Feeling Better than Ever
Terry Payne is back to feeling like his former self after implementing the lessons and strategies he learned from the MOVE! Program at the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital in Tampa, FL.
Recognizing the Need for Change
Terry reflects that his desire to change came from necessity. "At my highest weight," he recalls, "I reached 310 pounds and realized I needed to make some health and exercise changes to improve the way my body feels." Because of his work as a police officer, he recognized the importance of staying healthy for his personal and professional life. Despite focusing on weight management for much of his adult life, "it didn’t grab hold" until he became involved in the MOVE! Weight Management Program for Veterans. One of the first strategies Terry learned about in MOVE! was keeping a food log, which he had not previously done. "I worked out a lot and didn’t think I needed to count calories," he explains. "When I started to count calories, my weight started dropping off. Now I just do a bit more in the gym, which I don’t mind, if I need to balance out my calories."
…just pay attention. Listening to the stories of the group…what they were saying and what they were going through was helpful to hear.
Terry Payne
Fit as Ever
These days, Terry feels almost as good as when he was a young adult playing football, sharing "I feel like I am close to being as fit as ever. I still have some aches and pains due to aging, but I am working out in the gym five days a week." He follows a weightlifting program and has noticed the improvement in his muscle mass, energy, and also his confidence.
His New Normal
Outside of the gym, Terry has observed more positive changes including his ability to manage food portions and the way his clothes now fit him. "I recently went on a cruise and didn’t gain one pound. MOVE! helped so that I can get out there and eat what I want but in smaller portions, I don’t go crazy." Since 2023, Terry has successfully lost 70 pounds while remaining engaged in MOVE! Program offerings. After completing the 16-week MOVE! series, he attends monthly maintenance sessions where he continues to set food and physical activity goals while enjoying the noticeable improvements in his overall health and well-being. A final component to his success has been his shared experience with other Veterans in MOVE!. "One of the things that helped me is listening to the stories of the group. What they are saying and what they were going through is helpful to hear."
