Community Hospital received a five-star rating of excellence from HealthGrades for our hospital’s quality of care and surgical outcomes for general surgery.

HealthGrades is an independent third-party whose reports validate that where people go to receive critical healthcare services makes a big difference in the quality of care they receive. HealthGrades objectively grades the performance of virtually every hospital in the United States engaged in general surgery.

The general surgery excellence award puts Community Hospital in the top 10% of all facilities nationwide.

Community Hospital has also earned a five-star rating for joint replacement and for total knee replacement for the last 8 years in a row. For more information visit HealthGrades.

Surgical Weight Loss Center at First Choice

Andrew Morse, D.O., General Surgeon with Surgical Associates of Western Colorado is now offering laparoscopic adjustable Lap-Band surgery at Community Hospital’s First Choice Outpatient Surgery Center.

The Lap-Band procedure was approved by the FDA in 2001, and since that time has become a popular alternative to the gastric bypass surgery. Attractive attributes of the lap band system are:

• Least invasive surgical option


• Safe - no stomach stapling or intestinal re-routing


• Effective long-term weight loss


• Adjustable, is customized to meet each individual’s unique needs


• Early return to work and normal activities

Weight loss occurs slowly using the lap band with most patients reaching their maximum weight loss at three years. The expected long-term weight loss with the lap band ranges from 50-60% of the excess body weight. Follow up with your surgeon for adjustments, especially in the first year, is vital to the success of the lap banding procedure.

For more information, visit our weight loss surgery page or call(970) 242-9123.

Preparing for the Day of Your Procedure:

Please …

• Arrive promptly.


• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the day of your procedure. Eating or drinking after this time may result in your procedure being cancelled.


• Talk to your physicians about taking any aspirin products.


• Continue to take your prescription medications unless directed differently by your surgeon or First Choice staff. They may be taken with a small sip of water.


• Notify your physician prior to procedure if you have taken blood pressure medication within the last six months, or if you are diabetic, or on a blood thinner.


• Notify your physician if you experience any health changes between your last visit and the day of your procedure, such as cold, fever, flu, infection, etc.


• Leave jewelry and valuables at home for safe-keeping.


• Remove makeup, false eyelashes, and fingernail and toenail polish.


• Wear casual, comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.


• If you wear contact lenses, bring a case for safe-keeping.