I need to lose weight to keep my heart healthy (have bicuspid aortic valve). are the slim-fast or atkins dietshakes unhealthy & do they actually work?

Say NO to Atkins: Atkins diet will make the lipid profile look better but the nature of your bad cholesterol much worse, so i would not go near it. The better choice than both of those you mentioned is, the dean ornish diet.

Short time: Any and all commercial diet is good to jump start the weight loss plan but no more than 6 months -- i suggest that you begin healthy lifestyle of healthy diet and exercise this is cheaper and long lasting.

Healthtap Doctors: are asked not to endorse specific brands or product lines.Eat healthfully. Try to eat at least 5 servings of vegetables & 4 of fruit per day. Increase nutritional fiber. Avoid refined sugar & junk carbohydrates. Avoid alcohol, sweetened juices, soda & caffeinated beverages. Aim for 7.5 to 8 hrs of sleep / night. Hydrate w at least 64 oz of water / day. Calories burned must > calories consumed.