A Willingness to Change
Billy Sims learned that with commitment and effort, a few small changes could help him achieve the progress he wanted to improve his health.
Billy worked with the MOVE! team at the G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center in Jackson, MS, to develop healthy eating and physical activity habits and make lifestyle changes he believed he could maintain for the long term.
Getting Back in Step
Billy explains that his struggle to maintain a healthy weight came about due to several factors, most notably a lack of physical activity due to aging and a knee injury. Billy sought advice from his VA provider, Dr. Ajay Acharya regarding his knee injury. Dr. Acharya referred him to the MOVE! Weight Management Program for Veterans, explaining that losing weight is helpful with recovery following knee surgery. Billy quickly embraced MOVE!, as well as the convenience of the TeleMOVE! option. TeleMOVE! allowed him to support his weight loss journey with daily messages and personalized advice over the phone from his MOVE! team.
If you are serious about losing weight, then contact your primary care provider and let them know you want to join the MOVE! program. IT WORKS.
Billy Sims
Tools of the Trade
After starting MOVE!, Billy quickly began to learn new techniques and strategies to better manage his weight. Instead of a restrictive diet, MOVE! emphasized small, manageable changes to Billy’s eating, drinking, and physical activity habits. Billy shares that he remained motivated with the help of his MOVE! dietitian, Tracy Fritts, who offered support and encouragement throughout his journey.
Signs of Success
Since enrolling in MOVE!, Billy has lost nearly 60 pounds! More than just his weight loss, however, he appreciates the effect his new lifestyle has on his overall health and well-being. "I’m not as tired," he explains, "and my clothing, jeans and shirts in particular, are smaller sizes." Billy continues to work toward better health by maintaining his healthier food and drink choices as well as walking every day. In his words, "this program works if and only if you are willing to make the changes and start moving!"
