Cuban comedian Carlucho (José Carlos Pérez Córdoba) opened up in an interview with CiberCuba from Madrid about his gastric surgery that enabled him to shed a remarkable 134 pounds, bringing his weight from 320 to 186 pounds—a transformation he has maintained for quite some time.
Carlucho mentioned that for years, despite his obesity, his medical tests always came back normal, which led him to disregard any health warnings. "I felt like a healthy big guy. I would eat and drink whatever I wanted without worry," he admitted.
His turning point came unexpectedly: "It was like a divine signal. I woke up one day and thought: this can't be right. At 320 pounds, I'm going to end up dying just like that one morning."
A Personal Commitment to Change
Before resorting to surgery, Carlucho tried hitting the gym and following diets, but neither worked. He bought all sorts of workout clothes, yet his determination faltered quickly: "Four days in, I'd raid the fridge in the middle of the night. I even ate the ice. I just didn't have the willpower."
Unlike some other celebrities, Carlucho emphasized that he financed his surgery himself: "No one can claim to know who operated on me because, unlike others, I didn't do it in exchange for publicity; I paid for it. It was a serious commitment to myself."
Quick Procedure, Long-Term Benefits
The surgery took place in Miami in August 2022 and lasted just 15 minutes. Carlucho humorously recounted, "The operation is quick, but you know how we men are; we get a tooth pulled and ask for three days off work." The next day, an X-ray confirmed no complications, and he was sent home to recover.
Within two months, Carlucho had already lost 55 pounds thanks to the surgery, and by December of the same year, he celebrated shedding nearly 100 pounds, calling it "the best decision of his life."
Reflections on Life Post-Surgery
By February 2024, he had dropped a total of 154 pounds, proudly stating, "I don't care what anyone says; I'm 154 pounds lighter and healthier to keep moving forward."
Despite the success, Carlucho candidly talked about the emotional toll of living with a smaller stomach: "There are pleasures in life you can't negotiate. There's a moment when everyone feels satisfied after eating. I don't feel that anymore. I eat in small portions."
Reflecting on the difference between outward appearance and inner reality, he wittily noted, "From 320 to 186. I love when people say I look great, but inside, it's a different story."
He concluded with a poetic sentiment that encapsulated his journey: "The world's carnival deceives so much that life is a brief masquerade. Surgery taught me to laugh while crying and to cry with laughter." He added pointedly, "What wouldn't you give to live longer? At the rate I was going, I was headed for an early grave."
The interview comes just days before his performance at Madrid's Teatro Las Vegas on May 3, where he will reunite with Robertico after 25 years apart as the comedy duo Los Bufomaníacos. This comes amid a controversy involving host Carlos Otero, who publicly stated he would never work with Carlucho again.
Understanding Carlucho's Weight Loss Journey
What prompted Carlucho to undergo gastric surgery?
Carlucho experienced a sudden realization that his weight of 320 pounds was unsustainable and posed a serious health risk, prompting him to opt for surgery.
How did Carlucho finance his gastric surgery?
Carlucho paid for his gastric surgery out of his own pocket, emphasizing that it was a personal commitment rather than a promotional exchange.
What impact did the surgery have on Carlucho's lifestyle?
The surgery significantly reduced his stomach size, requiring him to eat smaller portions and altering his relationship with food.