Weight loss surgery experts in northern Colorado.
UCHealth Bariatric Center of the Rockies is an accredited bariatric surgery leader based in northern Colorado and founded in 1995. We offer a comprehensive program, providing surgical weight loss options for patients with a goal of improving overall health and lifestyle.
To date, our board-certified surgeons have performed over 6000+ bariatric surgeries. The expertise of our bariatric surgeons allows us to provide surgery and care to patients who are considered high risk. In fact, high-risk patients are often referred to us for treatment.
If you’re considering weight loss surgery (please read our FAQs below), UCHealth Bariatric Center of the Rockies is for you! We understand that bariatric surgery requires a lifelong commitment and we offer support services to help before, during and after your procedure.
Our weight loss team and program
A dedicated care team
Our incredible dedicated team includes board-certified bariatric surgeons, a nurse practitioner, patient nurse navigator, procedure coordinator and support staff to help to make your weight loss journey as seamless as possible. We are with you every step of the way.
We believe strongly in the positive lifelong changes weight-loss surgery will bring you.
Our free educational seminar
If you are considering bariatric surgery, start by attending our free educational seminar to learn more about our program as well as medical and surgical weight loss treatment options.
On the “Events and classes” page, select “Weight Loss Education and Support.”
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Insurance
The cost of bariatric surgery, and whether it is covered by insurance, varies.
We will verify benefits and the pre-surgery requirements that your insurance company requires after you attend the seminar and before your visit with the surgeon.
Insurance plans accepted
We accept most insurance plans, including:
Aetna®
Anthem
Blue Cross and Blue Shield
Cigna
Medicaid*
Medicare*
Meritain
UnitedHealthcare®
If bariatric surgery is not a benefit through your insurance, we do have a self-pay option.
*UCHealth Bariatric Center of the Rockies accepts and provides care for those with Medicare and Medicaid coverage — one of the few facilities in Colorado to do so.
Billing
Have questions about your bill? Please visit the UCHealth bill pay site.
Support groups
Light for Life support group
Founded in 1995, Light for Life is open to anyone who has had weight-loss surgery (including those at other hospitals), or is considering weight-loss surgery.
UCHealth Bariatric Center of the Rockies offers support groups that we encourage our patients to attend throughout their weight loss journey. Having the support of your bariatric surgeon and others who have gone through the same process can help you achieve your long-term weight loss success.
Go to our Events/classes page to search for support groups.
Patient testimonials
Cathy Dougherty lost 124 pounds.
“I have more confidence and I’m much happier,” she said. “I don’t get grumpy like I used to because I’m not as tired as I used to be. I’m living the life.”
Keith Gaston lost 180 pounds.
After seeing a friend’s success with weight-loss surgery, Keith decided that he wasn’t ready to give up—he wanted to spend more time with his kids, and if he wanted to live, he had to make a change. In this case, that change changed everything.
Connie Giese lost 110 pounds.
“It’s like the entire hospital has gone on this journey with me,” she said. “They’ve been so supportive. At times even when I couldn’t see the change in myself, they always could and would say things like, ‘You look so great!’ It was so nice to have the boost from others.”
John Miller lost 202 pounds.
At 6′ 4″ and nearly 500 pounds, John had several of the issues caused by morbid obesity: knee and back pain, trouble sleeping, shortness of breath, trouble getting in and out of his truck. “It’s such a dramatic difference. I wish I would have done it 10 years ago.”
Michaela Miller lost over 160 pounds.
Since her surgery Michaela doesn’t even recognize the person she used to be. In 2017 she completed the Warrior Dash, something she would have never attempted pre-weight loss. Her surgery changed her appearance, her energy, her confidence, and her life. “I feel like I am finally who I was meant to be all along,” she said.
Jonathan Rhoades lost
208 pounds.
Before weight-loss surgery, Jonathan never would have pictured himself climbing over a barrier, pulling himself up on stage and dancing with one of his favorite Celtic punk bands, the Dropkick Murphys. “I didn’t even realize before I lost the weight just how much of a physical struggle it was or how much I was limiting myself,” he said.
Accredited Comprehensive Center
Weight loss and metabolism information
UCHealth offers an extensive health library, as well as other information specific to obesity, bariatric surgery and weight loss.