When Ron Davis walked into the Birmingham VA Health Care System two and a half years ago for a routine visit, he carried more than just extra weight. At 297 pounds, daily tasks had become difficult, and his health was deteriorating.

“A little over 12 years ago, I was having some neurological problems with shakes in my hands and, as I was leaving, my neurologist told me within ten years I would be in a wheelchair if I didn’t get some weight off,” said Davis. “Ten years later at a routine visit, I couldn’t perform basic functions, was tired all the time and struggled to move on my own.”

Davis, 68 years old at the time, was referred to Registered Dietitian Stephanie Eddy, who had built a reputation for meeting Veterans where they are, guiding them with compassion and evidence-based care.

Building trust through partnership

Eddy began by listening to Davis’s story. Instead of prescribing a rigid plan, she asked him about his goals, his daily routines, and the foods he loved. Together, they crafted a realistic nutrition plan: smaller portions, more whole foods and gradual changes that he could sustain.

“He had tried different diets, but nothing lasted,” Eddy explained.

“I had attempted to lose weight since I was 22 years old. I was reluctant and tired of trying because it never worked for me,” Davis explained. “I challenged her to get a plan to work for me.”

The early victories were modest—five pounds at first, then 10 more. But Eddy knew consistency was the key. She encouraged tracking intake, introduced meal prepping strategies, and celebrated non-scale victories like improved energy and movement.

“She used a building block approach,” Davis said. “I first created a journal of what I was eating. Weeks later we began discussions on what could be changed. Months later I learned how nutrients and exercise fit in. Throughout the entire process she never made me feel like I was failing, and if I slipped up, she gently encouraged and reminded me it was just one meal, not the end of the journey.”

A life transformed

Two and a half years later, Davis stepped on the scale at 193 pounds—over 100 pounds lost. More than the number, though, his life had changed. He was walking daily, sleeping better and had significantly improved his blood pressure.

“I feel like I got my life back,” Davis said, beaming. “I can walk outside with my friends and neighbors, sit or stand without assistance, and walk up the stairs in my home without being out of breath. That’s priceless.”

For Eddy, his success reaffirmed why she became a dietitian.

“I’ve always said that I’m a non-diet Dietitian. It’s not just about food—it’s about hope, health and showing Veterans that change is possible,” she said.

Strength in shared journeys

Healing is rarely a straight path. It requires patience, persistence and sometimes the courage to keep going even when life throws unexpected challenges. For both Davis and Eddy, the past year has been a test of resilience. Together, they proved that with the right support and determination, extraordinary change is possible.

“I couldn’t have done it without her,” Davis said. “I likely wouldn’t be here today if I had continued down the road I was on. She didn’t just help me lose weight—she helped me believe in myself again and saved my life.”

And in helping him transform, Eddy found strength of her own.

“Sometimes, the people we serve end up teaching us just as much as we teach them,” she reflected. “He reminded me what it means to fight through hard times, and that’s something I’ll carry with me forever.”

Fighting a new battle

Beginning a weight loss journey after military service can feel like fighting another battle. Facing old habits, physical pain, mental fatigue and self-doubt is a difficult thing to do. But make no mistake, it is a battle worth fighting.

“I was very reluctant but was willing to give it a try,” said Davis. “Once you decide you’re going to do it, don’t do it halfheartedly. Fight to prove to yourself that you can and don’t give in to the I can’t.”

If you’re looking to begin or continue your own path to wellness, know that you’re not alone. From nutrition counseling, fitness programs and community wellness events, VA offers a variety of support tools. Reach out, get connected, and take that next step toward a healthier, happier you.