I have been a vegetarian since 1990. In 2009, my doctor wanted me to start taking a cholesterol-lowering drug, but after reading Dr. Neal Barnard's book, I said no and started a vegan diet. Within a few months, I had lost 25 pounds and lowered my cholesterol by 35 points so I no longer needed drugs. I feel so much better now; I wish I had given up dairy years ago.