A New Lease on Life
William Obermeyer "opened his eyes" to new possibilities with a healthy lifestyle after making simple changes with the help of the MOVE! team at the VA in San Luis Obispo, CA.
What VA Could Do
William explains that he first learned of the MOVE! Weight Management Program for Veterans after a routine visit with his VA health care team. His provider asked him if there was anything else VA could do for him, and William shared that he wanted to lose weight. MOVE! turned out to be his next step, where William was introduced to a team including dietitian Shelley Wheeler. Determined to change, William embraced the new strategies for healthy eating and physical activity that he was introduced to in MOVE!.
Don’t be afraid of change. Get involved with MOVE! because it will change you for the better.
William Obermeyer
Building a Foundation
MOVE! provided William with a totally new perspective on how to manage his health and weight. "My eyes have been opened," he shares, "on how to eat and pay attention to portion control." In addition to increasing awareness of his calorie consumption, William also opted for gastric sleeve surgery as part of his weight loss plan. William understood that long-term progress after surgery depended on his commitment to the healthy eating and physical activity behaviors he had already adopted. He was bolstered by the ongoing support of his MOVE! group and VA healthcare team and reflects, "it is the best program I have ever been involved in and I am so thankful to Shelley and the MOVE! group."
Signs of Change
Since losing approximately 80 pounds with MOVE!, "my life is dramatically changed," William explains. He happily explains that he now has more energy for everyday activities and is enjoying a more positive outlook. Feeling better every day, William has experienced other health benefits including improved lab results and better-quality sleep. His new lifestyle allows him to engage more fully as a volunteer in the local sheriff’s department, where he rides a horse on patrols, in parades, and in search and rescue call-outs. He stays active by managing his ranch every day and can complete his tasks more quickly with his new energy. It's not just his own benefit, however, as William reports, "my horse is happy I have lost 80 pounds!"
