I’m a Medium Now

No, I don’t channel spirits. A different type of medium…

One of the few benefits to having a stroke and spending 3 months in the hospital has been significant weight loss. In announcing my stroke the RFT called me “rotund.” Ouch, but true. They were being kind. I was fat, obese, etc. I had been increasing my exercise by walking downtown but nothing would really work.

Well, the stroke took care of that. I’ve lost roughly 75lbs since February 1st. I’m now at 210lbs, working to get under 200. Anything starting with a 1 rather than a 2 is fine by me.

Since coming home on April 30th I’ve continued to lose weight, from about 240 to my current 210. A lot of the weight I lost was muscle but most was pure fat. In the last two months as I work to rebuild muscle strength I had lost, my weight has remained unchanged. That is a good thing. As I build heavier muscle that means I’m continuing to lose fat.

I’ve had to replace my wardrobe entirely. Before I wore 2XL shirts, with a few 3XL as well. A year earlier my friend Lois came to my place and helped me get rid of all the clothes that didn’t fit me. I kept a few XL shirts promising that I’d wear them someday – we put those on the top shelf of the closet. Since I’ve now lost so much weight I had someone get those clothes down for me. Most of those that were too small are now too big!

Once again I called Lois to help me. This time we met for lunch (I had salad) and then we hit the thrift stores on Forest Park Blvd – Salvation Army, Goodwill & St Vincent De Paul. Last Saturday I ran into Lois on her way to another thrift store on Delmar at Grand. Between the four stores I managed to restock my wardrobe for winter for under $80.

I now wear a medium or large, depending upon the cut. In pants my waist size is now a few sizes less than my age – I’m 41. It feels good to wear these sizes again.

In that $80 I also got a new swimming suit. Yes, I know it is winter but I’m planning to take some aquatic classes at the Rehabilitation Institute of St Louis. The pool is shallow and they keep the water warm.

Was it worth it? NO! I’d not do it over again. However, the weight loss is certainly a nice benefit to such a difficult experience. In time I’ll be back on a scooter and more importantly I’ll be back on my bicycles (I’m down to two from a high of six). Maybe I’ll finally do the Katy Trail in 2010 or 2011?

I’ve actually felt good ever since I woke up in the hospital. Now that I’m getting functional use back in my left hand/arm, finishing up the semester at SLU, and back to work I have to say I’m feeling great!