Denver Midtown Clinic - Weight Loss & Reflux Center

Yes, bariatric surgery is considered very safe, with current mortality rates comparable to or lower than many other common procedures like gallbladder removal or knee replacement. For individuals with severe obesity, the health benefits and increased lifespan associated with the surgery far outweigh the risks of not undergoing surgery. The likelihood of major complications is low, at about 4%.

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 (PCOS)
• Lipid and cholesterol disorders
• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
• Varicose veins

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.

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-ups are 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.

The cost of weight‑loss surgery can vary based on several factors, including your insurance coverage. Many insurance providers do cover bariatric procedures, but we recommend contacting your insurance company to understand your specific benefits. Our team is also available to review your coverage and discuss financial options. We accept self‑payment, private insurance, Medicaid, and Medicare.

Estimates for medical procedures and services available. Get an estimate quickly and easily online. Estimates are available with or without a MyChart account.

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.

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.

Our medical weight loss providers work 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.

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.