The journey to managing your weight and overall well-being can be a challenging one. When non-surgical methods have not yielded the desired results, bariatric surgery, also known as weight loss surgery, may be a necessary step. In the Greater Kansas City area, several healthcare providers offer a range of surgical weight loss options. This article provides a detailed overview of these options, eligibility criteria, and the comprehensive support systems available.
Determining Candidacy for Weight Loss Surgery
Several factors determine eligibility for bariatric surgery, primarily focusing on body mass index (BMI) and the presence of obesity-related health conditions. BMI is a calculation that estimates body fat based on height and weight. A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered ideal, while any number above that indicates overweight.
To be considered a good candidate for bariatric surgery, individuals should be well-informed, motivated, and capable of participating in treatment and long-term follow-up care.
Weight Loss Procedures Offered
HCA Midwest Health and MISH Weight Loss Surgery Program offer a variety of weight loss procedures, including minimally invasive and robot-assisted options.
Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS)
This robotic-assisted procedure alters the digestive process by significantly reducing the size of the stomach. The diversion reroutes food to bypass a portion of the small intestine, resulting in the absorption of fewer calories, carbohydrates, and fats. This promotes weight loss. However, because it impairs natural vitamin and nutrient absorption, lifelong supplementation is necessary.
Read also: Weight Loss Without Surgery
Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG)
This newer, minimally invasive procedure involves the surgeon placing sutures in the stomach to reduce its size. By limiting the amount of food that can be consumed, endoscopic gastric sleeve surgery leads to significant weight loss. The minimally invasive nature of the procedure reduces the risk of complications and allows for a quicker return to daily activities.
Gastric Balloon
This non-surgical procedure is designed for individuals who have not achieved weight loss success through traditional diet programs. A soft, deflated gastric balloon is inserted through the mouth and into the stomach, then filled with a saline solution until it reaches the size of a grapefruit. The balloon remains in place for six months, during which time patients work with a team of specialists to develop healthier eating and lifestyle habits. After six months, the balloon is removed via a similar non-surgical procedure. A one-year coaching program is included to support the maintenance of a healthier lifestyle.
Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y)
The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is a robotic-assisted procedure where a small part of the stomach is used to create a new stomach pouch, approximately the size of an egg. This pouch bypasses a portion of the small intestine. This leads to feeling fuller more quickly and limits the amount of food that can be consumed at one time. The laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass typically takes two hours or less, with a hospital stay of two to three days and a return to full activity within two weeks. The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass remains the gold standard to which other weight loss operations are compared. It is the oldest, and best studied weight loss operation. It is the second most frequently performed weight loss operation in the United States, after the sleeve gastrectomy. The gastric bypass takes advantage of both restriction and malabsorption to work. The restrictive part of the procedure is the creation of the small stomach pouch with a very small outlet. The stretchable part of the stomach is no longer used. The malabsorptive part of the procedure involves re-arranging of the small intestine to reduce how much of the intestine is involved in absorbing the small amount of food that is eaten. The operation also causes metabolic effects - which has great health benefits and improves weight loss even further. The most dramatic metabolic impact the RYGB operation has, is on diabetes. Even before any significant weight has been lost the diabetes has already improved and requires less medication to manage.
Gastric Sleeve
During this robotic-assisted procedure, surgeons remove approximately 70 percent of the stomach through small incisions, resulting in a stomach that is roughly the size and shape of a banana. The portion of the stomach that produces appetite-stimulating hormones is removed. The newly formed stomach restricts food intake and reduces hunger. The Gastric Sleeve (sleeve gastrectomy) is one of the newer bariatric operations but has quickly gained popularity over the last 10 years. It is also known as the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy, Vertical Gastroplasty or Sleeve Gastroplasty, this procedure has become the most popular weight loss operation in the USA. It is mostly a restrictive operation - it works by controlling how much food can be eaten at one time. The operation also causes metabolic effects - which has great health benefits and improves weight loss even further. The sleeve operation is the removal of more than 85% of your stomach. The part that is removed is the most stretchable portion of the stomach. The stomach is divided and stapled vertically, creating a tube or pipe-shaped stomach pouch. The shape and length of the stomach causes serious restriction in the amount of food that can be eaten at one time.
Revision Weight Loss Surgery
Revision weight loss surgery is considered when patients experience complications, sub-optimal weight loss, or weight regain after an initial bariatric procedure. Common issues that lead to revision surgery include heartburn, reflux, and inadequate weight loss. Procedures like Lap-Band, Sleeve Gastrectomy, and Gastric Bypass may sometimes require revision to maintain weight loss or correct complications. One of the most common complaints that lead to revision weight loss surgery is heartburn or reflux. Often the symptoms experienced by the patients are caused by other reasons than acid alone. Though the Lap-Band used for weight loss in individuals who have failed to lose weight through diet and exercise, many patients can experience sub-optimal weight loss despite the surgery, or develop complications. The Sleeve Gastrectomy operation is used in morbidly obese patients to lose weight. Some patients can experience sub-optimal weight loss despite the surgery, or develop complications. In such cases, revision weight loss surgery may be needed to induce or maintain weight loss or correct a complication. The Gastric Bypass operation is used in morbidly obese patients to lose weight. Some patients can experience sub-optimal weight loss despite the surgery, or develop complications. In such cases, revision weight loss surgery may be needed to induce or maintain weight loss or correct a complication.
Read also: Comprehensive Diet Guidelines
Addressing Excess Skin After Weight Loss
Significant weight loss often results in excess skin, which can cause discomfort and affect body image. Body contouring procedures, including abdominoplasty, thigh lifts, and arm lifts, can remove excess skin and improve overall appearance and hygiene. Many people who have lost 100 pounds or more are overjoyed at their success. After losing weight, loose, heavy folds of skin can interfere with walking, balance, hygiene, skin care, and simply getting clothes to fit correctly. Plastic surgery, in most cases, is the only effective long-term solution. Removal of excess skin can improve the fit of clothes, the ability to walk and/or maintain balance, maintain hygiene, and reduce chronic skin irritation and even infections. Improving body self-image is also a great motivator for patients to maintain their efforts in weight loss. There are several things that can be offered to deal with excess skin. Dealing with excess skin after large weight loss is mostly referred to as body contouring (also known as a body lift). Several body areas can be addressed including the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, arms, and breast.
The Benefits of Surgical Weight Loss
Weight loss surgery is recognized as an effective and long-lasting treatment for severe obesity. It results in significant weight loss and can improve or resolve many related health issues, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, sleep apnea, and certain cancers. Studies suggest that bariatric surgery may reduce a patient’s risk of premature death by 30-50%. Studies show patients typically lose the most weight 1-2 years after bariatric surgery and see substantial weight improvements in obesity-related conditions. Patients may lose as much as 60% of excess weight six months after surgery, and 77% of excess weight as early as 12 months after surgery. On average, five years after surgery, patients maintain 50% of their excess weight loss.
Medical Weight Loss Programs
Medical weight loss programs offer a comprehensive approach to weight loss under the guidance of medical professionals. These programs address the complexities of obesity, considering inherited, physiological, and environmental factors, along with diet and exercise choices. Monarch Plastic Surgery, for example, offers medically supervised weight loss plans tailored to individual goals. Medical weight loss is a comprehensive approach to sustainable weight loss under the supervision of a medical professional. For years, the medical community has said to eat less and move more - outdated advice that simply doesn’t work for everyone. Obesity is a complex health condition resulting from inherited, physiological, and environmental factors combined with diet, physical activity, and exercise choices.
Weight Loss Medications
Medically managed weight loss options can improve metabolic activity and overall health. Medications such as Semaglutide and Tirzepatide mimic specific hormones to regulate satiety, hunger, and blood sugar levels. Semaglutide is an injectable medication that is considered a GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist, meaning it mimics the GLP-1 hormone to help increase the body’s insulin level, regulating appetite and managing blood sugar levels. Tirzepatide is a dual GLP-1 and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) receptor antagonist, meaning that this treatment is effective on two hormonal pathways. These medications are prescribed to patients with at least one weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or sleep apnea.
B12 and Lipo-Lean Injections
B12 and Lipo-Lean injections can help increase the metabolization of fat cells and boost energy levels. B12 injections provide an essential vitamin that supports brain function, energy production, and red blood cell formation. Lipo-Lean injections contain amino acids and vitamins that enhance liver function and support weight loss.
Read also: Weight Loss Options: Riverside Guide
Benefits of Medical Weight Loss
Medical weight loss programs offer several benefits, including increased weight loss and fat reduction, improved metabolism, better blood sugar levels, and minimally invasive treatments. These programs are ideal for individuals with busy lifestyles who may not have time for extensive recoveries. A few benefits of medical weight loss include:Increased weight loss and fat reduction: Our treatments are designed to help control hunger and satiety levels while simultaneously enhancing the metabolism, leading to an overall decrease in weight. Improved metabolism: Our treatments contain essential vitamins, nutrients, and other active ingredients that help improve and speed up the body’s natural ability to burn and process calories and fat. Improved blood sugar levels: Diabetic patients may experience a lowered risk of complications as their insulin levels are improved and regulated. Minimally invasive: Our weight loss and wellness treatments are all non-surgical, quick in duration, and easy to administer. This makes them ideal treatments for patients with busier lifestyles who may not have time for extensive recoveries.
Cost and Financing Options
The University of Kansas Health System offers discounted pricing on weight-loss surgery for those paying out-of-pocket. The cost of medical weight loss treatments can vary, with customized plans tailored to individual goals. Financing options, such as CareCredit, and insurance plans are available to help manage the cost of treatment. The University of Kansas Health System is proud to provide the lowest price for weight-loss surgery in Kansas City. Weight-loss surgery can improve your health and quality of life, yet many people struggling with obesity may not qualify for insurance coverage, or they may not have bariatric benefits included as part of their health insurance plan.