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Community Hospital Expands Bariatric Program

by KREX News Room
by John Dias

Story Created: Jan 1, 2013 at 7:51 AM MDT

Story Updated: Jan 1, 2013 at 7:51 AM MDT

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo.- With the New Year here, many of us are looking to a new or better way of living. Maybe some are even looking to shed some weight.

Whether it’s helping folks rid diabetes, or improving their joints and cardiovascular system, Community Hospital just expanded their bariatric program, which could help you reach that New Year goal.

“Having the surgery and getting the weight loss that you need, it will improve your life after that,” said Annette Saylor, director of surgical services.

The popular hospital has been offering bariatric surgeries, like lap ban surgery, to residents for over three years. However, they’ve decided to expand their program and bring in three new surgeons to provide sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass surgeries.

Dr. Andrew Morse says the expansion will help out those looking to shed some extra pounds.

“Surgical weight loss is proven to be one of the best ways to lose weight and keep it off over the long term,” said Dr. Morse.

Although these types of surgeries have been around for a few years, Dr. Morse says more people are utilizing these procedures.

“Last year, more than 200,000 people had weight loss surgery throughout the U.S.,” said Morse.

Health officials say it’s important to get this procedure done where you can also schedule follow ups. So, bringing these new methods to the Grand Valley will help prevent those from having to travel out of town constantly.

“One of the biggest problems for those who have sought weight loss surgery, it required them to drive hundreds of miles away to get the surgery, and then go back and do the follow up in the future,” said Dr. Morse.

“We are going to take care of the patients from the minute they learn about bariatric surgery to 6 months after,” said Saylor.

Hospital officials say they even follow through for the next 5 years.

Before you decide on bariatric surgery, health experts say to do your homework and to not rush into a procedure.

A ribbon cutting ceremony for the hospitals new bariatric wing is scheduled for January 23rd.

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