Saint Luke's Center for Surgical Weight Loss

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Saint Luke's Center for Surgical Weight Loss

Bariatric Surgery support Saint Luke’s Center for Surgical Weight Loss can help you lose your excess weight and keep it off for life.

Our flagship program at Saint Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City and Saint Luke’s South Hospital in Overland Park, Kansas are MBSAQIP Accredited Centers and are ASMBS Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence. These distinctions are earned by programs that provide superior surgical care and achieve top levels of performance. In addition, bariatric surgery is also performed at Saint Luke’s East Hospital in Lee’s Summit, and Saint Luke’s North Hospital in the Northland.

10/01/2025

Join Saint Luke's Center for Surgical Weight Loss on Monday, Oct. 6 at 6 p.m. for our monthly virtual Bariatric Support Group.

This month, we will have a Food As Medicine Everyday (FAME) virtual cooking demonstration, hosted by Saint Luke's Center for Surgical Weight Loss and Saint Luke's Muriel I. Kauffman Women's Heart Center. You're welcome to prepare the lettuce wraps from your own kitchen alongside the FAME presenter, or simply watch the demonstration.

The Bariatric Support Group provides tools and resources for individuals who are pre- and post-operative. It's also a great way to meet others who may have similar questions or experiences.

Register today: https://heyor.ca/wWXkRp

09/15/2025

At 230 pounds, Carrie came to Saint Luke's Surgical Specialists at Saint Luke's North Hospital, curious about surgical weight-loss options. Today, at 115 pounds, she’s not just living. She’s thriving.

Before considering weight-loss surgery, Carrie felt like she couldn’t get out of bed.

“I just felt mentally and physically exhausted, my legs would ache, and my feet would hurt just from walking around the house,” she says.

Carrie saw Dr. Robert J. Kenney, a board-certified and fellowship-trained bariatric surgeon at Saint Luke's Surgical Specialists, who said she would be a great candidate for gastric bypass surgery.

Before surgery, Carrie worked with a registered dietitian and an exercise physiologist to build healthy habits and prepare for long-term lifestyle changes that would support her weight-loss journey. She discussed the process and her care plan with her care team to prepare for surgery and immediate post-op care.

“Dr. Kenney was very informative about the surgery, how they were going to do it, and arranged classes for me to take to learn more about the procedure,” she says.

Carrie’s surgery took place in November 2023 at Saint Luke's North Hospital. While she felt anxious about the procedure, she felt prepared and comfortable with what to expect.

“I am so happy with the results—I wish I would have done it sooner. Everything has changed for me mentally and physically,” she says.

Now, Carrie has more energy to take care of the house and do the things she loves, including spending time with her kids and going on walks with her four dogs.

Read Carrie's story and learn more about surgical weight-loss options at Saint Luke's: https://heyor.ca/mUJral

09/01/2025

Join September’s virtual Bariatric Support Group on Thursday, Sept. 4 at 6 p.m., featuring a panel of past bariatric surgery patients sharing their success tips.

The support group offers tools and resources for those who are pre- and post-surgery. It’s also a great way to meet others who may share similar questions or experiences.

Register today: https://heyor.ca/T4f7ag

08/04/2025

This month's virtual Bariatric Support Group will feature a Food As Medicine Everyday (FAME) cooking demonstration, hosted by Saint Luke's Center for Surgical Weight Loss and Saint Luke's Muriel I. Kauffman Women's Heart Center.

Join us this Thursday, August 7, at 6 p.m. to prepare easy fish tacos with mango salsa from the comfort of your own kitchen, alongside our FAME presenter.

The support group offers tools and resources for those pre- and postoperative. It's also a great way to meet others who may share similar questions or experiences.

Learn more and register: https://heyor.ca/zSGoy5

07/21/2025

Join Saint Luke's Center for Surgical Weight Loss this Thursday, July 24 at 6 p.m. for our monthly virtual Bariatric Support Group. This month, we will have an exercise Q&A with Saxony Sullivan, an exercise physiologist at Saint Luke's Center for Surgical Weight Loss.

Are you wondering when to lift weights? Debating whether you should do a split routine versus full-body workouts? Let's tackle your biggest questions as a group.

The support group provides tools and resources for individuals both pre- and post-surgery. It's also a great way to meet others who may share similar questions or experiences. Learn more and register: https://heyor.ca/tkIfaw

06/25/2025

Congratulations to Rich Liekweg, BJC Health System CEO, who announced his plans to retire on October 1, 2025, concluding an extraordinary career spanning almost 40 years in health care, the last 16 of which were devoted to BJC.

“It has been an honor to serve and lead our team members these past 16 years as they deliver exceptional care to our patients and communities,” said Rich. “Together, we successfully navigated through unprecedented times in the industry, never losing sight of our singular purpose to improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve. I am deeply proud of our caregivers, the culture we have created, and the values we share that place the patient at the center of all we do.”

BJC is pleased to announce that Nick Barto, current BJC Health System President, will succeed Rich as President and CEO of BJC Health System.

“I am honored to be selected to succeed Rich Liekweg as BJC Health System’s President and CEO,” said Nick. “I look forward to working with our 47,000 team members to build on Rich’s vision that grew BJC into a super-regional health care leader, to continue to provide extraordinary care to the communities we serve, and to position BJC as a mission-oriented academic health care leader for all future generations.”

Read more here: https://heyor.ca/j1yUMR

06/24/2025

Saxony knows exercise. As an exercise physiologist with Saint Luke’s Center for Surgical Weight Loss, her mission is to meet patients where they are in their weight loss journey and help them discover a personal connection to movement.

A lifelong athlete, Saxony grew up appreciating how exercise gave her structure and routine. Today, she uses that foundation to guide others in creating routines that fit their lifestyles by helping each person find the form of exercise that works best for them. For her, the most rewarding part is seeing patients realize their potential.

“I had a patient tell me that once she started working out, she felt like she could do anything,” Saxony said. “After proving she could stick with it, she had a renewed outlook on the rest of her life. She credited that shift to establishing a consistent exercise routine.”

For those just starting, Saxony emphasizes the importance of beginning small and building gradually to stay motivated. She recommends starting with three or four 20-minute walks each week and adding on as endurance and strength improve.

“Our registered dietitians and exercise physiologists work closely together to help patients focus on getting enough protein to support muscle growth during workouts,” she said. “Building strength is essential—especially as we age. It’s what keeps us upright and prevents orthopedic issues down the road.”

Learn more about Saint Luke's Center for Surgical Weight Loss: https://heyor.ca/di61hr

06/02/2025

Join us this Thursday, June 5 from 6–7:30 p.m. for our next virtual Bariatric Support Group!

This month, enjoy a special Food As Medicine Everyday (FAME) cooking demonstration featuring tasty recipes like enchiladas, guacamole, and cabbage slaw, hosted by Saint Luke’s Center for Surgical Weight Loss and Saint Luke's Muriel I. Kauffman Women's Heart Center.

The support group is a great way to connect with others who are pre- or post-surgery and share tips or experiences. Register today: https://heyor.ca/GQ5twO

05/23/2025

From July of 2024 to February of 2025, Travis lost more than 130 lbs. with the help of bariatric weight-loss surgery.

His journey began with an initial consultation with Saint Luke's general surgeon, B Todd Moore, MD, about treating his umbilical hernia. When Dr. Moore advised weight loss for safer and more effective treatment, he referred Travis to Brent Sorensen, MD, at Saint Luke's Center for Surgical Weight Loss.

After meeting with Dr. Sorensen, Travis decided to opt for a gastric bypass surgery, and underwent a successful procedure in July 2024.

“I was nervous going into the surgery, but the team was great,” Travis said. “I was super happy with the whole process.”

Post-surgery, Travis says he was supported by a team of clinicians who provided a personal plan and tips for diet and exercise.

“Having a compassionate dietician and physical trainer who never made my questions seem like a bother made all the difference,” Travis said.

As Travis started to see weight drop, he also watched his lab results—including cholesterol, blood pressure, and insulin—drastically improve. He wants people to know that this is not an “easy” fix to health challenges—the surgery doesn’t work unless you do.

“I hear a lot of people say it’s the easy way out,” Travis said. “But you have to want it. It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done—losing 130 lbs. in six months. The surgery is just a tool. You have to create a lifestyle change.”

Learn more about bariatric surgery: https://heyor.ca/di61hr

05/08/2025

Casey, a registered dietitian with Saint Luke’s Center for Surgical Weight Loss, helps patients improve eating habits, prepare for surgery, and stick to their goals post-op. He sees many patients struggle with hydration, but emphasizes that small changes can make a big impact.

“You don’t have to carry around a gallon jug of water if that feels overwhelming,” Casey said. “Just make sure to have some sort of water bottle or cup with you at all times as a reminder to take sips throughout the day.”

Casey shares that families and other support systems can also make a difference in a person’s weight loss journey.

“If you have small children at home they may not want the healthier options, and that can be a challenge,” Casey said. “I find it helpful to let my kids pick out whole food sources at the grocery store to get them excited about trying something new.”

Learn more about bariatric surgery: https://heyor.ca/di61hr

05/05/2025

Saint Luke's Center for Surgical Weight Loss invites you to join our monthly virtual Bariatric Support Group on Thursday, May 8, at 6 p.m.

This month, Megan Markey, PhD, will lead a conversation on behavior change strategies—a key part of long-term success on your weight loss journey.

Whether you're preparing for surgery or recovering, this group offers tools, resources, and a way to connect with others who may share similar questions. Register today: https://heyor.ca/s98eGf

05/01/2025

For the past 14 years, Geoffrey Slayden, MD, has been a general and weight loss surgeon at Saint Luke's South Hospital, helping patients tackle complex health issues with compassion and precision. One condition he sees all too often—but many overlook—is sleep apnea.

“Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep,” Dr. Slayden said. “It can lead to poor sleep quality, daytime fatigue, and increased weight gain and can increase your risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and even diabetes.”

Common signs of sleep apnea include:
– Loud snoring
– Gasping for air during sleep
– Daytime sleepiness
– Trouble concentrating

Lifestyle changes like weight loss, regular exercise, and good sleep hygiene can significantly reduce symptoms.

“Even modest weight loss can make a real difference,” Dr. Slayden said. “For some, weight loss surgery can be a life-changing step toward better sleep and health.”

If you’re experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea, don’t ignore them. Learn more: https://heyor.ca/67VqWg

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4320 Wornall Road
Kansas City, MO
64111

Website

https://www.saintlukeskc.org/saint-lukes-center-surgical-weight-loss

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Our Story

Saint Luke’s Center for Surgical Weight Loss can help you lose your excess weight and keep it off for life. Our flagship program at Saint Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City is an MBSAQIP-Accredited Center and an ASMBS Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence. These distinctions are earned by programs that provide superior surgical care and achieve top levels of performance. In addition to Saint Luke’s Hospital, bariatric surgery is also performed at Saint Luke’s South Hospital in Overland Park, Kan.