North Kansas City Hospital offers a full-service Bariatric Center, the only surgical weight loss option in the Northland. Our program, with a full range of services in one location, is designed to help people lose weight, and change their lives, for life-long success.
Surgical Weight Loss Options
North Kansas City Hospital offers a number of effective, proven bariatric surgery options to help you reach your weight loss goals. Our experienced team can help you find an option that’s right for you.
Seminars & Support Groups
Free informational seminars for people interested in learning more about bariatric surgery are held every month. These sessions are led by Keenan Berghoff, MD, the Center's medical director. Dr. Berghoff is a board-certified general surgeon with specialized training in advanced laparoscopic surgery and bariatric procedures. He has performed nearly 400 bariatric procedures in his career.
If you think you are a candidate for surgery, you must register to attend a seminar.
The support group meets monthly from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Bariatric Center. The group is only for those individuals who are currently enrolled with the Center. Check dates for 2013 meetings.
Bariatric Center Team
North Kansas City Hospital has a trusted team of health professionals who are all conveniently located on the Hospital campus. This experienced team ensures you are prepared before surgery and remains committed to your success after surgery as well.
Are You A Candidate?
If you are considering gastric bypass surgery, you are required to meet a number of criteria. In most cases, you must:
- Be at least 100 pounds overweight. You may qualify with a lesser weight if there are serious medical problems that may be corrected or greatly improved with significant weight loss. Or have a BMI of 35 or greater.
- Have the intellectual capacity to understand and comply with the recommended postoperative program.
- Have a history of failing to lose weight or maintain weight loss on other diet programs.
- Not have any medical conditions that would make the surgical risks prohibitive or inappropriate.
- Demonstrate a willingness to engage in lifestyle and nutritional habits known to support weight loss.
- Have support from family, spouse, or close friends.
- Surgery is not recommended for the mentally ill or impaired, patients known to abuse alcohol or drugs, or those with an eating disorder such as bulimia.
Anyone considering bariatric surgery should attend a free seminar.
Statistics
Bariatric surgery and the ensuing weight loss helps people increase their activity and quality of life.
- 89% reduction in 5 year mortality rate with surgery. Those that receive surgery are 9 times less likely to die over the next 5 years. This improved expectancy persists over the years.
- 80% of diabetes resolved
- 75% of hypertension resolved
- 70% of elevated cholesterol levels normalized
- 90% of weight loss is maintained beyond 10 years
Risks
While no surgery is risk free, minimally invasive laparoscopic bariatric surgery is safer than routine surgeries like hysterectomies or gallbladder removal. Due to the associated health risks of people being overweight, people put themselves at greater risk by not having the surgery and remaining obese.
- .1% mortality
- 1% leak rate (from surgery site)
- 4% complication rate
Insurance & Pricing
Today, many health insurance plans cover weight loss surgery. Before you consider weight loss surgery as an option we suggest that you contact your insurance company to verify that bariatric treatment is covered by your policy and that the Bariatric Center at North Kansas City Hospital is part of your coverage.
Some insurance companies will not say if it is a covered benefit until all documentation is in and a determination has been made about medical necessity. It is very important that you contact your insurance company as soon as possible to determine if reimbursement is available. If not, discuss your situation with the Bariatric Center team to discuss other options.
This can be an overwhelming process, so we have provided a list of questions that you may use when talking with your insurance representative as well as some frequently asked questions.
Cost breakdown for each procedure
This pricing is for self pay patients:
Lap Band - $11,500
Sleeve - $14,000
By-Pass - $20,000
Success Stories
Julie Shares Her Journey to Surgery
A series of devastating hardships put Julie in a difficult place, both physically and emotionally.
Reclaiming her life, Julie decides to have surgery after meeting with Dr. Berghoff and the rest of our Bariatric Team.
