saturated fat question

It will improve your HDL and triglycerides ratios I would expect. Some do find an increase of overall cholesterol, however the majority see improvements in cholesterol. All depends on your individual metabolism.

Reducing carbs is positive, eating dietary fat is positive if you stay awake from manufactured fats and eat natural fats wherever possible.

Regarding being upset, we've all been there, Im a bloke and I cried on and off for a while too. I was overwhelmed by the dietary changes I needed to make but it's doable and enjoyable too.

I no longer miss all the things I used to eat and despite hating salads and veg all my life, I've adapted well in a short space of time.

Possibly your total cholesterol might rise, but that is not necessarily a bad thing. Yes it is represented as a sentence if imminent demise, but the research is very iffey, and the more analysis of people the less their cholesterol needs to be lowered. You have a higher chance of living longer if you are in a country with a higher average cholesterol than with a lower one.
It is only an association - but so was smoking and lung cancer when it was first postulated that there could be a link.
With blood lipids, if the increase is in the type considered to be good, then that is no bad thing.

I didn't cry but I was incredibly angry that it hadn't been picked up before.

@coleyd Have you had a look round the forum, I think there is a vegetarian forum.

I know it's not an easy transition from vegetarian to eating animal proteins. I have done it myself and would recommend taking it really slowly. I had an upset tummy for a week or two which was probably psychological rather that physical. I suggest that for your own peace of mind that you stick to organic/free range at least until you are used to it.

Well done on coming here. Of course the diagnosis is a shock, but you can manage, hon.

The lovely @daisy1 will send you the usual newbie info. She's a gem.

@Avocado Sevenfold can help if you'd prefer to stay vegan - she's dealt successfully with T2 for years.

@coleyd Vegan sources of fat

nuts
nut butters
seeds
tahini
oils
olives
avocados, of course