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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. ![]() |
Rediscovering Life: A Journey of Health and HappinessTwo-and-a-half years ago, Dawn Tooker was morbidly obese. She couldn’t walk more than a few steps without stopping to catch her breath. She couldn’t fly in an airplane, fit in a booth at a restaurant, or even tie her shoes. She was embarrassed to be seen in public. Worst of all, she couldn’t play with her grandkids. “That was my tipping point,” Dawn said. “When my little guy, my grandson, was looking at me and saying, ‘play with me, grandma,’ and I couldn’t because I couldn’t move, that’s when I knew it was time to get serious about losing weight. I had tried other diet plans but had little success. I needed a better solution.” Dawn’s family physician referred her to the Intermountain Health Western Colorado Obesity Management Clinic where she went through a six-month program oftesting, classes, and counseling before undergoing bariatric surgery. “This program is not for everyone,” said Dawn. “You really must be committed to changing your life. Every step of the way I had to get approval for surgery from everyone involved: the dietitian, my family physician, the psychologist, the PA, the surgeon — we all had to be on the same page and agree that I was a suitable candidate for surgery.” The team approved Dawn for a surgical procedure called a duodenal switch, to be performed by Dr. L. Kasey Welsh of Intermountain Health. The duodenal switch is a weight loss surgery that involves removing part ofthe stomach and reconfiguring the small intestine. “Dr. Welsh explained that there were different procedures that he could do, and the different things that they accomplish,” said Dawn. “Together, we decided that the duodenal switch was the best option for me.” Dr. Welsh performed the surgery at St. Mary’s Regional Hospital and sent Dawn home the next day to begin her post-surgery recovery. “Their recovery protocol is incredibly thorough and detailed,” Dawn said. “The dietary restrictions are very specific, and I was in close contact with the dietitian to make sure I was receiving the right nutrients throughout my recovery. Summer Long, my Physician Assistant, was extremely helpful with on-going checkups, regular bloodwork and emotional support. The whole team was just incredible in helping me move forward toward achieving my goals.” “Now, I’m half the size I was,” Dawn said. “Everything is different now. I have a much better outlook on life. I’m not afraid to go anywhere or be seen. I can move, I can play. I’m no longer diabetic, and I achieved my most important goal. When I chase my grandkids around and run at the park with them, it’s just the greatest thing in the world. I’m so glad I did it.” To anyone who suffers from morbid obesity, Dawn offers this advice: “Be your own hero. Take it one day at a time. Come to the Western Colorado Obesity Management Clinic and let them do what they do best. It’s not easy, but they know what they’re doing, and I’m a living example of their successes. You can be too.” |
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. ![]() |
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. |
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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