Hey Reader,

For the first time in nearly two decades, I have a normal stomach.

Three years ago, when all my symptoms first began, I never imagined it would end like this. But here we are.

The surgery to reverse the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) procedure was delicate, dangerous, and painful. Because of an incredible amount of scarring from the initial surgery, it took five and a half hours to complete.

But honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. This entire ordeal has been delicate, dangerous, and painful, so why would the solution be any different?

---

What's Inside

• The wild road to getting my stomach back
• What’s happening right now (and why I’m cautiously optimistic)
• How I’m easing back into food
• The mindset shift that’s keeping me grounded
• Some incredible people I need to thank
• New book alert! Carleigh Bodrug’s “PlantYou Quickies”

---

If you look up the procedure, you’ll find this definition: “Roux-en-Y gastric bypass reversal is a rare, complex surgical procedure aimed at restoring normal digestive anatomy, typically performed to treat severe, life-altering complications like intractable malnutrition, severe dumping syndrome, or intractable hypoglycemia.”

To put that rarity into perspective, it’s performed in only about 1% of cases. Even that feels high to me.

So yes… as suspected, I’m a rare bird. Then again, I’ve always marched to the beat of my own drum.

Many of you have asked what the procedure entails. So, here is a before-and-after graphic comparing what my stomach function and anatomy.

I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous about how my body will respond to yet another massive change. It’s been through so much already. But we’re going to make the best of whatever comes next.

---

Results So Far

So far, so good.

I’m not ready to jump for joy just yet, but I’m really encouraged by how things are going.

Initially, this hurt like a champ! One look at my stomach a few days after the surgery and you can see why. Ouch!

Bumps and bruises aside, would you believe I’ve already lost close to 30 pounds? I suspect much of that is inflammation finally leaving my body. My wife even told me I look younger!

That has me feeling cautiously optimistic about what lies ahead. The healing process will take months, but we should have a much clearer idea of the outcome sooner than that.

I think back to just a few months ago when I was relying entirely on a feeding tube. That cleared up my symptoms quickly. But when I reintroduced food, the bloating, sickness, and dizziness came roaring back. Fingers crossed that doesn’t happen again.

I’m rooting for that for a couple of reasons.

First and foremost, I just want to feel like me again. Is that guy still in there somewhere? I sure hope so.

Secondly, my surgeon at the Mayo Clinic said that because he’s never seen a case quite like mine, he may publish a case study. Now that’s one piece of homework I’d proudly hang on the refrigerator.

I never wanted my suffering to be in vain. If my experience can help even one person avoid this nightmare, then it will have been worth it. And a case study from Mayo could help a lot of people who feel lost in a storm of unexplained symptoms.

If you'd like to see me shortly after surgery (pain meds make my eyes do funny things!) check out the videos I've posted on Instagram.

Watch Post-Surgery Video

---

Diet Change

The road back to food is long, but not nearly as long as after my original surgery.

Right now, I’m still in the “full liquids” phase. That means nutrition shakes like Kate Farms, the strawberry and vanilla are outstanding. The vanilla honestly reminds me of Breyers natural vanilla ice cream from back in the day.

If I want, I can also have puréed soups.

Here’s the progression:

Ten weeks may sound long, but it’s actually much faster than my original recovery in 2009.

That means by the time the National Health Association Conference rolls around June 25–28, I should be back to eating normally, which is great, because the food there is incredible.

I’m also looking forward to seeing friends like Maxime Sigouine, Ivy Teves, Cyrus Khambatta, Kylie Buckner, and so many others. Plus, Drs. Joel Fuhrman, Kristi Funk, Columbus Batiste, and Allan Goldhamer will be there. I can’t wait.

---

Clearing The Doubt

I recently confided in my friends Mei Liu and Dr. Jengyu Lai at the Rochester Clinic that part of me still had doubts about how this will all turn out.

After three years of suffering, that’s only natural.

But Mei reminded me that there isn’t much room for negativity. At the risk of sounding a little “woo-woo,” she said it can open the door to outcomes we don’t want.

So my logical brain stepped in and simplified things:

There are the only two options.

Option 1: It works, and everything changes for the better. Version 3 of me is on the way.

Option 2: It doesn’t work, and we keep searching for answers.

While option two isn’t ideal, it doesn’t mean we quit. It just means the fight continues.

We never give up.

In a strange way, that means we can’t lose. So, thank you, Mei.

If you think about it, most challenges in life can be framed this way. Obstacles aren’t permanent, they’re just part of the path forward.

---

Special Thank You

The support system I experienced in Rochester was incredible.

Mei, Dr. J, and their community made one of the hardest chapters of my life so much more manageable. Their friend Wei Lin, who I barely knew a few months ago, went out of her way to help me every single day. She drove me to appointments, even when I didn’t have one… my bad, took me to physical therapy, brought me decaf coffee, and made me feel completely at ease.

That kind of kindness sticks with you.

The Rochester Clinic is also the only lifestyle medicine clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, which still blows my mind given it’s the home of the Mayo Clinic.

They’re doing something really special there.

---

Congratulations, Carleigh!

Before I wrap up, I want to congratulate my friend Carleigh Bodrug on her new book, PlantYou Quickies.

It’s packed with more than 140 recipes designed for real life, quick, simple, and practical meals when time is tight. Many are gluten-free, nut-free, and oil-free, making it super adaptable.

If you’ve ever needed fast, healthy options that don’t sacrifice flavor, this is right up your alley.

Pre-order Your Copy

---

Wrapping Up

Good things are happening all around you, even in your lowest moments.

Don’t forget to pause and notice them. They’re often the quiet force behind healing.

Wishing you health and happiness.

Never give up,