A New Mindset Makes the Difference
Ray Bate found new perspective and worked to change his life for the better.
With the encouragement and support of the MOVE! team at the Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital in Columbia, MO, as well as his wife, family and friends, Ray made lifestyle changes that resulted in him losing weight and improving his health.
A Decision to Reach Out
Ray shares that he struggled to maintain a healthy weight for years, and while he had started the MOVE! Weight Management Program for Veterans twice before, he had been unable to find lasting success. In late 2022, Ray took the first step by reaching out to his primary care provider to ask for help. His provider recommended that he give MOVE! another try to help improve both his physical and mental health. For Ray, this time would prove different, as he began to see MOVE! as an opportunity to reshape his lifestyle and change his whole perspective on health.
"MOVE! is fantastic! To make the most out of MOVE! you need the mindset to make a complete lifestyle change."
Ray Bate
Taking Creative Approaches
Ray decided that to make the most of his new opportunity with MOVE!, he would make some changes to his routine. He adjusted his living situation to avoid the temptation of having unhealthy food and drink options around him. This change allowed him to "get his mind right." With the support and companionship of his dog, he was able to focus and maintain the determination he needed to lose weight. He began incorporating small changes into his lifestyle, such as maintaining a food journal and making healthier choices while going out to eat with his friends and family.
Surpassing His Goals
Since starting MOVE! in December 2022, Ray has lost over 100 pounds! While his weight loss is satisfying, Ray has experienced many other benefits. "I feel alive again [and] wake up refreshed and look forward to the day ahead," he shares. He now has a brighter outlook on life, sleeps better, has improved his overall health, and can now do most of the yard work on his own. To maintain his healthy progress, Ray attends the monthly MOVE! support groups, walks 2 miles each day, and frequently visits his local YMCA. He also continues to make healthy food and beverage choices by removing the unhealthy options entirely. Ray's healthy lifestyle changes have allowed him to get back into his boat and enjoy his hobby of pole fishing once again.
