Bruce's Challenges With Ulcerative Colitis
Bruce's journey with chronic illness began at just 18 years old in 2005 when he was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. For over a decade, he endured the physical agony and emotional turmoil that accompanies chronic digestive conditions. Despite trying various medications, treatments, and specialist consultations, nothing provided lasting relief from his suffering.

By age 30, Bruce faced a life-altering decision that felt like his last resort: surgical removal of his colon. The procedure left him with an ileostomy, but rather than the salvation he had hoped for, post-surgery life brought new challenges including complications, blockages, and ongoing discomfort with his ileostomy appliance.

Throughout his entire battle with ulcerative colitis, medical professionals consistently advised Bruce to avoid meat and fat. Even after his ileostomy surgery, doctors recommended a "balanced diet" while warning against too much meat. Paradoxically, they also advised avoiding roughage due to its difficulty passing through the small intestines and ostomy—a contradiction that should have raised immediate red flags.

The Turning Point: Discovering Joe Rogan and Dr. Shawn Baker
Bruce credits Joe Rogan's podcast featuring Dr. Shawn Baker as a massive influence on his decision to completely change his diet and potentially his life. This exposure to the keto-carnivore diet challenged everything he had been told about nutrition for his condition.
"I have tried all kinds of diets and treatments and I wish I knew then what I know now—I might have avoided surgery," Bruce reflects.

From Keto to Keto-Carnivore: A Dietary Evolution
Initially, Bruce attempted the ketogenic diet and successfully lost around 70 pounds. However, the standard keto approach, which includes dairy, nuts, and some insoluble fiber, proved problematic for someone with an ileostomy. The fiber was particularly troublesome as it doesn't break down properly and creates complications for ostomy management.

In January 2018, Bruce made a bold decision to transition to a strict keto-carnivore diet, consuming only animal fat and meat. This choice directly contradicted years of medical advice, but the results spoke for themselves.

Remarkable Physical Transformation
Within five months of starting the keto-carnivore diet (beginning December 31st), Bruce achieved extraordinary results:

Weight Loss: 100 pounds (from 385 to 285 pounds)
Body Fat Reduction: 14% decrease (from 56% to 42%)
Waist Size: Lost 6-8 inches (from 48-50 pants to size 40)

Revolutionary Ileostomy Management
One of the most significant improvements Bruce experienced was in his ileostomy output management. On the keto-carnivore diet, his output transformed into clear liquid or bile, demonstrating remarkably efficient digestion. This change gave him unprecedented control over his daily routines, allowing him to predict and plan restroom breaks with confidence.

"Anyone that wishes to debate how red meat doesn't digest well, can come with me to the restroom and I'll show them that the only output I have is bile and water. The meat and fat are fully absorbed by the time it reaches the end of my small intestines," Bruce explains.

Overcoming Food Addiction and Finding Freedom
Perhaps the most unexpected benefit of the keto-carnivore diet was the psychological freedom it provided. Bruce discovered that his restrictive-seeming diet actually liberated him from food cravings and poor choices.

"The biggest change I've experienced on a diet of this restrictive nature, is the freedom, not the shackles. I control my appetite, I have no cravings for poor food choices, and I don't find myself yearning for the next snack or meal," he shares.

The diet revealed that Bruce had been struggling with food addiction, particularly to sugar. Following addiction recovery principles, complete removal of problematic foods proved to be the most effective approach.

Daily Eating Pattern and Challenges
Bruce's typical daily intake consisted of generous servings of bacon, eggs, and ribeye steak. He eliminated all dairy due to the excess cravings it triggered. The profound satiety he experienced from red meat and fat was unlike the uncomfortable fullness from other diets—it was genuinely fulfilling and liberating.

However, Bruce's journey wasn't without setbacks. He struggled with emotional eating episodes, sometimes seeking comfort in sugary treats like donuts. During one particularly challenging period, he regained 80 pounds, learning that even on a meat-based diet, emotional eating could still cause weight gain and emotional turbulence.

Combining Keto-Carnivore with Intermittent Fasting
To accelerate his weight loss after his setback, Bruce combined his keto-carnivore diet with intermittent fasting, sometimes extending fasts up to five days. This combination proved effective in helping him regain control over his weight and eating patterns.

Looking Forward
Bruce plans to continue the keto-carnivore lifestyle for the foreseeable future, curious to discover his limits in terms of body fat percentage, waist size, and weight while maintaining his strength. His transformation from a 390-pound man struggling with chronic illness to someone 135 pounds lighter (despite setbacks) represents more than just weight loss—it's a complete reimagining of what's possible when challenging conventional medical wisdom.

​His story serves as a powerful testament to the potential of dietary intervention in managing chronic conditions and breaking free from food addiction, even when that intervention contradicts traditional medical advice.

Disclaimer: These testimonials are from people who shared their success stories on keto carnivore diet which is Revero’s nutrition therapy method. They are not from actual Revero patients. Clinical results are not guaranteed and outcomes are specific to each patient.