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.
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.
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, our coordinators are happy to discuss your specific case with you at 785-232-0444.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
Bernita M. Berntsen, MD
Surgery, General
Carlyle M. Dunshee, MD
Surgery, Vascular, Surgery, General
James J. Hamilton, MD
Surgery, General
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
“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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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:
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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
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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:
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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:
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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.
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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 MoreFor more information or to schedule an appointment, please call:
785-232-0444
or email us at:
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.
● MBSAQIP Accredited – Comprehensive Center since 2007
