Bariatrics

785-623-5000 | Submit an Email
2500 Canterbury Drive
Hays, KS 67601 | Directions

Now, significant weight loss is possible. Hays Medical Center’s Bariatric Surgery Program may help you attain a more healthy body weight and other long-term health benefits. Bariatric surgery can lead to sustained weight loss and decreased mortality due to weight related complications.

Why is Bariatric Surgery Different at Hays Medical Center?

Unlike other facilities offering bariatric surgery, Hays Medical Center’s Bariatric Surgery Program offers a 12 month extensive fitness, nutrition and psychological plan following your surgery. You will receive support and guidance from our nutritionists, fitness experts and mental health professional to help you navigate that crucial first year after the surgery. In addition, patient will continue with follow-up for five years after surgery.

Benefits of Weight Loss Surgery

Over time the benefits of weight loss surgery may include:

  • Significant weight loss
  • Lower cholesterol
  • Lower blood pressure
  • Improvement of Type II diabetes
  • Improvement of cardiovascular health
  • Relief of sleep apnea
  • Relief of digestive problems
  • Decreased joint pain
  • Improved mobility
  • Improved self image

In addition, weight loss provides an increase in mobility for previously sedentary patient.

What is BMI?

“What is BMI and how do I calculate mine?

BMI stands for “Body Mass Index” and is the result of a mathematical formula used to evaluate weight in regards to the distribution of mass compared to one’s height. The original formula uses metric measurements:

Body Weight in Kg divided by Height in Meters squared = BMI

However, several tables and BMI calculators exist online to make figuring your BMI even easier.

Why is my BMI important to know?

BMI is one way health professionals can classify individuals for procedural qualifications such as bariatric surgeries. Individuals with a BMI too low or too high may not qualify for this type of intervention. BMI calculations also help to identify and stratify individuals at increased risk for such as cardiovascular diseases (heart attack and stroke), cancer, and diabetes.

Are you a candidate for surgery?

You must meet these Requirements to be considered for weight loss surgery:
  • You must have a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or more. This is usually approximately 100 pounds of excess weight.
  • Or a BMI over 30 with a co-morbid condition. Some examples of co-morbid conditions related to being overweight are Diabetes Type 2, degenerative joint disease, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, congestive heart failure, gastroesophageal reflux disease, infertility, sleep apnea, urinary stress incontinence, or depression.
  • Have an understanding of the operation and the necessary lifestyle changes you will need to make.
  • Be committed to making the necessary changes
  • Attend an informational seminar meeting (2 hours).
  • Comply with necessary labs, consultations, and testing the doctors have ordered.
  • Attend a preoperative education class (4 hours).

Next Steps…Getting Started

Getting Started

The first step for all patients to enter our program is to attend an informational seminar. In the mean time it is important that you be doing the following:

  1. Contact your insurance company and determine if your plan has a benefit for weight loss surgery.
  2. Call to register for an upcoming weight loss surgery seminar
  3. Gather all weight loss records and documents. Many insurance companies require Documentation of at least six continuous months of a physician supervised weight loss program.
  4. Begin making health food choices and begin to make lifestyle changes such as starting an exercise plan. Any weight that you can lose before surgery is very important.
  5. Familiarize yourself with the program overview.

Bariatric Surgical Procedures

The Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

The Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

The first step in the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass is the creation of a small stomach pouch using a surgical stapler. The stomach pouch, about the size of a thumb, is created out of the top portion of the existing stomach. The small stomach pouch restricts the amount of food eaten in one sitting. Next, the small bowel is divided about two feet from the stomach. One end of the small bowel is attached to the “new” stomach pouch, referred to as the gastrojejunostomy. The other end of the section of small bowel, still connected to the remaining large portion of the pre-existing stomach, is reconnected to the intestinal tract. This is referred to as the jejunojejunostomy.

As implied by the term “gastric bypass,” food is now routed past most of the stomach and the first section of the small intestines. The procedure causes a restriction in the amount of food that is consumed and a reduction in the nutrients that are absorbed.

The Sleeve Gastrectomy

The Sleeve Gastrectomy

The Sleeve Gastrectomy is also a restrictive procedure. The objective of the procedure is relatively simple, to reduce the size of the stomach by about 60%. The new stomach is in the shape of a sleeve, giving the gastrectomy its name.