Getting Serious About Change
Anthony Oropeza resolved to manage his weight and improve his health through the benefits of a new, healthy lifestyle.
Anthony's dedication, along with the support he received from the MOVE! team at the Dwight D. Eisenhower VA Medical Center in Leavenworth, KS, helped him build a healthier life and start to achieve his weight management goals.
Finding a New Solution
Anthony shares that his weight had been a "very serious problem" for about 25 years before starting the MOVE! Weight Management Program for Veterans. While he had previously lost weight, he explains that he eventually gained back not only the weight had had lost but even more. Anthony's weight began to affect his health. "It had gotten to the point that I could not walk a block without becoming short of breath," he explains. When Anthony saw a MOVE! flyer on the bulletin board at his local VA, he asked his primary care provider about it. He was then connected with a dietitian who helped him get started with MOVE!
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Anthony Oropeza
Starting a New Routine
Anthony started by attending weekly MOVE! group meetings. These meetings helped him develop a sense of accountability that helped drive him during his journey to better health. "Each week I learned better habits," Anthony explains, such as being mindful of portion sizes and the types of food and beverages he consumes. He also began to attend a local gym every day to stay active, and now tracks his steps with his phone and MOVE! pedometer. After downloading the MOVE! Coach mobile app, Anthony benefited from use of the resource to support his participation.
"Not Done Yet"
Anthony says that even though he has lost 100 pounds since starting MOVE!, he is "not done yet." He shares that he has experienced many other health benefits including having more energy, being more comfortable in his clothes, and walking farther. No longer limited to one block, he can now walk for miles without becoming short of breath. Anthony sees this as a long-term journey which he calls his "Get Healthy Adventure" and is grateful to the MOVE! team for their ongoing support.
