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.

Meet Our providers

Service Providers

Bernita M. Berntsen, MD
Surgery, General

Carlyle M. Dunshee, MD

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

Amber Hart, APRN
Surgery, General

Sidney Y. Hu, MD

Sidney Y. Hu, MD
Surgery, General

Jennifer D. McAllaster, MD
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

View or download the Bariatric Patient Information Packet.

Patient Information Packet


Recognitions and Accreditations

● MBSAQIP Accredited – Comprehensive Center since 2007


Our Patients Share Their Non-Scale Victories!