Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery in Topeka, KS

When diet, exercise, and medication aren’t working, weight loss surgery can help you achieve your weight loss goals and live a healthier life. At the University of Kansas Health System, we understand that bariatric surgery is a big decision. Our doctors are here to help answer any questions you may have about weight loss surgery, including whether it may be right for you. We offer pre-surgery counseling, post-surgery support, and a wide range of resources to help you live a healthier, more active life.

Weight loss procedures we offer

Research has shown that weight loss surgery is an effective way to achieve long-term weight loss. It can also improve conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and sleep apnea. Our medical weight loss program provides bariatric surgical treatments to treat a wide range of conditions that affect your ability to maintain a healthy weight.

We offer the following types of weight loss surgery:

• Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS)
• Revisional surgeries
• Roux-en-Y (gastric bypass)
• Sleeve gastrectomy

Bariatric surgery may be an option for adults with a BMI of 40 or more, or for patients with serious health conditions like diabetes or heart disease who have a BMI between 35 and 40. Patients with a BMI below 35 do not qualify for bariatric surgery.

If you have additional questions, please contact our bariatric patient navigator by calling (785) 270-7326.

After weight loss surgery

Weight loss surgery is just the first step towards a healthier life. To help you achieve the best results possible, our weight loss program also provides:

• Exercise education and wellness classes
• Nutrition education and guidance
• Regular follow-up appointments
• Support groups

Research has shown that patients who attend support groups are more successful in reaching their weight loss goals after surgery. For this reason, we offer free online weight loss support groups to our patients who have had weight loss surgery or are about to have weight loss surgery. The virtual group provides education and encouragement through guided discussions and guest speakers— all from the comfort of your home. Family and support persons are welcome to attend as well.

To learn more about our virtual support groups, please click here.

Schedule an appointment

The decision to have bariatric surgery is best made with lots of information and an equal amount of support, and that’s just what we provide. First, you’ll meet one of our surgeons at a free seminar, where you’ll learn about our process and the surgical options we provide. Then you’ll have a one-on-one appointment to discuss which option is right for you.

There are three steps required for an initial consultation at our weight loss clinic:

• Click here to watch our online seminar
• Complete the short quiz following the seminar and earn a score of 100.
• After you complete the quiz, a member of our support staff will be in contact with you to review insurance coverage and schedule your first consultation.

We plan your personalized treatment together, from surgery through the lifestyle changes that will occur as a result. You’ll have access to post-surgery resources such as support groups, weight loss seminars, nutritional advice, exercise classes — and, of course, our caring team of physicians. With help from one of our specialists, you’ll be on your way to the healthier life you deserve.

Why the University of Kansas Health System?

We are proud to have the most experienced weight loss surgery team in the region, with more than 3,000 bariatric surgeries performed since opening in 2002. In addition to having top surgeons, we provide a multidisciplinary team including a medical weight loss expert, dietitians, nurses and other professionals with expertise in caring for patients before, during and after weight loss surgery.

Since 2007, our bariatrics program has been named an Accredited MBSAQIP (Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accredited Quality Improvement Program) by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and the American College of Surgeons (ACS). The MBSAQIP Accreditation recognizes surgical programs with a demonstrated track record of favorable outcomes and low complication rates.

The University of Kansas Health System St. Francis Campus is also recognized as a CIGNA Bariatric Center of Excellence.

For more information, please call us at (785) 232-0444 or email us at bariatricstaff@kutopeka.com. We look forward to working with you and helping you reach your weight-loss goals.