I'm sorry that it wasn't ideal for you Cliff. I found rehab to be quite informative and clued me in to some aspects early in my journey. However, I did find it annoying that for one instructor, in the gym, too textbook & clinical. She would tell me what I could do next and for how long, etc. She had no clue of my fitness level/energy level on that day, and I found I had to advocate for myself. I told her how I approach it, and what keeps me going.
When I do pure exercises, I start small, and my goal next session is to reach the previous target and maybe add a few more. That helps me feel a little challenged and progressive, and they are my goals. The quality of the programs would very, according to the the quality of the supervisors, not treating everyone the same, as though we've learnt nothing in life. Over-management, when she has no clue how important encouragement and celebration is for each individual.
I hope you're doing OK without the stress of meeting the expectations of others.

I eat some of everything, but do not over eat keeping my weight down. It works for me...my cholesterol is normal , blood pressure is good, EF is good. weight is good. Doctor says, "Don't know what you are doing, but keep doing it."

When I "graduated" from the Heart Failure Clinic at my local medical facility, I was instructed to eat a "low carb, low cholesterol, low fat, low fluid, low salt, low sugar" diet. Was trying to figure out what to eat, so asked the dietician. She sent me a diet which was not low carb. When questioned, she indicated that she did not believe n low carb, as the body, especially in those of us who are older (I was 71 at the time), will use protein for energy, thereby robbing our body of its normal uses. We then agreed that I should eat a varied diet but keep salt and sugar at low levels.

Just a caution on the vegan and vegetarian diets recommended by some: Be sure you are getting enough of the nutrients your body needs: especially iron and protein. During the time that I had pneumonia, my body was not liking anything but a diet of fruits and veggies, and it took me over a year to get the iron and protein back into the normal range. In light of my experience, I would caution you to ask for iron and protein tests along with the other required blood tests if you are avoiding meat, and consult a dietician for recommended supplements if needed.

As a heart, kidney & lung patient,
I now have a nutritionist, which has help me to understand how important it is to eat correctly and exercise. My diet and daily routines has changed tremendously. My diet consist of vegetables, fruits, and some meats, which is limited. (nuts, plant base protein)
As far as exercising, I have developed a routine that I try my best to follow, every other day. (working out/ riding my stationary bike)
And I just recently started juicing, which I love.
I feel a hundred percent better because now I have a tremendous amount of energy and my health has improved.
I hope everyone who reads this message, is having a pain-free day full of comfort and peace.

Yes I do. I have eaten a plant protein diet since August of 2023. I have lost between 85 and 90 lbs. My blood pressure is 112 over 65.approx.
My 2 valves can finally get fixed.