I am 64 years old, and I have absolutely no experience with the Paleo Diet, and my comment is not about this particular Diet, but rather about Obesity in General. Unfortunately I had a lifelong struggle with Obesity until 4 years ago. Every person is different, but 5 years ago, I realized that for me 50 years of trying a long list of Diets, some with great success, and with the ability to keep the weight down for some years, eventually failed, and the weight went back up. I decided to make an appointment at the Mayo Clinic's in the Endocrinology department, with one of the Doctors specializing in Weight management. My intentions were to learn, what their thoughts were about "Bariatric Surgery", and how can I find out if I am a good candidate. Long story short, I went through a very conservative evaluation that took about 5 months, and was approved by the team of Physicians, Dieticians, Therapist, and of course the surgeon, that I was a good candidate. I had the Gastric Sleeve surgery, and after 16 months I lost 110 pounds. Today I feel like I have never felt in my life, my cholesterol level, blood pressure, glucose level, and other vitals, are like a young man, I sleep better at night, never had so much energy. Every person is different and I dont know if what was right for me, works for someone else. But I would encourage people with Obesity problems to check with an Endocrinologist, if they are a good candidate. But you have to make that first move, and make an appointment with the Doctor. The proof that overall Bariatric surgery has become one of the better solution in the fight against Obesity, is that Insurance companies looking at the results, today encourage Obese people that decide to go into the program. I think that I am considered a success with my results and the way I changed my habits and maintain my weight, because I understood very well, what the procedure is about, and what should be my part in this lifelong change. I truly feel as if I was slim for my entire life. I will be more than glad, to answer any questions, and to the best of my ability guide whoever is interested to consider Bariatric Surgery.
Hello Jack @fair2all
I see that this is your first post - welcome to Mayo Connect!
We appreciate your sharing your experience of weight loss by surgical intervention. I am glad that it worked so well for you and that you shared your experience. You are certainly right when you say, what works for you might not be right for someone else, however, your input is great and I'm sure that others who are considering this type of surgery will be encouraged by your experience.
It sounds as if you took a long time to make this decision and that you had a lot of good medical support which is so important. We are glad that you are willing to help others who may have questions regarding this procedure.
Teresa