Saint Luke's Center for Surgical Weight Loss

Kristin and John both had health issues, including diabetes, that they wanted to get under control. A doctor told them about bariatric surgery, and the rest is history.

"If I saw a flight of stairs, I used to wonder if I could climb it without feeling embarrassed," said Kristin.

Both John and Kristin had bariatric surgery on the same day in July 2022 at Saint Luke's Center for Surgical Weight Loss with Dr. Barbara Nguyen. To date, they have lost more than 200 pounds combined.

"We went to Vegas a couple months ago and walked 10 miles in one day—we never could have done that before surgery. To be able to go shopping and pick clothes off the rack that aren't in the plus-sized section is so freeing."

Learn more about bariatric surgery: https://bit.ly/3Sq54gw

Saint Luke's Center for Surgical Weight Loss is hosting its virtual bariatric support group meeting tomorrow, Sept. 5, at 6 p.m. The support group offers tools and resources for pre-surgery and post-surgery—on Thursday, we'll hear from a panel of bariatric patients who will share their own weight loss stories. 💻

Join the discussion by registering for free here: https://heyor.ca/v3q9dN'

Brittany and Kyle are a married couple who both had bariatric surgery at Saint Luke's Center for Surgical Weight Loss.

"Some friends of ours had the surgery, and it worked for them, so we looked into it and got some information," said Brittany.

Brittany's struggle with her weight worsened her depression and caused sleep apnea. Kyle was almost pre-diabetic and taking blood pressure medication. They met with Dr. Robert Kenney and each had the surgery approximately one year later. Combined, they have lost nearly 200 pounds.

Brittany says she's more confident and can work in the yard without overexerting herself. Kyle no longer needs blood pressure medication and says traveling is more enjoyable, especially now that he can sit more comfortably on airplanes.

"Kyle and I joke that we got a new spouse," Brittany said. "Sometimes people think weight loss surgery is an easy way out, and that's far from the truth. You have to do the work. We hold each other accountable."

Learn more about bariatric surgery: https://bit.ly/3Sq54gw

Lori's metabolism changed after surviving cancer, and it affected her weight.

"I was constantly drained," said Lori. "I couldn't stand on my feet very long, my back would go out, and I couldn't walk for days at a time."

Lori, 46, had a friend in a similar situation that improved after bariatric surgery. If it worked for her friend, Lori thought it might work for her, too. She started Saint Luke's comprehensive surgical weight loss program and had the surgery several months later with Dr. Robert Kenney. So far, she has lost 150 pounds.

"I used to hate exercise, but I enjoy it now. I used to walk five minutes a day, and now I do 45 minutes 3-4 times a week and don't even count my steps. I feel better now than I did in high school."

With her newfound energy, Lori plays outside with her grandchildren, cleans her house more often, paints, cooks, and gets better sleep. Her only regret is not having the surgery sooner.

"For anyone who thinks the surgery is too invasive, the weight is more invasive on your life. It's just a tool to help you."

Learn more about bariatric surgery: https://bit.ly/3Sq54gw

🚨 Important Update About the Global IT Outage:

As you might have experienced or seen in the media, a large-scale IT outage has impacted organizations globally overnight, including BJC Health System (BJC HealthCare and Saint Luke’s Health System), affecting access to numerous servers, programs, and computers. This was not a cybersecurity attack.

Our IT teams are actively working to restore access to our core systems and reconnect PCs to our network successfully. Though we are seeing progress, this process will take some time.

If you have an appointment with one of our providers today, Friday, July 19, please plan to arrive at the normally scheduled appointment time. Due to this outage, please be patient as appointments may take longer and wait times may be extended.

Thank you for your understanding and patience as we navigate this developing situation. Our goal is to always provide our communities with the best care possible.

We will continue to share updates as they become available.

Fred is half the man he was six months ago—in a good way.

By the time he turned 50, Fred was at his heaviest. He had type 2 diabetes and severe sleep apnea.

"I wasn't happy with who I was and knew the first change I needed to make was addressing the weight issue," said Fred.

Fred came to Saint Luke's Center for Surgical Weight Loss in May 2023 and had bariatric surgery with Dr. Michael Arroyo in November. He has lost more than 200 pounds so far.

"It's like being reborn again," he said. "I'm a truck driver. Getting in and out of the truck, climbing the ladder, and walking on uneven surfaces are easier. Before I couldn't move, now I can't stop moving."

Learn more about bariatric surgery: https://bit.ly/3Sq54gw

Notice anything different about Nicole between this year's and last year's Super Bowl parades? Hint: It's not her jersey.

Nicole lost 110 pounds this past year after having bariatric surgery with Dr. Michael Arroyo at Saint Luke's Center for Surgical Weight Loss. She previously struggled with her weight for more than a decade and chose to reclaim her health for her four children.

"I didn't want my kids to suffer because I was suffering," said Nicole. "I got bloodwork done and found I was pre-diabetic. A lot of my levels were off, but my one-year post-surgery follow-up levels were perfect."

Last summer, Nicole didn't want to go outside because she felt miserable in the heat. This year, she tolerates it much better and looks forward to taking her kids to the park, the pool, and sporting events.

"Don't worry about what everyone else thinks. Do it for yourself. You still have to do the work, but you can see the progress of your hard work, which keeps you motivated. I feel like I'm in my teenage years again."

Learn more about bariatric surgery: https://bit.ly/3Sq54gw

Our surgical team had a great time at the ASMBS - The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery's 40th Annual Meeting in San Diego!

The ASMBS Annual Meeting is the largest gathering of surgeons and integrated health professionals practicing in the field of metabolic and bariatric surgery. We learned and connected about the latest advances in surgical treatment for obesity, networked with world-class faculty and industry experts, and much more.

One year ago, Cindy was taking medications for blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes, while also using a BiPAP machine at night.

But not anymore! Since having bariatric surgery from Dr. Michael Arroyo at Saint Luke's Center for Surgical Weight Loss in April 2023, Cindy has lost 100 pounds and counting.

"I had struggled with my weight for over 40 years since having my daughter," said Cindy. "Through COVID, I was the heaviest I'd ever been. I had no energy to do anything, but there was so much I wanted to do."

Cindy was inspired to pursue bariatric surgery after two of her neighbors had the procedure, with great results. With more energy than ever, Cindy now leads a women's group at her church and cooks meals for the homeless community.

"If you've struggled with losing weight for so many years and haven't been able to do it on your own, this is a wonderful option. You have to make the choice and do your part, too."

Learn more about bariatric surgery: https://bit.ly/3Sq54gw

Since childhood, Mark has tried many different weight loss strategies and programs that only provided short-term results. He was on a constant cycle of losing weight and gaining it back.

"I went on another program and lost 80 pounds, but gained it all back. That was the final straw," said Mark.

Mark, 49, met with Dr. Michael Arroyo at Saint Luke's Center for Surgical Weight Loss and had gastric bypass surgery in April 2023. He says he was nervous on surgery day, but the nurse told him she was a patient herself once, and the program changed her life. He has since lost 140 pounds and 51 inches off his waist, and now wears a size he says he hasn't worn since high school.

"You don't realize how much you adjust your lifestyle to accommodate your size," he said. "Things such as not tying my shoes because it was hard to breathe bending over, avoiding sitting in patio chairs on a nice day because the arms squeezed you, or being afraid on an airplane about whether I'd have to use the seatbelt extender."

Bariatric surgery has given Mark the confidence and ability to achieve the goals he's been reaching for his whole life. His message for others is not to wait to prioritize your health—life is worth being healthy.

Learn more about bariatric surgery: https://bit.ly/3Sq54gw

A year ago, Michelle had mobility issues and walked with a cane due to joint pain. Now 246 pounds lighter, you can't stop her once she gets going.

Michelle had struggled with her weight for more than 30 years, beginning after she had her first child. She considered weight loss surgery for quite some time, which eventually led to a consultation with Dr. Robert Kenney at Saint Luke's Center for Surgical Weight Loss. After months of preparation, she had her procedure in April 2023 and has no regrets.

"I can do multiple things a day and not be in pain," said Michelle. "The biggest win since having the surgery is being able to hold my grandkids and get up off the floor without any assistance. I'm also a bus driver for work, and it has made doing my job easier."

Michelle's key to success is strictly following her diet plan and monitoring her water intake. Her health has improved so much in the past year that others close to her are also considering weight loss surgery.

"Just do it. Saint Luke's care team is amazing. I highly recommend them to anybody."

Dr. Barbara Nguyen, a bariatric surgeon, wanted a large water tumbler for her birthday to help meet her daily hydration goal, and her team delivered! Water is the body's best friend, especially for weight loss surgery patients. 💦

Mary's obesity caused lots of health problems, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and congestive heart failure. She was on oxygen tanks 24 hours a day, nearly bed-bound, and only left the house for doctor appointments.

"I felt trapped in my body," said Mary. "I don't think I would have lasted five more years."

Mary's cardiologist recommended she consult with a bariatric surgeon at Saint Luke's Center for Surgical Weight Loss. She met with Dr. Brent Sorensen and began what she calls the best year of her life.

"I had my surgery in February of last year and lost 135 pounds," she said. "It was exciting. I took dietitian and exercise classes over Zoom and did the two-week liquid diet. Everything went well!"

A year later, Mary has discontinued nearly all her medications and is no longer on oxygen tanks. She enjoys spending time outdoors and driving now that she fits behind the wheel. Her daughter says she's more outgoing, too.

"Sometimes you have to hit rock bottom before you realize it's out of control. I'm a lot better off than I was."

If you're considering surgical weight loss, learn more about our program at saintlukeskc.org/weightloss.

Melissa had recurring weight issues after she and her husband started a family. Changing her diet and taking walks every day weren't giving her long-term results.

"Those fad diets just don't work," said Melissa. "After my seventh kid, I got on a birth control shot, and I think that's what did me in. One of the biggest side effects was weight gain."

Melissa researched bariatric surgery and found Dr. Kathryn Sobba at Saint Luke's Center for Surgical Weight Loss. She had a gastric bypass in Dec. 2022 and has since lost 134 pounds.

"I'm lower than my wedding weight now. I never thought I'd get to this point," she said. "Everything feels so much better. Doing stuff with my kids is so much easier and I have no more sleep apnea."

Before surgery, Melissa remembers taking her kids to Science City and looking for a place to sit the entire time. Now, she spends the entire day running around with them. 💙

Tenna struggled with her weight after having two kids and working from home during the pandemic.

"My brother got married in 2021 and sent me the pictures of the ceremony," said Tenna. "When I saw myself, I was shocked I had let myself get to that point."

Tenna reached out to bariatric surgeon Dr. Brent Sorensen at Saint Luke's Center for Surgical Weight Loss. She started the program in Oct. 2021 and had her surgery in April 2022. To date, she has lost 170 pounds.

"It was one of the best decisions of my life," she said. "At times, I felt like I wasn't losing enough weight, but Dr. Sorensen's team reassured me I was doing great. I have zero regrets."

Since the surgery, Tenna has stopped her blood pressure medications, ran a 5K, and started pilates. Just going up and down the stairs without issues is a victory for her.

Weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy are making headlines, but many people may not understand the differences between these medications and bariatric surgery - and which option might be best for them.

KCTV5 News Kansas City talked to Dr. Rob Kenney, a surgeon at Saint Luke's Center for Surgical Weight Loss, about the effectiveness of these medications compared to weight loss surgery and when each of these treatments is most appropriate. Watch now: https://bit.ly/4673fvx

KCTV: Medication vs. Surgery: Making the Right Decision for Lasting Weight Loss Results KCTV talked to Dr. Rob Kenney about the effectiveness of these medications compared to weight loss surgery and when each of these treatments is most appropriate.

Daniel struggled with his weight due to prediabetes. He had difficulty passing the physical exams required for his work as a lineman or participating in various social activities with his two sons.

"I would notice that just going downstairs or getting off the trailer was hard," he said. "I would dread certain things at work because it would take everything I had to do it. It was getting to the point where I wondered how much longer I was going to be around."

Daniel had a gastric bypass at Saint Luke's Center for
Surgical Weight Loss in August 2022 from Dr. Michael Arroyo and lost an astonishing 127 pounds within one year. He is no longer prediabetic and loves playing basketball with his boys.

"Don't be afraid or ashamed to do it. You're doing it for you, not what other people think," said Daniel. "My family was very supportive, and it was the right decision, but I had to make it for myself."

Ryan's kids love to play sports, but he couldn't play with them without constantly needing to stop and catch his breath. He learned about the surgical weight loss program at Saint Luke's and decided to go for it.

The lifestyle changes Ryan made took a while, but paid off. He quit chewing to***co, avoided carbonated beverages, and cut his sugar intake. He had bariatric surgery in 2022 and has lost approximately 100 pounds.

"I can walk hills and I'm not getting lightheaded and about to faint," he said. "I don't snore as much, I can fit into smaller spaces while working on equipment, and I can play with my kids. You need to do this for yourself and your family."

Join Saint Luke's Bariatric Support Group on July 6 at 6 p.m. for Food as Medicine Everyday (FAME) Education. Grab your apron and register today! https://bit.ly/43g6Ntw

Bariatric Support Group – Topic: Food as Medicine Everyday (FAME) Education – Saint Luke's Classes and Events Bariatric Support Group – Topic: Food as Medicine Everyday (FAME) Education Bariatric Support Group – Topic: Food as Medicine Everyday (FAME) Education 353 353 people viewed this event. Free Join Saint Luke’s Center for Surgical Weight Loss for a virtual Support Group. Our free support group o...

Tabitha struggled with her weight since she was young. She tried yo-yo dieting and went to the gym, but nothing seemed to work, and she continued to gain weight.

Tabitha has a family history of diabetes. When her father passed away, she was determined not to become diabetic. That's when she took her friends' advice and considered weight loss surgery. She met with bariatric surgeon Dr. Arroyo and after months of preparation, had surgery in June 2022. Since then, Tabitha lost over 100 pounds and her blood glucose level dropped significantly.

“I feel like myself again,” she said. “Everything is easier because the weight weighed me down. I was tired all the time. Even taking the stairs at work, I'd run out of breath after one floor. Now I get up and walk all the time because I have the energy to do more. I take the stairs every morning.”

Tabitha speaks highly of Saint Luke's bariatric surgery program. The personalized support from the entire care team, including dietitians, fitness experts, surgeons, nurses, and counselors, helped her succeed. "It’s a life changer and a positive one. It helps you learn what you need to be doing. You have to maintain it afterward."

Nikki, a 38-year-old preschool teacher and proud mother of four, recently celebrated her 17th wedding anniversary.

She's also celebrating amazing results from her hard work with Saint Luke's comprehensive bariatric program. Nikki has struggled with her weight since graduating high school, but today, she's down 90 pounds and feels amazing.

Nikki prepared for her very successful May 2022 weight-loss surgery for six months with education classes, diet and exercise changes, an EKG, a psych evaluation, and monthly check-ins with her surgeon.

“I have more stamina with my kids. I didn’t work out much before, and now I do,” said Nikki. “I feel 100 times better. I have so much more energy and am not tired all the time. I can keep up with my kids and preschoolers.”

Nikki’s advice: “Don’t be scared—just do it. Especially for moms, we don’t necessarily want to put ourselves first, we put our families first. If you’re on the fence, just do it.”

Learn more about Saint Luke's Center for Surgical Weight Loss: https://bit.ly/3JL1utH

Whitney, now 32, was a high school athlete and always had a healthy weight up until college. Her weight gradually increased during her nursing career and two pregnancies.

Then during a trip to Worlds of Fun with her two sons, she was not able to ride on a roller coaster. That was when she decided she had to do something.

“I decided I was going to need to be healthy for my kids,” said Whitney. “And what I had done in the past hadn’t worked.”

Whitney met with Dr. Brent Sorensen, bariatric surgeon at Saint Luke’s Center for Surgical Weight Loss.

“Dr. Sorenson was amazing,” said Whitney. “I had a million questions about possible complications, and he sat with me in that office forever trying to answer anything that would help me through what was going to be the best decision for me.”

Whitney had surgery on June 14, 2022, and today she feels amazing. Whitney is down 150 pounds.

“I have the most confidence I’ve ever had,” said Whitney. “I went from wearing # # to small or medium, which I haven’t worn since high school. I find myself out with my boys, like, 'Let’s go ride bikes, let’s go hiking.' I’m not as tired doing my daily activities. Since having surgery, I’m no longer on any of my inhalers.”

Whitney’s next goal is to do a triathlon.

Her advice for others interested in weight loss surgery is to remember you are not only making this decision for your family, but for yourself to have the best chance at living a longer, healthier life.

“My team has been absolutely amazing. I think trusting is the big thing. It’s a huge decision, but Saint Luke’s has been the best choice.”

Learn more about Saint Luke’s Weight Loss surgery: https://bit.ly/3mVTYC1

Learn more about Dr. Sorensen: https://bit.ly/3NFXD4k

Hungry? 😋 Try this grilled adobo chicken with corn recipe! https://bit.ly/3MUGcgc

Grilled Adobo Seasoned Chicken with Corn I love Goya brand Adobo seasoning. It is super popular in Florida but you should be able to buy it in any supermarket and for sure on Amazon. It is a super flavorful dry mix of paprika, black pepper, onion powder, oregano, cumin garlic, chili powder, salt, plus secret ingredients I am not privy to.....

Happy ! Get the weekend started off right with a seated dumbbell workout: https://bit.ly/3Mw26VO 💪

14 Min BodySit Seated Dumbbell Chair Workout: Sitting Down Exercises with Weights for Strength Check out my Full Programs Here: http://bit.ly/2En0HvRGet my Nutrition Guide Here: https://bit.ly/360sOPlGet my mat here: https://gorillamats.com/?aff=36Fol...

Connect and share with others on the weight loss journey! 🙌 Request to join our private support group here: https://bit.ly/45xwA27

Check out this protein-packed spinach dip recipe - it's delicious and only takes 10 minutes to make! 😋 https://bit.ly/45Xf5IY

Air Fryer Spinach Cottage Cheese Dip This Spinach Cottage Cheese Dip is the perfect healthy spinach dip! It's packed with protein, full of flavour and takes only 10 minutes to make! It's the perfect addition to a balanced snack to please even the toughest critic!

We try many of the new dietary options before we recommend them to our patients. Here, Dr. Nguyen is tasting a few protein supplements with her care team. 👍

At Stephanie's first visit to Saint Luke's Center for Surgical Weight Loss, she was curious about weight loss surgery. Two years later, she lost a total of 144 pounds.

“The truth is, the most important thing this surgery has done for me, that truly brings me to tears every time I think about it, is that I am able to be the mother that my children deserve,” said Stephanie.

Stephanie had gastric sleeve surgery under the care of Dr. Geoffrey Slayden, a bariatric surgeon at Saint Luke's, in September of 2021.

“I was told by many that surgery is the easy way out. I am here to tell you it is not,” said Stephanie. “This is not just weight loss surgery; this is an entire program geared towards patient care and long-term success.”

The comprehensive program at Saint Luke's Center for Surgical Weight Loss paired Stephanie with a nutritionist, exercise specialist, psychiatrist, and surgeon. Each advised her in the months leading up to and after her surgery.

“The amount of gratitude I have for my team could never be expressed in words.”

Congrats to you, Stephanie! 😄

Interested in learning more about weight loss surgery? https://bit.ly/3wf2ste

Join Saint Luke’s Center for Surgical Weight Loss for a virtual Support Group tonight! A patient panel will share their weight loss stories and help answer questions about bariatric surgery. Register here:

Bariatric Support Group – Topic: Patient Panel – Saint Luke's Classes and Events

Meet Casey, a registered dietitian with Saint Luke’s Center for Surgical Weight Loss. He specializes in presurgical nutrition education and diet recommendations for after bariatric surgery.

"It's very rewarding helping people develop healthy eating habits and achieve their weight loss goals," shared Casey. "Hearing patients’ success stories and how bariatric surgery has changed their life never gets old!"

Pictured is Casey enjoying a sunny day in the fresh air with his family. ☀️