I am a 39 year old white male that had aortic valve replacement s...

I think if you actually read some more of the comments you'll find that many people, like myself, have done Weight Watchers, followed strict diets, and exercised, and in general decided to DO SOMETHING, and all to no avail. For me, the only thing that started the WW and exercise working properly was lowering my Toprol.

Not all side effects happen to all people. This is why most side effects list contradicting things such as weight loss *and* weight gain. The drugs affect different people different ways. But stating that just because you didn't have weight gain problems and everyone else should quit moaning and "DO SOMETHING" makes you kind of a prick.

Ouch! I understand that you are entitled to your opinion, and in some cases may even be right about some of the people, but your delivery is rather harsh. What you've experienced with this medication may be the exception to the rule, and I would hope that you consider that.

After reading hundreds of comments, and trying to filter through those with the 'me too' syndrome, I am still certain through my own research that this medication (and other beta-blockers) are a significant reason for weight gain that is NOT easily lost for MANY of us. Some of us can starve and exercise 'til we pass out, and the results are pitiful at best. And as far as anyone 'blaming' the medication, this can easily be researched to find that these types of medications are known for causing weight gain, along with a host of other problems. Overall long-term damage and weakening of a person's heart muscle is one that is being discussed more and more, and personally I don't think that is a great exchange for a medication that so many doctors so casually prescribe.

All I want to say is good for you that you are dealing with your health concern in a way that seems to be working and good luck with your long term results. But...I would hope you would re-think what you've said in this public forum towards people who are living with the nightmare this medication is well known to create...just my opinion...

You have to be careful here Thom228 - I myself LOST 100 lbs while fighting heart failure. I did this simply by eating less than 1500mg of sodium a day. BUT I could not move, I could not exercise, I could not even finish cooking a meal. I 1rst thought it was my heart failure but when my heart was better I STILL had HORRIBLE problems. Once off the drugs I went from 1 year of horror to JOGGING around the block.. TODAY I now have SEIZURE activity in my brain. I have "episodes" that feel EXACTLY like when I was taking the drugs.. SO .. Be careful. Yes, some people have to pull up their boot straps but I feel that MOST are being hurt by the meds. I know it happend to me and I can take down a house. Now I'm stuck fighting something completely different but just as horrible because I didn't listen to my body... I listened to the doctors. Now I have to pay the price.

You're obviously a drug rep., or possibly a prescribing doctor, however you certainly have not experienced the drug TOPROL XL which the majority of have been writing about. Whatever you're "drinking" keep it up as you seem to be having a wonderful time.