CommonSpirit Penrose Hospital Weight Loss Surgery and Bariatrics

Weight Loss Clinic in Colorado Springs, Colorado

Call (719) 776-53592222 N Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907

About CommonSpirit Penrose Hospital Weight Loss Surgery and Bariatrics

Treatment at CommonSpirit Penrose Hospital Weight Loss Surgery and Bariatrics

CommonSpirit Penrose Hospital Weight Loss Surgery and Bariatrics offers comprehensive surgical and non-surgical weight loss solutions backed by the resources and expertise of a major hospital system. Our multidisciplinary team includes board-certified bariatric surgeons, registered dietitians, psychologists, and specialized nurses who work together to provide complete care before, during, and after your weight loss journey.

As part of one of the nation's largest health systems, we provide access to the most advanced surgical techniques and technology while maintaining the personalized care and community focus that Colorado Springs residents value. Our program is accredited by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP), ensuring you receive the highest quality care and best possible outcomes.

Services Offered

Our surgical weight loss options include gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, adjustable gastric banding, and revisional procedures for patients who need additional intervention. All procedures are performed using minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques when possible, resulting in smaller incisions, less pain, and faster recovery times. Our surgeons are highly experienced in complex cases and revisional surgery. Non-surgical services include medically supervised weight loss programs, nutritional counseling, psychological evaluation and support, support groups, and long-term follow-up care. We provide comprehensive pre-operative education and preparation, ensuring you understand the lifestyle changes required for success and feel confident in your decision. Our integrated approach includes coordination with other hospital services when needed, such as cardiology, endocrinology, and pulmonology for patients with obesity-related health conditions. We also offer specialized programs for adolescent bariatric surgery and have protocols for managing complex medical conditions throughout the weight loss process. Follow-up care includes regular monitoring, nutritional support, and access to plastic surgery consultations for body contouring after significant weight loss.

Weight Loss Centers

Surgeons

Treatment Options

Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Laparoscopic removal of 80% of the stomach creating a smaller, banana-shaped stomach that limits food intake and reduces hunger hormones.

Outpatient to 1-day stay$15,000-25,000

Gastric Bypass Surgery

Roux-en-Y procedure that creates a small stomach pouch and reroutes the small intestine, resulting in both restriction and malabsorption for maximum weight loss.

1-2 day hospital stay$20,000-30,000

Medically Supervised Weight Loss

Non-surgical program combining medical monitoring, nutritional counseling, behavioral support, and sometimes medication for patients not ready for surgery.

6-12 months$200-500/month

Revisional Bariatric Surgery

Surgical revision of previous weight loss procedures for patients who have experienced complications, weight regain, or inadequate initial results.

1-3 day hospital stay$25,000-40,000

What to Expect

Your journey begins with an initial consultation and comprehensive medical evaluation to determine if you're a candidate for surgery and which procedure might be most appropriate. This includes reviewing your weight loss history, current health conditions, and personal goals. We provide detailed education about different surgical options and their risks and benefits.

Pre-operative preparation typically involves 3-6 months of medically supervised weight loss, psychological evaluation, nutritional counseling, and medical optimization. This preparation period helps ensure surgical success and teaches the lifestyle changes necessary for long-term maintenance. Insurance requirements often dictate the specific steps and timeline.

Surgery is performed at our accredited facility with overnight observation in most cases. Recovery involves staged dietary progression, regular follow-up appointments, ongoing nutritional monitoring, and participation in support groups. We provide lifelong follow-up care to monitor your health, adjust medications, and address any complications or concerns that may arise.

Why Choose CommonSpirit Penrose Hospital Weight Loss Surgery and Bariatrics

Our hospital-based program provides the highest level of safety and comprehensive care available for weight loss surgery. Being part of CommonSpirit Health gives us access to advanced technology, research opportunities, and specialist consultations that smaller programs can't offer. Our accreditation demonstrates our commitment to quality and patient safety.

Our multidisciplinary team approach ensures all aspects of your health are considered and managed throughout your journey. We have the resources to handle complex cases and complications that might overwhelm smaller facilities. Plus, our long-term follow-up and support services help ensure lasting success rather than just short-term weight loss.

Insurance & Pricing

We accept most major insurance plans and work closely with insurance companies to obtain pre-authorization for surgical procedures. Many plans now cover bariatric surgery when medical criteria are met, typically including BMI requirements and documented weight-related health conditions. Our insurance specialists help navigate the approval process.

Out-of-pocket costs vary significantly based on insurance coverage, but we provide detailed estimates upfront. For uninsured patients, we offer payment plans and financial assistance programs. The long-term health benefits and reduced need for obesity-related medical treatments often result in significant healthcare cost savings over time.

First-Time Patient Tips

Success requires strict adherence to pre-operative requirements including weight loss goals, dietary changes, and completing all required evaluations. Surgery is just the beginning, long-term success depends on permanent lifestyle changes including portion control, regular exercise, and ongoing medical follow-up.

Plan for 2-6 weeks of time off work depending on your job requirements and which procedure you have. Arrange for help with household tasks and childcare during early recovery. Most importantly, understand that bariatric surgery is a tool that requires ongoing commitment to dietary and lifestyle changes for lasting results.

Pros & Cons

Advantages

Hospital-based program with highest level of safety and comprehensive medical support.
Access to all surgical options and latest minimally invasive techniques.
Multidisciplinary team approach with psychological, nutritional, and medical expertise.

Things to Consider

Requires meeting strict medical criteria and completing lengthy insurance approval process.
Major surgical commitment with permanent lifestyle changes and potential complications.

Service Area

We serve patients throughout southern Colorado, including Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Canon City, and surrounding rural communities. As a major regional medical center, we regularly treat patients who travel from across the region for our specialized bariatric services. Our hospital location provides easy access with ample parking and public transportation options.

Interior of CommonSpirit Penrose Hospital Weight Loss Surgery and Bariatrics

Local Insight

Colorado Springs' active outdoor culture provides excellent opportunities for our bariatric patients to engage in physical activities that support long-term weight maintenance. The area's hiking trails, parks, and recreational facilities offer graduated activity options as patients recover and build strength. Local support groups and wellness resources complement our hospital-based program.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the requirements for bariatric surgery?

Generally, BMI of 40 or higher, or BMI of 35 with serious weight-related health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. You must also demonstrate previous weight loss attempts and commitment to lifestyle changes.

How much weight can I expect to lose with surgery?

Most patients lose 60-80% of their excess weight within 12-18 months. For example, someone who is 100 pounds overweight might lose 60-80 pounds. Results vary based on procedure type and individual factors.

What are the risks of bariatric surgery?

While generally safe, risks include bleeding, infection, blood clots, and procedure-specific complications. Long-term risks include nutritional deficiencies requiring lifelong supplementation and monitoring. Our team thoroughly discusses all risks during consultation.

How long is the recovery process?

Most patients return to office work in 1-2 weeks and full activities in 4-6 weeks. Dietary progression from liquids to solid foods takes about 2 months, with ongoing lifestyle adjustments for life.

Will my insurance cover bariatric surgery?

Many insurance plans now cover bariatric surgery when medical criteria are met. Our insurance specialists help determine coverage and guide you through the pre-authorization process, which can take several months.

Do you offer non-surgical weight loss options?

Yes, we provide medically supervised weight loss programs for patients who don't qualify for surgery or prefer non-surgical approaches. These programs often serve as preparation for eventual surgery.

What kind of follow-up care do you provide?

Lifelong follow-up includes regular appointments to monitor weight loss, adjust medications, check for nutritional deficiencies, and address any complications. We also provide ongoing support groups and nutritional counseling.

Can bariatric surgery be reversed?

Some procedures like gastric banding are reversible, while others like gastric bypass are technically reversible but rarely recommended. Sleeve gastrectomy is not reversible. We thoroughly discuss the permanent nature of each procedure before surgery.