A COVID-19 Survivor Shares Photos of His Drastic Weight Loss During Hospitalization

Melissa Matthews

May 20, 2020 5:26 PM

A 43-year-old California man lost 50 pounds in six weeks after being hospitalized with COVID-19, according to BuzzFeed News.

COVID Survivor Shares Drastic 50-Pound Weight Loss

Mike Schultz, a nurse from San Francisco, weighed 190 pounds and worked out daily before he became sick. Schultz went to a Boston hospital on March 16 because he felt ill during a trip . He had no pre-existing conditions and was intubated for over a month.

I was so weak. This was one of the most frustrating parts, he told the outlet. I couldnt hold my cellphone it was so heavy. I couldnt type, because my hands shook so much.

Schultz now weighs about 140 pounds and shared drastic before-and-after photos on Instagram.

"I wanted to show everyone how badly being sedated for 6 weeks on a ventilator or intubated can be. Amongst other things, COVID-19 reduced my lung capacity with pneumonia. Over 8 weeks Ive been away from family and friends. Getting stronger everyday and working to increase my lung capacity. Ill get back to where I was in healthier ways this time....maybe even do cardio," he captioned the photo.

The nurse hopes his story resonates with young, healthy people who think COVID-19 won't make them sick.

"I knew what I thought going in [about the coronavirus]. I didnt think it was as serious as it was until after things started happening," he said. "I thought I was young enough for it not to affect me, and I know a lot of people think that.

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Melissa Matthews