Veteran Reclaims His Health By means of VA’s TeleMOVE! Program | VA Columbia South Carolina Health Care

When Army Veteran James J. Galluzzo III realized he was out of breath climbing a single flight of stairs, he knew one thing needed to change.

At 52 years outdated and weighing 235 kilos — the best weight of his life — Galluzzo confronted a actuality he might not ignore. Once a multiple-time Army Ten-Miler runner, he struggled with declining health, worsening lab outcomes and garments that not match.

“I kept telling myself I was just getting older,” Galluzzo stated. “But my lab work and how I felt every day told a different story.”

During a routine annual bodily on the Columbia VA Health Care System’s (VAHCS) Dorn VA Medical Center (VAMC), Galluzzo’s well being care workforce beneficial VA’s MOVE! Weight Management Program. Motivated by his need to remain wholesome and lively in retirement — and with encouragement from his spouse — Galluzzo dedicated absolutely to this system.

He enrolled within the TeleMOVE program by way of the Columbia VAHCS in August 2025 and accomplished the six-month program in January 2026. Throughout this system, Galluzzo used MOVE!’s digital instruments, together with a cellular app, exercise tracker, scale and common digital teaching periods.

“The daily accountability made the difference,” Galluzzo stated. “Weighing in, tracking calories, recording steps and meeting with my MOVE! coach kept me consistent.”

Melissa DiMarino, TeleMOVE coordinator at Dorn VAMC, stated Galluzzo’s success displays the facility of consistency and dedication.

“James fully engaged with the program and used the tools exactly as intended,” DiMarino stated. “His progress shows what Veterans can achieve when they stay committed, lean into accountability and focus on building sustainable habits rather than quick fixes.”

Galluzzo adopted lasting life-style adjustments, together with strolling 8,000 to 10,000 steps per day, scheduling common exercises on the fitness center or at house, and shifting to extra nutrient-dense meals with an emphasis on greens and balanced diet.

By the top of this system, Galluzzo misplaced 45 kilos. His power ranges elevated, his ldl cholesterol and A1C ranges improved considerably, and he returned to clothes sizes he had not worn in years.

“My December lab results were fantastic,” he stated. “Across the board, the difference was undeniable.”

Galluzzo credit a lot of his success to the assist system round him — notably his MOVE! coach, his VA well being care workforce and his spouse of 31 years, who participated within the life-style adjustments alongside him.

“Having someone invested in my success mattered,” Galluzzo stated. “And doing this together with my wife made it sustainable.”

Today, Galluzzo stays dedicated to the habits he constructed by way of MOVE! and considers himself in this system’s upkeep part. He continues to prioritize bodily exercise, together with utilizing a strolling pad in his workplace, and has embraced wholesome cooking as a brand new ardour.

The outcomes have prolonged effectively past the size. On a current cruise, Galluzzo climbed Mayan ruins in Mexico and swam in a cenote — experiences he as soon as feared his well being would restrict.

“If I could tell every Veteran one thing about MOVE!, it would be this: the goal is progress, not perfection,” Galluzzo stated. “Just keep at it, use the tools and stay mentally committed.”

Galluzzo now encourages fellow Veterans to make the most of VA’s MOVE! program and spend money on their long-term well being.

“This program works,” he stated. “And it can change your life.”

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