Beverly' Story

I've had high blood pressure since I was around 55 years old. One pill seemed to take care of that. But the last eight years my blood pressure kept creeping up and my family doctor added another pill which seemed to help for a few more years. Then I moved, traveled a lot with my job, gained weight, took care of an elderly parent and my two pills were not keeping my blood pressure in check. So my family doctor sent me to a cardiologist who did an ultrasound on my kidneys to see if there were any blockages which was fine. But he added a third pill to my medications and told me that unless I lost weight I would be on three pills the rest of my life. I had gained and lost weight over the years but this time it really hit home that I better lose the weight if I'm going to remain healthy and not incur the heart issues that my father had. So far I've lost 28 pounds but I've got more to go. But, it has definitely gotten me down to 2 pills (3 just made me dizzy). I have another appointment with my cardiologist in October and hope to have lost more weight and maybe I can get down to just one pill again? This time I did not join a formal weight-loss program. I just ate smaller portions, ate only when I was hungry, cut way back on the bread, pasta, sugary sweets, pop, and fast food. Not saying I cut them out totally, but I have made them a much smaller part of my life. I also went to water aerobics three times a week and walked more. It's made such a difference in my health and my self-esteem. I just have to keep at it and not give up!