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Weight loss with A/F

ruuthmo profile image
14 Replies

Has anyone tried the 5:2 diet - I am taking Warfarin, Bisoprolol and Ramipril, but need to reduce weight to stave off Diabetes.

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ruuthmo profile image
ruuthmo
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14 Replies

The 5 : 2 diet was mentioned not long ago and there was a comment that it's not the best with warfarin.

Perhaps you might discuss with your doctor a change to one of the new anticoagulants as they don't need the dietary consistency that warfarin requires.

ruuthmo profile image
ruuthmo in reply to

Thank you Rellim - good advice

Izzle profile image
Izzle

I'm on warfarin and Metoprolol (beta-blocker) for paroxysmal AF. Most of my events are triggered by digestion, which may be important in this instance.

I had a reasonable BMI at 25.0 but I wanted to lose just a little weight as I read that AF suffers do better with a slightly low BMI, but don't know how true that is. Anyway, come the first day of fasting and I went into AF mid-afternoon. I don't know why though, so had second thoughts about that diet.

Please let us know how it goes as it sounds such a healthy way to diet.

For me, I found another diet (for diabetics) which has enabled me to lose 3 kgs to date and still going....rather slow though.

Good luck

Alan

ruuthmo profile image
ruuthmo in reply toIzzle

Glad to hear that you have found another diet - and I feel sure you are right that we would be better with a lower body weight. It makes sense really.

I will certainly update if I can sustain a fast - quite challenging so all good wishes with the Festive Season approaching!

Liamblunt profile image
Liamblunt

I used the 5:2 diet when I had PAF and was taking Rizeroxaban. I had no side effects from the diet and have continued with the diet since a successful ablation in Nov 2015. I was not particularly over weight but the PAF was set off by exercise and I was concerned I would put on weight.

WendyWu20 profile image
WendyWu20

I've lost nearly three dress sizes this year, and aim to lose more. I considered the 5:2 diet, but as some of my triggers are eating carbs and sugars and large meals, it made sense to create a dietary regime that took this into account. Many AF sufferers have the same triggers.

So I haven't eaten any bread, pasta, rice etc, or any sugary foods apart from a bit of honey, for months. I eat a massive salad every day with an olive oil dressing; I eat cheese, and organic non processed meat in small quantities, and if I'm starving between meals I eat a generous spoon of organic crunchy peanut butter.

I don't feel like I'm on a diet at all, and I felt so much healthier straight away. My joints are fine now, after being bad for years. The AF is such a pain, but the positive thing is that it made me re-assess my diet and take action :o)

Maybe you could try a dietary regime that fits in with your individual triggers? Hope you find something that makes you feel good!

stevie11 profile image
stevie11 in reply toWendyWu20

Love your diet Wendy very similar to mine except i have 3 to 4 slices of wholemeal bread a day and Special k for breakfast...

WendyWu20 profile image
WendyWu20 in reply tostevie11

I do miss eating bread, but now realise I have a gluten sensitivity. Fortunately I do love fruits, nuts, seeds, salads and veggies, but it's hard to get good organic stuff in this country unless you have an allotment and greenhouse, or have won the lottery haha. But yay! we're moving to Spain after Christmas so I'll grow my own :o)

ruuthmo profile image
ruuthmo in reply toWendyWu20

Wendy - thank you so much for this reply - inspiring - and well done for reorganising your eating habits. I will certainly give this a try - and hope I can be as successful as you.

Bagrat profile image
Bagrat

Someone, apologies cant remember who mentioned only eating between 12pm and 8pm on warfarin. I'm in no way recommending this but it does provide a stable daily regime. One of my triggers is dehydration so important to drink plenty also often we feel hungry when in fact we are thirsty!

ruuthmo profile image
ruuthmo

Really good point about the need to stay hydrated.

Many thanks

Japaholic profile image
Japaholic

Since getting AF, I have gained weight, since my ablation I haven’t really gained anymore weight, but haven’t been able to loose any either. Even dieting and exercise.

I am careful with what I eat, but refuse to starve myself.

If I had time and could afford a nutritionist and a private trainer I am sure I could shift some. But working 12 days and having 2 young kids I don’t have time for hours in the gym or pool.

ruuthmo profile image
ruuthmo

Yes I do agree - time and money can solve many problems or at least ease some of them! I am careful too, but I'm going to go ahead and try the 5:2 diet - but I think it would be more difficult with small children to care for.

All the best - hope things work out for both of us..........

doodle68 profile image
doodle68

Hi ruuthmo :-) I do a version of 5-2 not as 'a diet' but as part of a permanent lifestyle choice and I have lost a stone since I started it in May.

I don't count calories strictly , I know I am eating fewer than 2000 a day on 5 days and I just have 2 days when I eat even less but not as low as 500cal. I rarely eat meat and no alcohol at all, it is wasted calories and I don't wish to add to the cocktail of chemicals I am already taking with beta blockers and an anticoagulant.

I love cooking and grow some of my own vegetables so haven't found the changes a hardship. Weight loss has been slow but steady which I think is best for the body.

My day always starts with organic jumbo porridge oats and milk, one big change is I have my main meal at lunch time. In the summer it contained as many as 8 different vegetables/salad items, not quite so many now it is winter . This means I am not eating a big meal then sitting down all evening but working it off.

On the '5' days I have a snack at 5pm, something like a boiled egg, sardines or a banana with a small portion of home made bread. In the evening I have some fruit and a few almonds. On the '2' days no bread just fruit and a lunch of homemade soup.

The strange thing is I now have no desire to eat sweet things and large meals. My body seems to have adapted and I don't seem to get hungry between meal times.

I think this way now, if I am going to eat something It might as well be somthing which is good for me rather than not.

I would like to lose another stone in weight to reach an ideal lean weight in the hope of slowing down the progression of my P-AF but I am not rushing to do so, if I progress slowly as I am doing now it will be easier to maintain my new lifestyle and I won't be tempted back to my old ways.

Good look if you go ahead with your lifestyle changes :-).

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