16,000 Steps A Day: Gina’s Bariatric Surgery Transformation

When Gina Hargis, 46, walks into the room, her 7-month-old grandson’s eyes light up and he reaches for her. She picks him up, twirls him around, and kisses him as he giggles.

For Gina, being able to do this without pain is a significant milestone in her weight-loss journey.

The Savannah, Missouri, native had terrible stomach pain three years ago and was diagnosed with a hernia during a visit to Saint Luke's North Hospital's Emergency Department. She was referred to Robert Kenney, DO, a board-certified and fellowship-trained surgeon at Saint Luke's Surgical Specialists.

Dr. Kenney specializes in bariatric, hernia, and gastrointestinal surgeries, using minimally invasive techniques, including robotic and laparoscopic procedures.

“I initially saw Dr. Kenney for my hernia, but during my checkup weeks later, I asked him about bariatric surgery, and he said he does that, too,” Gina says.

Gina gained over 100 pounds in the span of five years due to depression. The weight she gained eventually led to daily leg and back pain, making even a few minutes of walking or standing a challenge.

With encouragement from her sister, Gina considered bariatric surgery. But her primary motivation was to improve her health so she could be present for her family in the years ahead.

“I thought one day, I'm going to have grandkids. How am I going to go to the park with them, go play outside with them, or go swimming with them?” she asks. “I'm not going to be able to enjoy my grandkids the way I want to with the way I am now.”

Preparing for a new chapter

After trying weight-loss medication with limited, short-term results, Gina continued to consider surgery. She consulted with Dr. Kenney, who recommended gastric bypass. This procedure reduces the size of the stomach and reroutes a portion of the intestines.  

The team at Saint Luke's Center for Surgical Weight Loss offers expert guidance and education before and after surgery. Gina’s exercise physiologist customized pre- and postoperative workout plans, and a dietitian personalized a meal plan for her.

“It’s amazing the way Saint Luke's does it, and I still refer to my preoperative workbook for things,” Gina says. “I would have been really confused on how to do this weight-loss journey without my dietitian or exercise coach.”

Additionally, a psychologist screened Gina before surgery, and a behavioral health team was there for her after the procedure in case she needed support.  

Dr. Kenney successfully performed Gina’s gastric bypass in May 2025.  

From recovery to results

As of today, Gina has lost 106 pounds with her family supporting her every step of the way. While adjusting to a new lifestyle after surgery, she leaned on her support system for advice and comfort.

After previously taking several prescribed medications, Gina now only needs one to control her blood pressure.  

For Gina, the most meaningful changes aren’t found on a scale or in the doctor’s office. She feels them in her everyday life.  

“When I weighed more, I would go shopping with my 77-year-old mom and wouldn't last five minutes in a store, but now I don’t run out of breath when I walk and feel so much better,” Gina says.

She’s able to walk between 15,000–16,000 steps a day and enjoys being both a mom and grandmother to the fullest.  

“I'm so proud of myself and the way I feel,” Gina says. “It’s the best thing I've ever done.”

Saint Luke’s Center for Surgical Weight Loss is nationally recognized for high-quality and compassionate care. From extensive education upfront, through surgery, and long-term postoperative support, you can trust that our experts will be there with you throughout your journey.

Learn more about bariatric surgery and take the first step in your surgical weight-loss journey.