Meet Our Bariatric Surgeons & Staff
Committing to a healthier way of life can be challenging. But at the Center for Weight Loss Surgery at Saint Joseph East, you always have Lexington’s most experienced and compassionate bariatric team in your corner.
Our bariatric surgeons and many of our dedicated support staff have been part of our weight loss program for more than a decade. We take pride in offering a comprehensive range of weight loss surgery procedures designed to suit the unique needs and goals of each individual. You’ll feel that warm, collaborative spirit from your first visit through long-term follow-up care. We’re here to lean on—and cheer you on—as you find the success you deserve.
Learn about our bariatric surgeons and specialists below. When you’re ready to get started, just follow these steps.
Ready to Make an Appointment?
Follow these steps before making an appointment with our bariatric team. If you have any questions, call 859.967.5520.
- First, check with your insurance provider to make sure you have weight loss surgery benefits.
- Watch our free online seminar.
- Fill out our online form.
- Email a copy of your insurance card (front and back) to [email protected] or fax a copy to 859.967.5444.
Once we have received your registration (either electronically or by paper), we will verify that you have benefits for weight loss surgery. We will then call to schedule your first appointment with the physician assistant or to discuss your insurance options.
Our dedicated team of bariatric surgeons and providers is committed to supporting you throughout your weight loss journey. Get to know each of our providers better and learn about their expertise as bariatric surgeons below.
Our Bariatric Surgeons & Providers
Bariatric Nurses and Staff
Karen Hillenmeyer, BS, PA-C – Bariatric Program Director
Karen received her undergraduate and Physician Assistant education at the University of Kentucky, and has worked in general and vascular surgery since 1981. She has assisted in over 7,000 laparoscopic procedures, and over 3,500 weight loss surgery procedures.
As the bariatric coordinator at Saint Joseph East, Karen helped develop our hospital program and assemble our team of caring weight loss experts.
She is here to provide hands-on guidance throughout your weight loss journey. Count on Karen to:
- Educate you about your options and develop a personalized plan for success.
- Coordinate all pre- and post-operative testing and appointments, and ensure you have everything you need between visits.
- Provide ongoing follow-up care, including facilitating monthly support groups to help you maintain momentum.
- Be an extra source of support every step of the way.
Karen is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, the American Society of Bariatric Surgeons and the American Society of Bariatric Physicians.
Billi J. Benson, BA, MEd – Exercise Physiologist
Billi is certified by the American College of Sports Medicine. She provides a physical assessment before and after your surgery during designated time intervals, and will work with you to create a personalized exercise program based on your physical ability, limitations and needs.
Billi uses our private in-office gym for one-on-one exercise instruction.
Lillie Harris, RN, CBN – Bariatric Nurse
Lillie is a full-time registered nurse with our program, and has worked with bariatric patients in the hospital as well as in the clinic for several years. She received specialized certification as a Bariatric Nurse from the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.
Lillie’s compassion is continually recognized by program participants, and you can expect the same attentive care before and after your surgery. She also teaches our Bari Boot Camp, a pre-operative class to help you prepare for your experience.
Leslie Hughes, RN, CBN – Bariatric Nurse
Leslie has received specialized certification as a Bariatric Nurse from the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Starting in 2008, she worked with bariatric patients at Saint Joseph East as a floor nurse, caring of our patients while in the hospital after surgery.
Now as a full-time nurse with our program, she brings her experience into our office. Leslie helps manage your pre- and post-operative care, and teaches our pre-operative Bari Boot Camp to help you prepare for your experience. She is always on-hand to answer questions and provide extra support.
Weight Loss Surgery Assessment
Learn if you qualify for weight loss surgery with our free online assessment.
Find a Provider
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Nationally Recognized Bariatrics Program
