Bariatric Surgery

Let's build a lighter, brighter, future together

Attend a free weight loss surgery seminar

Weight loss surgery is a big decision that can change your life for the better. That’s why we are excited that you want to learn more about the first steps to a new you. Our experienced medical staff and community is here to answer your questions and help you every step of the way to your weight loss success.

The benefits of weight loss surgery

When diet, exercise and medication aren’t working, weight loss surgery may be an option for treating morbid obesity. Research shows weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, is the most effective way to achieve long-term weight loss.

The benefits go beyond what you see on the scale. It can also improve a wide range of other health issues, such as diabetes, heart disease and sleep apnea.

FAQ

When it comes to weight loss surgery, each insurance has its own benefits and exclusions. Please contact your insurance provider and ask about the terms of your coverage. If you have additional questions, please contact our bariatric patient navigator at 785-270-7326.

Bariatric surgery may be an option for adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more. If you have other serious health conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, bariatric surgery may be beneficial if your BMI is between 35 and 40. If your BMI is below 35, you will not qualify for surgery.

Use the BMI calculator below to see if you qualify.

The Bariatric Program at the University of Kansas Health System St. Francis Campus is committed to serving you as you begin your weight-loss journey. Our experienced team will help determine which procedure is right for you. We offer a range of weight-loss surgery options, including:

Roux-en-Y (roo-en-wy) gastric bypass

This is the most common procedure. A surgeon creates a small pouch from the stomach and connects it directly to the small intestine. This helps lower the amount of food you can eat in one sitting.

Sleeve gastrectomy

This procedure removes about 80% of the stomach, leaving a long, tube-like pouch. This smaller stomach can't hold as much food. It also produces less of the appetite-regulating hormone ghrelin, which can curb your desire to eat.

Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS)

This type of bariatric surgery changes the size of your stomach and the length of your small intestine. It limits how much food you can eat, digest and absorb.

Revisional surgeries

Your body changes over time, which can have an impact on the changes made by weight loss surgery. Bariatric revision surgery can correct those changes or improve a previous procedure.

There are three steps required for an initial consultation:
  • Click here to watch our online seminar.
  • Complete the short quiz following the seminar with 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 have the most experienced weight loss surgery team in the region, with more than 3,000 bariatric surgeries performed since opening in 2002. We’re with you every step of the way, from your initial consult to after your surgery. 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.

Surgery is the first step in your journey. To help you achieve the best results, we also provide:

  • Regular follow-up appointments to track your success and address any problems or concerns
  • Nutrition education
  • Exercise education and wellness classes
  • Support groups

Research shows that patients who attend support groups are more successful in their weight loss goals after surgery. That’s why we offer a free online bariatric support group to anyone who’s had weight loss surgery or is in the process of having surgery. The group provides education and encouragement with social interaction, guided discussion and guest speakers - all from the comfort from your home. Family or support persons are welcome to attend as well.

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

Learn more by attending a free seminar

We’re here to help you start your journey to better health. We offer a free online seminar to explain every step of the weight loss process and what you can expect.

Additional questions

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.

Meet Our providers

Service Providers

Bernita M. Berntsen, MD
Surgery, General

Carlyle M. Dunshee, MD

Carlyle M. Dunshee, MD
Surgery, Vascular, Surgery, General

James J. Hamilton, MD

James J. Hamilton, MD
Surgery, General

Sidney Y. Hu, MD

Sidney Y. Hu, MD
Surgery, General

Jennifer D. McAllaster, MD
Surgery, General

Joel C. VanderVelde, MD
Surgery, General

Amber Hart, APRN
Surgery, General

Allison Rendel, APRN
Surgery, General

Post Surgery Resources

Blogs

  • March 27, 2023 04:29 PM

    The Worst WLS Mistake You Can Make

    The Worst WLS Mistake You Can Make

    By Katie Jay, MSW: Certified Wellness Coach

    Have you heard the Aesop’s fable about the dog and his shadow? In the story, a hungry dog manages to get a morsel of meat. Thrilled with his acquisition, the dog decides to take it back to his den where he can devour it in peace.

    As he hurries home, the dog dashes across a plank lying over a brook, but as he’s moving across, he sees his shadow reflected in the water.

    Read More
  • February 06, 2023 04:20 PM

    TIDBIT TUESDAY: INFLAMMATION

    Weight loss surgery significantly reduces mortality and results in remarkable weight loss and reversal in several obesity-related comorbidities.  There is a lot of evidence that the resolution of inflammation that occurs after bariatric surgery mitigates some of these comorbidities. 

    Read More
  • April 17, 2022 03:07 PM

    Tidbit Tuesday: Emotional Eating

    Often times, no matter what stage of the weight loss journey you are in, you will be faced with emotional eating.  Having weight loss surgery unfortunately does not change the brain and emotional struggles patients faced before surgery.   Please know that emotional struggles are completely normal and will stabilize over time.  However, for those who find themselves battling feelings of hopelessness and frustration, additional professional help is both necessary and available. We want you to call our office as soon as possible so we can help you.

    Read More
  • April 12, 2022 03:03 PM

    Tidbit Tuesday: Measure Success without the Scale

    After weight loss surgery, you may find yourself frustrated with the scale.  You’re doing “everything right” yet the scale will not budge.  There are many reasons why that could be happening; it’s either a result of not truly implementing a healthy lifestyle or it happens after subsequent weeks of dramatic weight loss (See our article, Plateaus Happen). Toss the scale to the side and start measuring your success without a weight attached. 

    Read More
  • March 29, 2022 04:56 PM

    Tidbit Tuesday: Happy Trails to You

    With the warmer weather, many are looking to hit the trails for a workout! We have listed a few resources to help you locate wonderful trails right here in Kansas.

    Travel Kansas is a great resource when searching for parks and trails to explore. Here are a few helpful links picked out from their website: 

    Read More
  • March 22, 2022 08:29 PM

    Tidbit Tuesday: Spring Has Sprung

    One thing many of us enjoy in the warm months is gardening.  Now that we hopefully have had our last winter storm, we can look forward to springtime and all the opportunities of being outside and in our gardens.  While it may still be a tad too early to actually start planting, there are many things you can do in and around your garden now to get ready for planting.  Anything from weeding, hoeing, raking, bending, walking, shoveling, pruning or other yardwork is a great form of exercise.  Even if you don’t have a large garden and have room for only a small pot or t

    Read More
  • March 15, 2022 05:46 PM

    Tidbit Tuesday: High Protein Breakfast Ideas

    As a weight loss surgery patient, eating a healthy, high protein breakfast is sure to help set the tone of your day.  Remember from a previous article we shared that it is good to set a goal of consuming 60-80 grams of protein every day after a RNY or sleeve procedure and 100 grams of protein every day after a BPD/DS procedure. 

    Here are some ideas we thought you would like to try:

    Read More
  • March 08, 2022 09:56 AM

    Tidbit Tuesday: Water Workouts

    There are many benefits of working out in the water – either by swimming or doing water aerobics.  Summer will be here before we know it so there will be plenty of opportunities to hop in the water outdoors!  While it is still cold outside, try to find an indoor pool. Listed below are just a few of the benefits of water workouts:     

    Read More
  • March 01, 2022 05:48 PM

    Tidbit Tuesday: Shopping for Clothes

    It’s exciting yet frustrating to open your closet and realize all of the clothes you have are now too big and no longer fit you well.  So how can you dress while still shedding weight after bariatric surgery and manage to not break the bank?  Below you will find some helpful tips to get you through the different stages of weight loss. 

    Read More
  • February 22, 2022 01:38 PM

    Tibit Tuesday: Tools for Success

    Whether you are gearing up for weight loss surgery or have already had it, there are many tools to help you along the way.  Below is a list of a few items that will help to make your new life easier. 

    Read More

Pages

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call:
785-232-0444

or email us at: 

bariatricstaff@kutopeka.com


Location:
Tallgrass Building
6001 SW 6th Ave., Suite 220
Topeka, KS 66615

Office Hours:
Monday - Friday:
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.


To learn more, view our free online seminar.

Online Seminar


Recognitions and Accreditations

● MBSAQIP Accredited – Comprehensive Center since 2007


Our Patients Share Their Non-Scale Victories!