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Retake Control of Your LifeWhen exercise and eating better aren’t enough, the Western Colorado Obesity Management Clinic at St. Mary’s offers a wide range of solutions to help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight for a healthier life. |
Restoring Health Through Comprehensive Obesity TreatmentSt. Mary’s bariatric surgery patients have lost an average of 72% of their excess body weight one-year following surgery. What is more important is that many have improved or eliminated their high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and obstructive sleep apnea and the expensive medications that accompany those obesity-related diseases. |
Patient Success StoriesWe celebrate the success of our patients no matter how big or small. Let the people we’ve helped inspire you with stories of strength, healing and hope. Find out how our team of weight loss professionals helped our patients regain control of their lives. |
Trusted Care in Weight LossSt. Mary’s is proud to be recognized as both an accredited Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) program as well as a Blue Distinction Center for Bariatric Surgery by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Both of these distinctions speak to the success and overall safety of the program. |
Frequently Asked QuestionsAm I a candidate for bariatric surgery?To qualify for bariatric surgery, you must have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or greater or have a BMI of 35 with other health issues related to obesity, with obesity being defined as being 100 pounds or more overweight. These health issues might include:
What are the steps I have to take prior to surgery?When you make an appointment to have bariatric surgery, you are making a commitment to change your life. That new life starts as you prepare for your upcoming surgery and continues as you learn to make healthier choices. Participation in our program includes:
Once you complete all pre-operative steps and your insurance is approved, you will be scheduled to determine a surgery date. What happens after surgery?The average stay in the hospital is one night after surgery. The average time to take off work or school is approximately one week, however, talk to your surgeon about the recommended time to take off. Follow-up is very important to your success. Your first follow-up visit will be approximately one to two weeks after surgery. Then, we will schedule visits with you for one month, three months, six months and one year, and we’re available to meet with you every year after that. Our team is here to support you for the rest of your life! How much does weight loss surgery cost?The cost of bariatric surgery often depends on a variety of factors, including insurance. While most insurance companies will cover bariatric surgery, we recommend that you reach out to your insurance provider to discuss your options. We will provide a FREE telephone appointment with our Financial Counselor to go over your insurance benefit. We accept self-payment, private insurance, Medicaid, and Medicare. How much weight can I lose from weight loss surgery?Around 90% of patients lose 50% of excess body weight and keep it off long-term. Studies have reported that bariatric surgery has proven to decrease mortality, risk for cancer, heart disease, among many other benefits. Your surgeon can give you a more individualized weight loss range based on your starting weight, height, and various other factors. What are the requirements for medical weight loss?Any patient trying to lose weight with a BMI > 30 or >27 with one or more weight related comorbidities, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, or sleep apnea. How much weight can I lose from the medical weight loss program?While studies on individual medications report weight loss of 8-10% with medications and lifestyle changes, we have seen an average of 5% weight loss with a range up to 20% lost in a few patients. Keeping in mind everyone is different. What can I expect at a medical weight loss appointment?Our Nurse Practitioner works with patients to create a customized weight loss plan based on the individual’s medical history and current eating behaviors. Weight loss medications, meal replacements, and supplements will be considered based on patient history. There are multiple medications that are FDA-approved for weight loss. |
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