Michael Carroll spent four years as a recluse, confined to his home from the start of the 2020 pandemic until the spring of 2024. As the owner of a gas service company, he delegated all fieldwork to his employees, finding solace in watching TV and collecting coins. Now, each morning serves as a stark reminder of his transformative journey over the past year. Simple tasks, once impossible, are now within reach. “I can put my own socks on by myself,” he proudly shares. This seemingly small victory signifies the profound impact of his 102-pound weight loss journey with Zepbound. “It gave me my independence again,” Michael, 61, emphasizes.
Michael embarked on this life-changing path in February, weighing 450 pounds. He and his wife of 41 years, Julie, who has lost 75 pounds herself, began their weight loss journey at the HonorHealth Bariatric Center in Scottsdale, Arizona. Initially, Michael struggled to walk even 15 feet without becoming winded. Public outings were daunting, and he resorted to watching his grandsons’ sporting events from his car, unable to walk to the field. “I had the least amount of mobility you could possibly have,” he recounts.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(749×0:751×2)/Michael-and-Julie-Carroll-12272024B-75330f0853164bd0816cc5b05fa6fb91.jpg)
Even simple tasks like showering felt exhausting, and restaurant visits were filled with shame. “It’s embarrassing when you can’t fit in a booth,” Michael admits. Recently, however, they experienced a moment of triumph, finding ample space in a restaurant booth. The initial weight loss felt liberating, like “taking off ankle weights at the end of a day,” he describes. “For a guy who couldn’t breathe, you feel like you’re walking on clouds.”
Michael celebrates a string of non-scale victories: walking to the mailbox, carrying two 5-gallon water jugs with ease, and comfortably sitting in regular seats at a football stadium. He eagerly anticipates playing ping-pong with his grandkids and starting a gym routine. Remarkably, he no longer requires medication for his back problems.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(499×0:501×2)/Michael-and-Julie-Carroll-12272024C-68fe70124d0f4132a15b525d9962fb52.jpg)
Julie, 60, a senior credit specialist, has also experienced significant improvements. She’s stopped taking daily ibuprofen for knee pain and can now effortlessly cross her legs. Before Thanksgiving, she achieved a milestone: walking up and down grocery store aisles for the first time since 2020. Prior to her weight loss, grocery shopping was limited to pick-up or delivery services. These changes have significantly boosted her confidence, and she’s eager to see how much better she can feel.
The couple now shares meals when dining out, and Michael’s cravings have vanished, leading to a noticeable decrease in their monthly grocery bill. “Food was very big growing up for us. That’s how you show joy and friendship together. Now it doesn’t even cross our minds,” Michael reflects.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(749×0:751×2)/Michael-and-Julie-Carroll-12272024A-a48411b1821e4e1f86f090fbd8ec5b6a.jpg)
Their journey hasn’t been without challenges. Michael candidly discusses the “sulfur burps,” a common side effect of the medication, describing them as “freaking horrible.” More concerning is the recent discovery of muscle loss, a potential side effect that he plans to address with weight training. “I have to get in the gym and build up my leg strength,” he acknowledges.
Their shared commitment has been crucial to their success. “Knowing we’re in this together” has made a significant difference, Julie explains. Simple rituals like coordinating their “shot day” have strengthened their bond and allowed them to enjoy activities together again. Their goal isn’t solely focused on the number on the scale. They aspire to have more energy for retirement and travel, envisioning future cruises without feeling exhausted from walking. “I want to be here for my grandkids. I want to be here for my kids. I want to be here for us,” Julie affirms.
