Via Christi’s weight-loss program gives grieving mother comfort

Amilia Heslin, 28, of Wichita, Kansas, started the year needing a change. 

At 282 pounds with a 5’8” frame, she faced health issues. She has long carried extra weight. This contributed to having a fatty liver, which is a buildup of fat in the liver, a common condition in people who are overweight. She also had Alpha-1-Antitrypsin Deficiency, a genetic disorder that reduces proteins needed to protect her lungs. She also had high blood pressure, but nothing compared to the personal tragedy impacting her body, mind and heart.

Six years ago, Amilia lost a child during the 38th week of pregnancy. Her baby daughter, Athena Rose, was delivered stillborn, with no medical reason why.

“After losing my daughter, all I could do was survive, so I did what was easiest,” she said. With her energy depleted from just trying to get through the work day, she and her husband ordered meal delivery almost nightly.

Amilia shares she had always struggled with her weight and tried various diets, but she never was comfortable in her skin. “Every picture taken of me made me feel worse about myself,” she recalled.

Finding support at Via Christi’s weight loss program

Amilia turned to her father, who previously had success in Via Christi Weight Management’s non-surgical program in Wichita, for advice. She told him she needed accountability, weekly weigh-ins and a structured meal plan. When she learned her father planned to rejoin Phase 1 of Via Christi’s program, she enrolled with him.

Phase 1 focuses on structured meal and physical activity plans, education, and weekly support through group classes led by experienced health educators. Using the program’s Health Management Resources (HMR) meal replacement products, including shakes and entrees along with fruit and vegetables, participants strategize eating healthy choices and tracking food intake and physical activity.

“The convenience and accountability has been a life saver for me to be successful,” said Amilia, who has shed 70 pounds after 23 weeks. She credits the crave-busting options, weekly classes and weigh-ins, health coach Suzanne Neville, and the versatility of HMR’s foods as keys to her success.

“Other diet plans always made me feel deprived and I was always hungry, so I was more likely to cheat and fail,” she said. “With HMR I stay full, because ‘More is better.’”

HMR is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as a “Best Fast Weight-Loss Diet” for 2024. 

“The HMR program differs from crash diets and other fast-loss methods,” says Angie Cassity, program coordinator. “Its simple food plan is nutritionally complete and designed so you don’t ever have to go hungry. Because it’s so easy to follow, people can stick to the diet longer, which can lead to a greater weight loss in a short amount of time.”

Amilia recently participated in a 5k obstacle mud run

New clothes, confidence and comfort

Before her weight loss, Amilia said shopping for clothes felt like “the end of the world.”

“It is so hard to find affordable plus-size clothes that are also cute,” she said. “Everything I tried on, I hated the way my body would look in it and it would destroy my self-esteem.”

Now, clothes shopping is fun, exciting and full of options. “I’m not in plus sizes anymore,” she said. “I don't mind showing off my features. I’m even wearing bikinis!”

Amilia has dropped five pant sizes and four to six blouse sizes, while gaining energy and endurance. Skin issues over the past five years have cleared up. She no longer snores and has found new confidence in how she sits.

“Being able to sit and cross my legs and be comfortable is crazy to me,” she said.

Amilia, who is a commercial lines account manager for an insurance agency, offers advice to those new to Via Christi’s Phase 1 weight-loss program.

“Listen to your coach and stay on the diet 100% of the time,” she said. “If you go off, it’s okay, just make sure you get right on track and start again with your next meal.” Never give up, Amilia says, because if you follow the program consistently, “the pounds will disappear, and you will look and feel like a new you.”

Amilia, now participating in weightlifting and obstacle course mud run 5K races, is on pace to reach her goal weight of 170 pounds. Best of all, “I'm starting to find myself again,” she said.

Visit our website to learn more about Via Christi Weight Management, visit or call 316-689-5232.