{"id":7870,"date":"2025-05-28T14:30:00","date_gmt":"2025-05-28T14:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/itsveterans.com\/?p=7870"},"modified":"2025-05-28T14:30:00","modified_gmt":"2025-05-28T14:30:00","slug":"navy-veteran-loses-weight-and-gains-control-of-his-diabetes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/itsveterans.com\/?p=7870","title":{"rendered":"Navy Veteran loses weight and gains control of his diabetes"},"content":{"rendered":"

Originally published:<\/strong> 2025-05-28T14:30:00+00:00. Historical source article: benefits, rules, amounts and deadlines may have changed. Check the official source for current information.<\/p>\n

Navy Veteran Giovanni \u201cJohnny\u201d Onorato, 62, was scheduled for knee replacement surgery at the Baltimore VA Medical Center<\/a> when he received a rude awakening. His surgeon, Dr. Sumon Nandi, told him that the procedure was canceled because his weight and blood sugar were too high.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe know that patients with uncontrolled diabetes, those with a hemoglobin A1C greater than 8, have a much higher risk of getting an infection after a joint replacement,\u201d said Nandi.\u00a0\u201cA joint replacement infection is to be avoided at all costs, as it requires repeat surgery and can even result in death.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cMy A1C had hit 8.5 and I weighed 255 pounds,\u201d recalled Onorato. \u201cI was mad. I was mad that the surgery got canceled, but mostly I was mad at myself.\u201d \u00a0<\/p>\n

Taking control<\/h2>\n

Undaunted and determined to have the much-needed operation, Onorato decided to take control of his health, lose weight<\/a> and reduce his blood sugar. At his request, Dr. Nandi\u2019s team connected him with VA Licensed Dietitian Kerri Kimbrell-Silva.<\/p>\n

Together they created a nutrition plan and Kimbrell-Silva provided him with handouts about portion control, meal planning and plating foods. \u201cHe himself is an inspiration,\u201d said Kimbrell-Silva, noting that Onorato would often find information on his own and share it with her.<\/p>\n

Due to his sore knee, Onorato couldn\u2019t do weight-bearing exercise, but Kimbrell-Silva was able to recommend alternatives. \u201cFor individuals with limited mobility, the focus is on building strength, improving flexibility and increasing cardio health without straining joints,\u201d she shared. Chair exercises, water aerobics and modified versions of traditional exercises can help Veterans with limited mobility reach their weight-loss goals.<\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m not done yet\u2019<\/h2>\n

In a little over a year, Onorato reversed his diabetes, reducing his A1C to normal levels, and lost 56 pounds. \u201cI went from size 44 pants to a size 38, which was what I was wearing five years ago,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019m not done yet. I haven\u2019t yet reached my goal weight, which is 185 pounds.\u201d<\/p>\n

His knee surgery is scheduled soon. \u201cPatients like Veteran Onorato are shining examples of what can be achieved with dedication and persistence, the same qualities that make us proud of our Veterans every day,\u201d said Nandi.<\/p>\n

For Onorato, being healthy makes a huge difference in his quality of life. \u201cI look totally different now,\u201d he said. \u201cI tell anyone who asks, \u2018Work the plan and the plan will work.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

\n

Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs<\/a>. Its Veterans is an independent publication and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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