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Western Colorado Obesity Management Clinic

When 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

Location Information

2440 North 11th Street
Grand Junction, CO 81501

(970) 298-6400

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Weight Loss Options

Sleeve Gastrectomy

Sleeve gastrectomy is a restrictive bariatric procedure that permanently reduces the size of the stomach by about 85 percent. The larger, rounded part of the stomach is removed, leaving a small sleeved-shaped portion about the size and shape of a banana. Though the stomach is smaller, digestion and absorption of nutrients go on as normal. Some patients also may have duodenal switch surgery that reduces absorption of calories and nutrients by shortening the length of intestine that food passes through.

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

By reducing the size of the stomach by limiting the nutrients that the intestines can absorb. The surgeon divides the stomach, creating a pouch – about the size of an egg – that feels full after eating a small amount of food. The larger portion of the stomach and a portion of the small intestine are bypassed and reconnected in a Y-shaped configuration. The shortened length of intestine absorbs fewer calories and nutrients.

Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS)

BPD/DS is a weight loss surgery procedure with both restrictive and malabsorptive aspects. A portion of the stomach is removed, restricting the amount of food the stomach can hold so the patient feels full quickly. A portion of the small intestine is rerouted, reducing the amount of time the body has to capture calories and absorb fat.

Patient Success Stories

We 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.

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Trusted Care in Weight Loss

St. 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 Treatment

St. 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 Questions

Am 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:

Congestive heart failure
Coronary artery disease
Diabetes mellitus
Hypertension
Infertility/polycystic ovary syndrome
Lipid and cholesterol disorders
Low back pain
Obstructive sleep apnea
Physical disability
Pulmonary embolism
Shortness of breath/fatigue
Varicose veins

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:

Meeting your bariatric surgeon who will help you with health screenings and evaluations
Nutrition evaluations
Education
Smoking cessation
Learning about your insurance coverage

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.

Learn More About Weight Loss Seminars