persistent af and weight

[Henry716]

has anyone been in a position where they have been offered an operation ( mini maze ) but can’t because of being too heavy? Cannot seem to be able to shift the weight and currently at 148kg. Getting very depressed about the whole thing and trying the intermittent fasting to see if that helps, however I have been advised that fasting is not safe for someone with persistent AF. I just don’t know what to do. Can I stay in AF forever or is that not an option? Some people can just lose weight so easy but it’s been a real struggle for me running a business, running a charity and having some issues at home with my wife not being very well. What do you all suggest? Thanks

[mjames1]

Ask your doctor about Wegovy (semaglutide) or similar drugs. These new drugs are game changers in terms of weight loss.

Jim

[Jalia]

You must surely be a candidate for the weight loss injections. I have seen some really good results with a friend where all else failed . If not available on NHS then I believe that they cost about £150/200 a month .

Wishing you well.

[LordGabriel]

Apparently heart conditions don’t get you the new drug on the NHS unless you’re diabetic too.

I’m in the same boat… waiting for a 2nd ablation but told to lose weight.

It’s not easy is it?

I have tried everything!

Paying for the new drug is not an option for me… it goes up, don’t be fooled by the initial £130 a month. My mate is now paying £220 after just 2 months.

No help to you I’m afraid- just empathy

[ForensicFairy]

If you can afford it, definitely give wegovy a try. In Australia it’s not on the PBS yet for anything other than diabetes, but you can now have it prescribed for weight loss. We can claim back some of the cost under insurance (if you have it).

[FraserB]

Is there a structured cardiac rehabilitation program in your area for those with heart conditions like persistent atrial fibrillation and need a structured medical weight loss plan. Even many hospitals have heart health clinics with programs focusing on improving heart health through exercise, weight management, and especially personalized support for those with varying heart conditions and lifestyles. Structured programs not only address physical health but also offer tailored wholistic guidance for your specific heart condition and with safe progress. You do first need to see your GP or cardiologist to go over the program re your own personal health.

[Mollydex]

I’m sorry to hear about your struggles, it’s definitely a hard battle on loose weight. For some people especially difficult. I have had some success on the weight loss forum on this site , some great ideas and loads of encouragement. Might be worth a visit. Another thing to mention is that I have AF and several other cardiac issues and have managed to loose and maintain a healthy weight by following the 5:2 intermittent fasting regime ( mind you I didn’t know that intermittent fasting was a no for AF ? Any way I was good and I found it it has worked really well for me and has not been difficult and I haven’t felt like a “dieter “ or felt in any deprived of lovely things to eat. Any way obviously that’s my journey and all of us have different bodies and different needs and responses. I just wanted to give you a bit of encouragement and suggest you do a bit of lurking on the weight loss forum and see if it can be of any help / value to you. I know how hard it is managing everything and I wish you the best.

[Thomas45]

I managed to lose weight by changing to eating vegetables and fruit, and the odd fish, also regular meals, cutting out added sugar and processed foods, although I eat basic breakfast cereals Also walking for 30 minutes a day will help, as will cutting out alcohol.

I have been. In permanent AF for about 8 years, now aged 79

[Pommerania78 in reply to Thomas45]

What do you mean by "basic breakfast cereals"? Thanks.

[Thomas45 in reply to Pommerania78]

I mean oatibix or cornflakes, not Jordan's Oak puffs with chocolate. Plain cornflakes not crunchie nut honey cornflakes. I don't add sugar to anything, not buy anything laden with sugar, except on Good Friday I shall have some hot cross buns.

[BeeBee79]

I always fast and have not felt it impacted my AF in any way. The best thing to do is eliminate sugar including the refined sugar in bread, pasta and rice. Enjoy eggs, all kind of meats and fish - do it for a week with just drinking water and the odd black coffee and watch how much weight you lose. Avoid low fat food like the plague - it’s packed full of sugar.

I had a mini maze in November and I’m still free from AF. The dirt will be hard but you only have health benefits to gain. Good luck!

[Cheddars in reply to BeeBee79]

I never knew fasting could impact your A.Fib.

[Amhan]

I went to my go with the same issues. They can’t prescribe wegovy or mounjaro on the nhs unless prescribed by diabetes team. I a not diabetic so couldn’t get it. What he did give me though is something called Orlistsat. Have only been using it for a week so not sure if helping. He also referred me to weight management clinic but have been told this is a very long waiting list. I too can’t afford the injections. I have just been trying to take in a low calorie diet with the odd treat. Fingers crossed I can shift some weight before my referral to Leeds. Definitely go to GP and get some advice. Good luck 🤞

[Newtothis25]

When I was diagnosed, had to look and see what I could still do. Worked two full time jobs and a part time job on top of other commitments. Now, its one job only and significantly reduced the directions I get pulled. This has been an absolute change for me. I was forced to reprioritize EVERYTHING. For me, it was worth it. Feel better, my labs are getting better, ect. I hope this helps you in your journey brother. May you find what you are looking for.

[Buffafly]

Hi, I looked at your previous posts and see you are asymptomatic (nearly), take bisoprolol and have a resting HR between 60 and 70. I believe it is very hard to lose weight on bisoprolol. So, controversial thought coming up, maybe you could reduce the bisoprolol a bit or change to another beta blocker or a calcium channel blocker. Luckily, as your rate is so well controlled and your QOL isn’t terrible you have time to achieve the weight loss and who knows what might happen - see Japaholics’s recent post!

[JOY2THEWORLD49]

Hi

I agree fasting is unsuitable.

I lost weight through reducing the size of plate and foregoing desert.

You may be better on small snacking throughout day. Plenty of water. Drink 2 glasses of water before meals.

I was given a verdict of overweight of 95kg now I am 87-89kg.

I can't have ablation anyway in rapid and persistent as LA is severely dilated due to being left in rapid AF Day 2 years 3 months. Beta blockers did not control my Heart Rate Day.

At night my H/R falls to 47avg bpm normally.

Positivity, walk more, no chippies, cheesels, rubbish food. Don't add salt. Try homemade soup, milk, A2, sough dough bread.

You have to get there Henry fr your own health and for your family. Stomach tuck?

cheri JOY. 76 (NZ)