A Life-Changing Experience
Dan Hyatt discovered the power of making small, manageable changes to his lifestyle to improve his health and manage his weight.
Working with the MOVE! team at the Battle Creek VA Medical Center in Battle Creek, MI, Dan developed new, healthy habits to enable him to take control of his health.
Determined to Change
Dan's inspiration to change his life came at a point of great difficulty. In June of 2022, he faced a life-threatening situation and was in critical condition. Dan resolved to do something about his weight to improve his health, and as part of his treatment, he was encouraged to join the MOVE! Weight Management Program for Veterans. Dan joined MOVE! with the determination to change his life for the better.
Stick with it! Don't cheat yourself. Open yourself up to this information and do everything that they tell you and it will work.
Dan Hyatt
Taking the First Step
When Dan first began working to build a healthy lifestyle with MOVE!, he was surprised by how simple and manageable the strategies were. "I can't believe that I can eat almost anything that I want as long as I keep my portions controlled," he shares. In addition to more mindful eating habits, Dan also began increasing his physical activity. "I couldn't move when I started the program," he explains, "so the chair exercise videos they shared with me helped me to start exercising again." For Dan, the sense of accountability that he gained from regularly checking in with his MOVE! team was a major help in his drive to change his life for the better. Participation in MOVE! provided the lifestyle change guidance and support Dan needed to develop strategies to prepare for bariatric surgery.
Still Going Strong
Since starting MOVE!, Dan has lost 139 pounds, and he is still working to lose an additional 41 to meet his goal. To this end, Dan shares that to stay healthy now he keeps track of his calories, weighs himself regularly, keeps his "support people" close, and attends MOVE! Maintenance sessions. His new lifestyle has helped him embrace the things he loves in life, such as spending time outdoors. "I went camping with my daughter," he shares. "We canoed down the river, camped for three days on an island. I chopped wood and was able to do all of the things I never could have or would have before. My life has changed for the better."
