Bariatric medicine doctors in Denver

Bariatric surgery, also referred to as "weight loss surgery," is used to assist those who are struggling with obesity. To ensure you can get this help, HealthONE offers several types of bariatric surgery—each designed to decrease food intake with the goal of rapid weight loss. We can help you effectively lose weight, get healthy and regain your life.

To learn more about HealthONE's bariatric surgeries, call us at (303) 575-0055.

Bariatric centers of excellence

Our board-certified surgeons have performed thousands of weight loss surgeries with safety and complication rates that are better than the national average. They combine clinical excellence with educational programs to give each patient the best possible outcome after their weight loss surgery.

HealthONE’s network includes two specialized bariatric surgery Centers of Excellence in the Denver area:

Bariatric procedures we offer

Not everyone is a candidate for weight loss surgery, but we can help you through the process of figuring out if it is right for you. If it is, we offer a comprehensive range of surgeries, including:

Gastric bypass

The Roux en-Y Gastric Bypass has long been considered the "gold standard" for obesity surgery. This procedure is particularly suited to persons with a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or greater along with comorbidities, such as diabetes, high blood pressure or sleep apnea. Most people are able to return to work in two to three weeks after surgery.

Duodenal switch

The duodenal switch is a procedure that combines two types of bariatric procedures—restriction and malabsorption. One of the benefits of this is that it leaves the valve at the bottom of the stomach. This lengthens the amount of time food stays in the stomach, which gives a longer feeling of fullness. Another advantage is that it limits the amount of fat that is absorbed from the intake of food. Lastly, the procedure is completely reversible because the small intestine is not removed.

Gastric lap band

The gastric lap band procedure reduces weight loss through restriction (a band around the outside of the upper-most stomach). This surgery can serve as a great option for gaining long-term control of your weight. It is typically better suited for people who have a lower BMI (30-40). It is also a good option for people who prefer a quicker recovery and the ability to undergo a surgical procedure that is adjustable and removable. Most patients can return to work three days after surgery.

Other bariatric procedures

Our team is highly experienced and committed to finding the least invasive method of treatment, while still providing a safe outcome for our patients. Click the links below to learn more about the benefits and details of each.

Lifestyle changes after weight loss surgery

Surgery is the beginning of your weight loss journey. Commitment and hard work are needed after surgery to reach your weight loss goals. Diet and exercise will be important in your recovery process. We will help you with that as you follow these basic guidelines after your surgery:

Medical care and nutritional supplements

Over time, you will need periodic checks for anemia (low red blood cell count) and vitamin B12, folate and iron levels. Follow-up tests will initially be conducted every six months or as needed, and then every one to two years afterward. Additionally, all patients are encouraged to attend regular free support group meetings with our registered dietitian.

Eating habits and a bariatric diet

The modifications made to your gastrointestinal (GI) tract will require permanent changes in your eating habits. Directly after weight loss surgery, your diet will progress from a liquids, to puree, to soft foods and then a modified regular diet.

Specific post-bariatric surgery diets vary depending on the procedure you undergo. Some of the changes you can expect include:

  • Avoiding alcohol
  • Chewing your food (especially meat) thoroughly
  • Limiting snacks between meals
  • Not drinking fluids while eating
  • Omitting carbonated drinks, high-calorie nutritional supplements, milk shakes, high-fat foods and foods with high fiber content
  • Omitting foods/drinks with sugar listed as one of the first three ingredients

Exercise

Following recovery from bariatric surgery, regular cardiovascular exercise and strength training must be part of your daily routine. Exercise is also vitally important to helping you reach your weight loss goal.

Going back to work

Your ability to resume pre-surgery levels of activity will vary according to your physical condition, the nature of the activity and the type of weight loss surgery you had. Many patients return to full pre-surgery levels of activity within six weeks of their procedure. Patients who have had a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure may be able to return to these activities within a few weeks.

Support for patients

As a bariatric patient in the HealthONE network of care, you will receive support at every stage of your weight loss journey. This includes:

  • Informative seminars where you can learn about surgical options and what to expect as a patient
  • Medically managed weight loss programs if you are required by your insurance provider to participate in a weight loss program prior to surgery
  • Support groups and post-operative classes, in which you can learn how to maintain a healthy weight post-surgery
  • Specialized facilities designed to create a comfortable environment when you undergo weight loss surgery.

Weight loss resources

Weight loss is a difficult and emotional journey, but there are many resources available to help you. Some organizations that may be able to help include:

Free weight loss seminars

HealthONE's bariatric surgery centers offer free seminars so you can meet our surgeons, get answers to your questions, and find out more about what is involved in bariatric surgery. You will also learn about your surgical options, lifestyle changes, risks, how weight loss surgery will help reduce your risk of life-threatening conditions and what you can expect after surgery.

About our bariatric surgery seminars

These seminars are for people seeking information about weight loss surgery. Depending on the type of bariatric surgery, program attendance may be required for potential candidates prior to setting up a consult with our surgeons.

Bariatric surgery is a major life-changing decision—a decision we feel affects and should be understood by important people in your life. We ask that, if available, spouses or committed partners attend.