Kansas City Bariatric Surgery Specialists
We want to send you a message of hope. Severe obesity takes away the quality of life and health that you deserve, but we are committed to being your lifelong partner in your battle against weight loss. Our patient-centric team can help you with your journey to your new life. United Bariatric Center believes in giving our patients a full and comprehensive weight loss program — we offer the entire spectrum of surgical weight loss procedures, as well as advanced laparoscopic and robotic general surgical procedures.
At United Bariatric Center, we take a comprehensive team approach to assist you on your bariatric journey. We are led by highly trained Bariatric Surgeons, Dr. Sigi Joseph, and Dr. Shaan J. Akhtar who are available at all times. Both doctors are trained in all surgical weight loss procedures and they perform all of our advanced laparoscopic and robotic general surgical procedures.
Bariatric Surgery Frequently Asked Questions
United Bariatric Center
At United Bariatric Center, our program is carefully structured to support you through every step of your weight loss journey and beyond. Our program is affiliated with Centerpoint Hospital and our staff of professionals is here for you. We are committed to helping you to be successful in achieving your weight loss goals. United Bariatric Center is a division of United Surgical Associates, Independence, Missouri.
Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass
The Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass — often called gastric bypass — is considered the ‘gold standard’ of weight loss surgery. There are two components to the procedure. First, a small stomach pouch, approximately one ounce or 30 milliliters in volume, is created by dividing the top of the stomach from the rest of the stomach. Next, the first portion of the small intestine is divided, and the bottom end of the divided small intestine is brought up and connected to the newly created small stomach pouch. The procedure is completed by connecting the top portion of the divided small intestine to the small intestine further down so that the stomach acids and digestive enzymes from the bypassed stomach and first portion of small intestine will eventually mix with the food.
Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy
The Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy — often called the sleeve — is performed by removing approximately 80 percent of the stomach. The remaining stomach is a tubular pouch that resembles a banana. This procedure works by several mechanisms. First, the new stomach pouch holds a considerably smaller volume than the normal stomach and helps to significantly reduce the amount of food (and thus calories) that can be consumed. The greater impact, however, seems to be the effect the surgery has on gut hormones that impact a number of factors including hunger, satiety, and blood sugar control.
Laparoscopic Duodenal Switch
The Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch – abbreviated as BPD/DS – is a procedure with two components. First, a smaller, tubular stomach pouch is created by removing a portion of the stomach, very similar to the sleeve gastrectomy. Next, a large portion of the small intestine is bypassed. The duodenum, or the first portion of the small intestine, is divided just past the outlet of the stomach. A segment of the distal (last portion) small intestine is then brought up and connected to the outlet of the newly created stomach, so that when the patient eats, the food goes through a newly created tubular stomach pouch and empties directly into the last segment of the small intestine. Roughly three-fourths of the small intestine is bypassed by the food stream.
Orbera Stomach Balloon
ORBERA™ combines a clinically tested and proven medical device, with your own customized plan and support team, to effectively manage weight loss. The comprehensive, two-part program starts with a soft balloon placed in your stomach for six months to encourage portion control. A team of support experts will then help guide you through a diet and exercise program. At six months, the balloon is removed and your support team will continue to guide you toward making healthy lifestyle choices. They will help you retrain your appetite, adopt new nutritional habits, and establish a reasonable exercise routine that will be essential to your long-term success.
Am I a Weight Loss Surgery Candidate?
Knowing your weight loss surgery options is important. There is not a single solution, but rather a combination of methods to treat obesity. These “tools” are part of a comprehensive approach to help you reach and maintain a healthy weight, while improving your health. The right combination of tools and lifestyle changes are essential to a successful obesity treatment plan.
How Much Does it Cost?
United Bariatric Center of Kansas City believes in giving our patients a full and comprehensive weight loss program. We are committed to being your life-long partner in your battle against obesity. Our self-pay flat rates are available by clicking the Learn More button below. Rates are due prior to surgery. When working with finance companies, individual loan needs may vary. We accept the following Insurances: AETNA, Blue Cross & Blue Shield, Coventry, Humana and United Healthcare.
What is my BMI?
BMI stands for Body Mass Index, and is calculated by taking into consideration an individual’s weight AND height. It is a measurement of a person’s weight relative to their height. Because of differences in size and body composition, using only someone’s weight is not the most accurate way to determine whether they need weight loss surgery. Someone who is taller would typically be expected to weigh more than someone who is shorter. That is why the BMI gives a better idea of whether someone’s weight is healthy, or if it puts them at risk for all of the diseases associated with obesity, making them a potential candidate for weight loss surgery.
Am I A Candidate For Weight-Loss Surgery?
BMI stands for Body Mass Index, and is calculated by taking into consideration an individual’s weight AND height. It is a measurement of a person’s weight relative to their height. Because of differences in size and body composition, using only someone’s weight is not the most accurate way to determine whether they need weight loss surgery. Someone who is taller would typically be expected to weigh more than someone who is shorter. That is why the BMI gives a better idea of whether someone’s weight is healthy, or if it puts them at risk for all of the diseases associated with obesity, making them a potential candidate for weight loss surgery.
A BMI of 20-24.9 is considered healthy. Obesity begins at a BMI greater than 30. Bariatric surgery is typically approved by insurances at a BMI greater than 35 along with an associated medical condition, or a BMI greater than 40 with or without an associated medical condition. However, even if your BMI is less than 35 you may still qualify for weight loss surgery, and the experienced surgeons at KC Bariatric will be able to help you decide this.