Chuck Carroll lost 280 pounds and has kept the weight off for nearly 20 years. Drawing on his sustained weight loss and ongoing health journey, he shares practical tips, lessons, and encouragement to help others move forward and never give up.
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Struggles & Wins: My Health Update
Published 3 months ago • 4 min read
Hey Reader,
It's hard to believe that three months have passed since I was in an operating room in Rochester, Minnesota wondering whether my life would ever be the same. In some ways it feels like yesterday, but in others it's moving slower than rush hour traffic.
What's Inside
Remaining symptoms and frustrations
A new problem
What doctors are saying
Venting without bringing others down
Good news! Old clothes fit again!
What do you want to talk about?
New book! "What Your Doctor Isn't Telling You About Food"
A little inspiration
Those Pesky Symptoms
Some symptoms remain. Plenty of them, actually.
Bloating? Yup.
Belching? Yup, endless.
Heartburn? Indeed.
And yes, that darn brain fog (a.k.a. drunk/stoned/cold medicine feeling) still creeps up too.
It's frustrating. But my doctors just this week responded to my gripes with please for more patience. The body is going to take time to heal.
That sounds familiar, doesn't it? It's the same sentiment that has been echoed throughout this process. And yes, I get it. I understand it. It's going to take time.
But at the same time... I don't want it to! I want to be better NOW (said in my best Veruca Salt voice)!
Alas, I cannot rush progress. Nor would I want to if it means sacrificing the best potential outcome. So, I'll just be here... waiting... hoping... praying that the day will eventually come.
While we're practicing patience, please allow me to share what else has been going on. Like this whole journey it's a mix of ups and downs. So, let's dive in!
New Problem & Kombucha Adventure
An incisional hernia has developed
I've developed quite a hernia in what I believe to be two incision port sites on my abdomen. The team at the Mayo Clinic would like me to get a CT scan to confirm, and I will. However, there isn't much doubt about what this newly formed softball sized lump is.
It actually has two humps like a camel in case you were curious. Just call me Joe Cool.
Trying kombucha for the first time post-op was an adventure. I had half a bottle and felt like my stomach was going to explode. It kind of reminds me of the discussion Dr. Bulsiewicz and I had about it. Since I don't eat a lot of sugar or drink carbonated beverages and I'm still recovering, I may have bitten off a little more than I could chew. That's an odd thing to say when writing about a drink though, isn't it?
Sharing Misery or Keeping Silent?
Honestly, it's hard not to focus on the negative stuff. I believe firmly that happiness is a choice and certainly there's no better time for such a choice than when a person is suffering. But sometimes going to that dark place mentally feels inevitable.
I worry that eventually you (and everyone else) will stop caring. Who wants to surround themselves with negativity and complaining all the time? I want to surround myself with people who make me smile and don't want to do anything that would jeopardize their joy. So, why risk that by unburdening myself on others?
Obviously, that's not practical though. Humans are like emotional volcanoes. We're meant to erupt to get our feelings out. That doesn't mean that it has to be a violent eruption, but what eruption is pleasant at all? So, I fall into the trap of suppressing my feelings to this day.
But that doesn't mean that aren't highlights to share.
Good Things Are Happening
My friends and colleagues have begun to notice my physical transformation, which is a great relief! Two people whom I'm especially close with have commented this week which put a smile on my face.
Also, my clothes are getting bigger on me! I'm not buying bigger sizes... I'm just shrinking. Being able to fit into my old clothes feels amazing too! It's like having a whole new wardrobe again. I love it!
Speaking of which, it's time to start putting together the threads for the International Conference on Nutrition in Medicine next month.
Join Me On The Road
I'm going to be out and about for the rest of the summer and into the fall. I'd love to see you at an event so we can raise our health IQs together!
International Conference on Nutrition in Medicine
Washington, DC (virtual option available)
August 13–15, 2026
ICNM is one of the biggest nutrition and medicine events of the year. I’ll be there with the Physicians Committee, and it’s always packed with brilliant minds, cutting-edge research, and conversations that can truly change lives.
Right after Plant Powered Party, I’ll be joining Maxime Sigouin and the Mavy Wellness crew for a few days focused on fitness, nutrition, strength, and building the kind of healthy life that lasts.
I’ll also be heading to beautiful Canaan Valley Resort for Wellness Weekend West Virginia. This one has such a special feel to it, and I’m really looking forward to being there.
As I'm trying to figure out what this newsletter will become, I'm curious what you are curious about. Here are some options, but feel free to reply to this email with your thoughts as well. I want to make sure you're getting the tips and inspiration you need to thrive!
Or like I said, just drop your thoughts my way in a reply to this email. I'd love to hear from you!
Wrapping Up
I guess the moral of the story today is that I'm human. I'm a volcano. I'm going to erupt (mildly if in public), but the feelings have to come out. Keeping everything buried inside is only going to prolong this experience.
So, let's be grateful for the lessons we've learned along the way and keep on moving. Sometimes that's the only thing you can do in the moment. And moving forward is all I ever want to do anyway.
Chuck Carroll lost 280 pounds and has kept the weight off for nearly 20 years. Drawing on his sustained weight loss and ongoing health journey, he shares practical tips, lessons, and encouragement to help others move forward and never give up.
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