Getting Started:

The decision to undergo weight loss surgery should be considered very carefully and should only be chosen after all other options for weight control are exhausted. These procedures involve major surgery and you must consider the risks and complications as well as the benefits. Here at the Bariatric Center of Kansas City, we encourage our patients to learn all they can before making the decision to have weight loss surgery. Numerous sources are available to help you make your decision, including your surgeon and his staff, the Internet, your local library, friends and co-workers, and informational seminars.

Success after surgery depends on you, the patient. Your participation is required to optimize weight control and maintain nutritional health. Your cooperation in our evaluation process will also make it easier for us to schedule your surgery as soon as possible. Your commitment to a new, healthier lifestyle is the key that will enable you to lose your excess weight and keep it off for life!

Informational Seminars

One of the first steps in working with our weight loss surgery program is attendance at one of our Informational Seminars held twice monthly at Shawnee Mission Medical Center in Shawnee Mission, Kansas. These complimentary seminars are open to the public but require registration. Each seminar is hosted by either Dr. Hoehn or Dr. Kowalski in order to provide information about both the laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass and the LapBand Gastric Banding procedures. These presentations provide information regarding weight-related co-morbidities, the risks and benefits of weight loss surgery, dietary modifications, patient testimonials and insurance/financial assistance. Members of our team will be there, including some of our staff as well as our clinical psychologist. There is ample time for questions and our post-operative patients are available afterwards as well.

Bariatric Center of Kansas City Informational Seminars

Shawnee Mission Medical Center
9100 West 74th Street
Shawnee Mission Conference Room
Held twice a month – see dates
6 to 8 p.m.
Registration required

Except in special circumstances, all patients interested in our program are required to attend one of the informational seminars. Registration is made simple by either filling out our on-line registration form or by calling our office, and leaving the required information at (913) 677-6319. Once you have registered, you will receive an invitation in the mail which has directions to the seminar location.

If you register by phone, please leave all the required information:

• Name, address, and daytime phone
• Height, weight and BMI
• Name of your insurance company (we recommend that you check for benefits and exclusions first)
• Number of attendees (guests are welcome)