Participants' lifestyle gains fuels Weight Management educator's passion

Making sure you don’t have to is why Suzanne Neville has made it her work for the past nine years as an educator and coach with Ascension Via Christi’s Weight Management program.

“I am passionate about helping people who are new to our program, who maybe have tried it all, and are ready to form real, lasting habits while getting healthier,” says Neville, who leads the program’s non-surgical first phase.

Phase 1 uses Health Management Resources, or HMR, program for Weight Management™ to help participants achieve rapid weight loss. The plan was named by U.S. News & World Report as the nation’s Best Fast Weight-Loss Diet for 2022.

“I love when I hear from someone that their face looked slimmer and they felt prettier or they can walk across the house and not feel winded or that they were able to get on the floor and play with their grandkids,” says Neville. “That’s what affirms the difference these new habits and routines are making in my patients’ lives.”

The nutritionally complete plan simplifies food decisions by using HMR shakes, entrées, cereal and nutrition bars, coupled with unlimited fruits and vegetables. It follows a 3-2-5 structure designed to keep participants feeling full throughout the day. The plan includes at least three shakes, two entrees, and five servings of fruits and vegetables. Participants are encouraged to eat as many of these foods as they like to avoid hunger.

While losing weight, participants practice developing skills in eating more fruits and vegetables; increasing their physical activity; and making healthier food choices.

“In a structured program where weight loss is expected if the patient follows the plan, I've learned it's important to help them focus on things that are forever-skills: learning skills they can use throughout their life, being accountable and developing a love of nutrient-dense foods,” Neville says.

These are the lifestyle skills that will help keep the weight off, as well as help reduce the risk factors for the development of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, some types of cancer and other chronic diseases.

“Suzanne is the best cheerleader, listener and leader,” says Kim Vogle, a current Phase 1 participant who has lost 100 pounds in 40 weeks, or nine months. “If she can do anything to make your life easier in the way of the program, she’ll try to find a way. She cares with genuine empathy and compassion.”

Angie Cassity, program coordinator, agrees.

"Suzanne is so welcoming and her passion for healthy living is apparent when you first meet her. When someone enrolls in the program they are often nervous and don’t know what to expect. Suzanne immediately puts them at ease with her warmth and enthusiasm. I firmly believe that our participants wouldn’t be as successful if they didn’t have Suzanne’s guidance during Phase 1."

Average weight loss is 28-37.5 lbs. for the Healthy Solutions® diet, based on research studies conducted in people who completed between 12-26 weeks. Average weight loss for the Healthy Solutions at Home® program with phone coaching is 23 lbs. at 12 weeks and 28 lbs. at 26 weeks.

For more info about Ascension Via Christi Weight Management, call 316-689-5232 or visit https://healthcare.ascension.org/locations/kansas/kswic/wichita-ascension-via-christi-weight-management-in-wichita