Saint Luke's Center for Surgical Weight Loss

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Saint Luke's Center for Surgical Weight Loss

Bariatric Surgery support Saint Luke’s Center for Surgical Weight Loss can help you lose your excess weight and keep it off for life.

Our flagship program at Saint Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City and Saint Luke’s South Hospital in Overland Park, Kansas are MBSAQIP Accredited Centers and are ASMBS Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence. These distinctions are earned by programs that provide superior surgical care and achieve top levels of performance. In addition, bariatric surgery is also performed at Saint Luke’s East Hospital in Lee’s Summit, and Saint Luke’s North Hospital in the Northland.

03/12/2026

Patricia always loved camping with her kids, but her limited mobility made it feel like a challenge to stand for more than a few minutes.

“My knees used to be bad when I was heavier,” she says. “I tried to lose the weight by myself, but I just wasn’t as successful as I wanted to be.”

Patricia initially turned to an appetite suppressant drug, which offered her short-term results. Her primary care provider referred her to Saint Luke’s for weight-loss surgery. She consulted with Dr. G. Brent Sorensen, a board-certified bariatric surgeon at Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City.

Dr. Sorensen recommended a gastric bypass—a procedure that reduces the size of the stomach and reroutes a portion of the intestines.

“It was a journey, and none of it was easy, but I'm so glad I did it,” Patricia says.

Dr. Sorensen performed a gastric bypass surgery in September 2024, and Patricia was able to go home two days later. Postoperative recovery went smoothly for Patricia, and with the support of her husband, Michael—her biggest supporter—she began adjusting to her new lifestyle. Now she enjoys camping with her 15-year-old daughter and 7-year-old twin boys.

“When we go camping, I'm moving around and helping my sons—I’m chasing them around now, which makes me smile brighter,” Patricia says.

With her mobility restored, Patricia made the decision to work a seasonal job where she walks 20,000 steps a day—something she would never have dreamed possible just a few years ago. She’s working toward the goals she set for herself after achieving her weight-loss milestone.

Read more about Patricia’s weight-loss journey: https://heyor.ca/y8jeTR

03/09/2026

As a high-school athlete, Leighanna, 43, has always lived an active lifestyle. But maintaining her weight felt like a struggle, and her repeated weight-loss efforts gnawed at her confidence.

"I tried fad weight-loss programs and lost 50 pounds, but then life happened, and I gained it all back," she says.

In search of a more permanent solution, Leighanna reached out to her primary care provider, who referred her to Dr. Kathryn Sobba, a board-certified and fellowship-trained bariatric surgeon at Saint Luke’s North Hospital to discuss weight-loss surgery options.

Leighanna consulted with Dr. Sobba in April of 2024 and prepared for a gastric bypass—a procedure that reduces the size of the stomach and reroutes a portion of the intestine.

As part of Saint Luke's bariatric program, Leighanna's care team offered expert guidance before and after surgery. An exercise physiologist customized a pre- and postoperative workout plan for Leighanna; a psychologist screened her before surgery; a dietitian personalized a meal plan for her; and a behavioral health team was there for her after the operation in case she needed support.

Dr. Sobba performed a gastric bypass on Leighanna in October 2024.
As of January 2026, she has lost 72 pounds, and she now goes to the gym five times per week.

“I feel like I got my life back,” she says. “Last year was the first year that I felt comfortable in my own skin.”

Now more than a year after her gastric bypass, Leighanna is making up for lost time by playing soccer with her kids, enjoying walks, and going on family vacations—including a couple of trips to Hawaii.

Read more about Leighanna's transformation: https://heyor.ca/1WuVhh

03/02/2026

Don't miss our next monthly Weight Loss Wellness Group meeting on Thursday, March 5 at 6 p.m. This month we'll be meeting in-person in the Horner Wellness Conference Room at Saint Luke's South Hospital for a protein taste testing!

The Weight Loss Wellness Group offers tools and resources for those pre- and post-surgery. Join us and connect with others who may have the same questions as you.

Learn more and register: https://heyor.ca/adrzEK

02/02/2026

The next Weight Loss Wellness Group meeting is scheduled for this Thursday, February 5, at 6 p.m. This month, we will discuss ways to prevent weight regain and navigate weight plateaus.

The Weight Loss Wellness Group offers resources for anyone pre-surgery or post-surgery. Join us and meet others who may have the same questions as you. Learn more and register: https://heyor.ca/PCyWka

01/15/2026

Join us next Tuesday, January 20 at 6 p.m. for our next virtual Bariatric Support Group meeting. This month, we’ll explore how relationships can shift and evolve after surgery.

The Bariatric Support Group offers tools and resources for those pre- and post-surgery. Meet others who may have the same questions as you!

Register for January’s meeting: https://heyor.ca/VzZUg8

12/01/2025

Join our Bariatric Support Group this Thursday, December 4 at 6 p.m. for a virtual session full of practical tips and strategies to enjoy holiday gatherings without losing sight of your health goals.

The Saint Luke’s Center for Surgical Weight Loss bariatric support group offers tools and resources for those pre- and post-surgery. Join us and meet others who may have the same questions as you.

Learn more and register: https://heyor.ca/kvn66n

11/28/2025

After years of struggling with her weight, Bonnie reached a turning point in the spring of 2022. During a routine appointment to address ongoing blood pressure, cholesterol, and thyroid challenges, she realized it was time to seek additional support. She asked her doctor for help finding a weight-loss specialist.

Her doctor referred her to Dr. Geoffrey Slayden with Saint Luke's Center for Surgical Weight Loss at Saint Luke's South Hospital, where Bonnie’s journey began. From her very first visit, she was met with a supportive team, which included everyone from her surgeon and nurses to nutrition and fitness experts, who guided her through every step of the process.

Three years later, Bonnie has lost more than 160 pounds. Bonnie and Dr. Slayden recently joined FOX4 News Kansas City and KSHB 41 to share her story: https://heyor.ca/LAfRH7

11/25/2025

At 66, Karen was exhausted by the daily toll her weight was taking on her health. After a life-changing gastric bypass surgery, she’s lost more than 100 pounds—and gained her life back.

“I gained weight after having two children, and I've tried to do things on my own, but it just didn't seem to work,” she says. “I was having a few health issues, and when I asked my doctor about them, he suggested I talk to a bariatric surgeon.”

Karen met with Dr. G. Brent Sorensen, a board-certified general surgeon with Saint Luke’s Center for Surgical Weight Loss. She began with a consultation and continued on to a course that included extensive education about surgical options for weight loss, diet counseling, and a custom exercise program.

Karen received a gastric bypass in May 2015 at Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City. A decade after her weight-loss surgery, she continues to enjoy lasting improvements in her overall quality of life. She walks almost 5,000 steps every day, takes walks with her mini golden doodle, and spends quality time with her two daughters and six granddaughters.

“This year, my doctor took me off the blood pressure medicine I was prescribed when I weighed more. I feel so much better about myself, and I feel better in my clothes,” she says.

Feeling healthier and more like herself, Karen credits the surgery results and the support system that helped her get there.

“It's been great for me, and I’m thankful for Dr. Sorensen's team, including the staff and everybody there. I’ve been 100% happy with it,” she says.

Read Karen's inspiring story: https://heyor.ca/ug73sI

11/17/2025

As an exercise physiologist with Saint Luke's Center for Surgical Weight Loss, Dalton’s passion for helping people build healthy habits through bariatric surgery is personal. For Dalton, seeing someone's progression is what he loves most about the work he does.

“When patients come in for their one-year post-op appointment and they take their after photos, it’s incredible to see how proud they feel,” Dalton said. “Not even just in how they look, but you can tell they feel so much better and life is so much easier.”

Dalton encourages patients to start small—even with just 60 minutes of exercise per week—and building from there.

“Post-op, patients often say they don’t have the energy, which usually comes from diet because they’re having a hard time getting the protein and water their body needs,” Dalton said. “I always reinforce with patients that exercise will actually increase your energy. I work hand-in-hand with the dietitian, especially with patients who are experiencing a plateau, to figure out what might be the cause.”

Finding the time to exercise is another challenge Dalton sees with his patients—and something he works through as well.

“While the gym is recommended, it’s not needed,” Dalton said. “Some patients are working 14-hour days, so giving them ideas of what they can do at home helps. Ultimately, exercise boosts your energy and it can help power through the rest of the day.”

Learn more about Saint Luke's Center for Surgical Weight Loss: https://heyor.ca/FocESU

11/13/2025

After struggling with plantar fasciitis, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea, Shaun decided to take a life-changing step—bariatric surgery.

Shaun's wife lost more than 100 pounds after receiving bariatric surgery at Saint Luke's about seven years prior. Seeing her success inspired Shaun to take the next step.

“She convinced me to do it, and I’m glad I did, honestly,” Shaun said.

Shaun spoke with his primary care doctor about bariatric surgery, and he was referred to Dr. Robert Kenney at Saint Luke’s Surgical Specialists. Over the next six months, Shaun completed a course that explained how to get ready for surgery, what to expect afterward, and the lifestyle changes necessary for success.

In July 2024, Shaun underwent gastric sleeve surgery with Dr. Kenney. As he adapted to his new routine, he began noticing changes. Nearly one year later, he has lost almost 100 pounds, and the transformation in his daily life has been remarkable.

“I don’t get out of breath so easily, I have a lot more energy, and I just feel better overall,” Shaun said. “A healthier life is better, and I really enjoy sharing my story in case it helps someone else down the road.”

Learn more about Saint Luke’s Center for Surgical Weight Loss: https://heyor.ca/zwEzEO

11/11/2025

Join us at our next virtual Bariatric Support Group on Tuesday, Nov. 18, at 6 p.m.!

This month, we’ll discuss how to read nutrition labels so that you can make healthier choices with confidence. We’ll also discuss indoor exercise options to help you stay active during the colder months, including low-impact cardio and simple stepper routines. 🏃

Learn more and register: https://heyor.ca/fri51L

10/01/2025

Join Saint Luke's Center for Surgical Weight Loss on Monday, Oct. 6 at 6 p.m. for our monthly virtual Bariatric Support Group.

This month, we will have a Food As Medicine Everyday (FAME) virtual cooking demonstration, hosted by Saint Luke's Center for Surgical Weight Loss and Saint Luke's Muriel I. Kauffman Women's Heart Center. You're welcome to prepare the lettuce wraps from your own kitchen alongside the FAME presenter, or simply watch the demonstration.

The Bariatric Support Group provides tools and resources for individuals who are pre- and post-operative. It's also a great way to meet others who may have similar questions or experiences.

Register today: https://heyor.ca/wWXkRp

Address

4320 Wornall Road
Kansas City, MO
64111

Website

https://www.saintlukeskc.org/saint-lukes-center-surgical-weight-loss

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Our Story

Saint Luke’s Center for Surgical Weight Loss can help you lose your excess weight and keep it off for life. Our flagship program at Saint Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City is an MBSAQIP-Accredited Center and an ASMBS Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence. These distinctions are earned by programs that provide superior surgical care and achieve top levels of performance. In addition to Saint Luke’s Hospital, bariatric surgery is also performed at Saint Luke’s South Hospital in Overland Park, Kan.