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Hi, I searched the entire forum and haven't found any info on the topic of Paleo (aka, Caveman diet, Primal Blueprint) lifestyle. I was banded on May 22nd. At my heaviest I was 250lbs - 90+ days later I'm at 210 - so pretty good loss. I feel great. I have read a ton of posts on these forums about what people eat and one thing that struck me as odd was that people continued their bad behavior of craving and eating carbs. In fact the entire post-op diet plan concentrates heavily on sweet stuff: jell-o, pudding, crystal-light, Protein shakes (sweet flavors: choco, fruit, vanilla, etc.) No wonder people are having problems and constantly complaining. So here some things I'd like to share. About a month ago, I completely ditched all guidelines from the nutritional guide and decided that I would only eat things naturally occurring in nature. So, no artificial sweeteners, flavors, processed foods, etc. Instead I started buying organic, grass-fed, sustainable, and all that new age bull. As I did this I still age some carbs: whole grains, crispy/crunchy crackers, tortilla chips - all organic and "good for you." Then someone I know mentioned that what I was doing was close to the Primal Blueprint or Paleo lifestyle. Since then I've read up on the topic and completely made the switch to not eat agricultural products (grains). I am still eating dairy (Greek yogurt, Kefir, butter, etc.) Got rid of all the artificial fats (PAM sprays, canola oils, I can't believe it's not butters, blah, blah) and went primal. Since I've started doing this, my energy levels skyrocketed and my weightloss increased. Before my doctor told me I'd expect to shed about a 1 pound per week. I'm 10cc in a 14cc band - so pretty tight. I get full on a small bowl of food - at that rate I was still losing about 1 lbs per week. After I started on the Paleo, my weightloss from week to week increased to 2.5 lbs. My energy is high, my skin looks better and firmer and my cholesterol actually dropped (despite using animal fats such as lard or tallow or butter to cook with). I talked to my doctor about this today and he was pretty impressed. His comment was that as long as I felt good about it and had no issues with any of the foods that I was eating he was 100% behind and actually mentioned that he supports the Paleo / natural foods diets. Anyway - thought I'd share and ask if anyone out there has tried this and what were your results? I'm not trying to sell or promote something here - just curious. If I read the book first, I probably would have been a skeptic as always, but since it was an experiment that worked out and already had a name - I'm happy with it. Ahab.

So this last Saturday (Sept 10) marked the 8 months post op point for me on this journey. I am still amazed at what a process it's been. I have had success well beyond my wildest dreams. As is often the case nothing is ever completely positive. There have been some bumps to work through that I never would have predicted before surgery. Primarily dealing with relationships. Relationships with both people and my relationship with food. It has been a learning experience in so many ways. In snapshot form: I've lost 242lbs since my first consultation on Nov 23, 2010. I've lost 206lbs since my surgery on Jan 10, 2011 I'm now smaller than I have been since the 6th grade. I have never been this size as an adult. I am in the smallest pants and shirts I have worn since who knows when. I have cleaned out my closet of the old clothes and this time instead of storing them in the basement to use when the weight returns, I am getting rid of them. I'm beginning to feel on the outside like the person I have always believed I was on the inside. I am so fortunate that I'm still seeing benefits and confirmation, almost daily, of my choice to have the sleeve . Thanks for reading. Take care y'all.

I will try one, there is a Jimmy Johns right by my work. So did you find them guilty? I think jury duty would be interesting. I have never been called. I know what you mean though, finding support from all my skinny little friends is laughable.

Hi Jackie this time is also about learning to not have our lives revolve so much around food. To learn to have family time where you don't pig out will teach you daughter a wonderful life long lesson. Not to mention making sure her Mommy is around for many more birthdays.

Has anyone else had to do a laxative the day before surgery? My doctor doesn't demand it but recommends it and being the rule follower I am, I did it. I hope to never have to drink a bottle of Magnesium Citrate again. That being said, I am psyched for my surgery tomorrow.

Oh my goodness.. I hope as soon as your Doc takes some Fluid out you can heal right and be on better terms with your band. I feel so bad for you. it breaks my heart. No one should have that much hardship with the band.. I will keep you in my prayers.

Love hearing how you are progressing. I think it is important to note that your body is still healing. Be patient and let your body recover. I'm sure the weight will start coming off soon! And, always keep us posted! I will be having surgery in exactly a month, so this is all very informative to me! Thanks!

So...today is Day 2 of my liquid diet. Initially, I was so psyched about this portion of my journey it didn't matter if my physician told me I could only have one can of Slim Fast to sip on for the entire day. Keep in mind I said initially. Today, however, I am singing a new tune. Although I love the flavor of the Slim Fast I AM STARVING !!! At this point I don't know what I want more...sleep or food. Yesterday I was not this tired. Today, I feel like I haven't gotten any rest. I'm assuming it's from the lack of food. I'm still encouraged and am looking forward to the next leg of my journey which is surgery on September 20, but right now... right now I'm exhausted and could go for some extra spicy buffalo wings with chucky bleu cheese dressing on the side. But since that's not gonna happen, I guess I'll just have to take a deep breath and hang in there! *Huge sigh*

do you have room for one more at your party? The liquid stage is HELL – all you can do is think about food- I still have to cook for my disabled brother so shopping was HELL. I went to Trader Joes and realized there was nothing in the entire store I could eat and almost ended up crying it felt like a special level in hell for us over eaters It does get better… I am now three weeks and one day post op and eating real food I can’t have the sugar free foods (due to the colon cancer) so I am in the same boat…kind of jealous of the people who can eat Jello and pudding I did eat every night after my dinner shake a regular Italian ice ..it is 100 calories and i would let it melt in my mouth before swallowing Someone said to use this time to kind of train for the band restrictions Practice drinking and eventually eating slowly I am assuming you did this for the same reason I did , it was our only hope I know it will get better hang in there

I am 11 days post op, and i know exactly how you feel, but IT DOES GET BETTER!! I am finally feeling great, sleeping great, and losing weight. The first 7 days were pure hell. I just took it hour by hour and drank what i had to drink, and walked as much as possible to get rid of the gas pain. I am in the mushy stage now, and that has helped me so much emotionally to know that yes i can eat real food again. You can do it trust me, it is your battle and your battle alone, noone can do it for you. Just think of how great you will start to feel and look! hang in there! good luck!