Bummer on the medicine. I'm always amazed at doctors to where the first thing they push on patients is "take these pills," instead of insisting diet & exercise & stress relief first, then if that don't work THEN maybe take pills. Since you were already doing some form of weight loss program, I think he should have let you continue with that for a while and encouraged you about how the benefits of a good wholesome diet will also help lower high cholesterol/blood pressure, reverse heart disease, etc. But nah! If doctors did that, they will lose big time profits. Hang in there.