100 Pounds and Counting! One Veteran’s Story of Weight Loss

Now, 100 pounds lighter, he stands confidently with his newfound weight loss. In October 2017, Robert discovered the MOVE! Program (Managing Obesity for Veterans Everywhere) at the Aleda E. Lutz VAMC and he has no intention of stopping.  

Before embarking on his MOVE! journey, Robert struggled with his weight for twenty years. He faced significant challenges, including managing food purchases and developing healthier eating habits, all while dealing with the loneliness that followed with the loss of his wife. One morning, he woke up with shortness of breath and was hospitalized for three weeks. This experience prompted him to change his mind-set about his health and wanted to start making positive transformations in his life. After leaving the hospital, Robert attended an appointment at the VA, where he saw a MOVE! Program table display and decided to give the MOVE! Program a try. The MOVE! Program provides comprehensive support to assist Veterans in their weight loss journey, including resources for Whole Health, Mental Health, and Suicide Prevention.

Robert discovered a strong foundation of moral support from Veterans within the MOVE! Program. His clinical team, family, and friends also encouraged him to stay focused on his weight loss goals. Reflecting on his experience, Robert shared, “I can now walk without gasping for air and tackle small hills easily. I feel a thrill every time I buy clothes in smaller sizes.” Thanks to the effective tools offered, such as the Annie App and engaging in Be Active groups, Robert has successfully managed to sustain his weight loss. With his daily cardio, strength training, and stability exercise routines, he is confident he won’t return to his old habits.

He emphasizes the importance of the MOVE! Program for other Veterans but makes it clear that it's not just a leisurely stroll in the park. “It requires a desire to improve a person’s health, learning healthy foods, change eating habits, and exercising properly,” stated Robert. “The decision of living a positive lifestyle, good health, and healthy life is possible.” To learn more about the MOVE! Program, follow this link!   

The Aleda E. Lutz VAMC in Saginaw, Michigan operates an 81-bed skilled nursing and rehabilitation Community Living Center. It provides care to over 41,808 Veterans in a 35-county geographic area, from mid-Michigan to the Mackinac Bridge. Veterans can also receive care at one of our nine VA Community Based Outpatient Clinics located throughout Michigan. More information about this VA can be found at www.va.gov/saginaw-health-care/.