rises in some people when triglycerides drop significantly. And also keep in mind that cholesterol levels that have a genetic component usually responds to changes in diet, but may be difficult to change with diet alone. You may want to consider taking supplements such as pantethine, essential oils, garlic and fiber. Dr. Atkins discussed cholesterol lowering nutrients in Dr. Atkins Vita-Nutrient Solutions. Hope these suggestions help, good luck!

[pooticus]

also, u don't say whether u were fasting or not.

if ur triglycerides are low, then the chances are that the ldl is made up of protective cholesterol as well, instead of the small dense bad particles.

i would not be concerned about it if i was u. especially since cholesterol measurement is also dependent on how long the blood sat before measurement. were u under stress during the test. were u fasting. what did u eat the last few days prior to the test...etc etc.

[MonicaAZ]

The A.N. is right. You're HDL is up and that is great! What were your triglycerides?

I've been low carbing for the better part of 4 years, and that means a lot of cheese, cream, eggs, steak, mayo, etc....etc.
My cholesterol results on 9/30/04 were:

Total: 186

HDL:58
LDL: 131
Triglycerides: 59

Give it more time to go down. Congrats on your loss!

[BittyGeorgia]

Thanks for the responses and support, everyone.

My triglycerides were 76 in May and 88 in October, so they've gone up a bit. Does that make more of a difference?

The test was done on 12 hr fasting. And yes, my family does naturally have higher cholesterol. But what concerned me is that when I had just started Atkins and had blood work done, it was lower than it is now. Although I think I also need to take into consideration that in the past my cholesterol has been about where it is now (220's).

I do eat alot of bacon, 4-5 pieces for breakfast every morning, with 2 eggs. I don't really know what I could substitute, but I can cut back to fewer pieces.

My exercise routine is admittedly poor. Up until about a month ago I was walking at least 5 miles a week, and I had started yoga. The past month has been really difficult and, since it's getting colder, I haven't even been walking as much. I know I need to get back into it.

With your support, I'm staying with this way of life. I'm trying to get ahold of my dr. again and see if she thinks I should increase my cholesterol meds since quitting Atkins is not an option.

Thanks again for the support and confidence.

Lynn

[MichelleM]

Lynn..

The same thing happened to me. After 4 months on Atkins my cholesterol numbers went way UP..(almost to dangerously high levels).

I came on this board, did some research... and people recommended I give it time , not change anything in my WOE and go get a new test in 3 months.

I did that...........and miraculously my numbers all levelled out and Im now in the 'normal" range. Totally healthy!!
BE PATIENT!!

[MaryMary]

You might want to check out the breakfast thread on the recipe board. I loves eggs but only choose to eat them a few times a month because I love my drained yogurt so much. I am not a big sausage eater, but I do have drained yogurt with soynuts, cinnamon & splenda, and berries (blueberries, raspberries or strawberries) all mixed together. It is to die for. You could even add flaxseed meal to it.

I have been doing a controlled carb approach for nearly 4 years and this year my cholesterol reached an all time low of 165 and I don't take meds.

Read some of the threads from nonstickpam regarding cholesterol. She says there is different particles in the LDL. The A particles are good for us and the B particles aren't. You can have your doctor test the LDL for particle differentiation.

But I did increase my exercise, don't use prepared foods and stick to whole foods like meat, vegetables and fruit, with good fats like butter and olive oil. Don't give up. One day at a time.