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Rocky Mountains Associated Physicians (RMAP) dates back to 1979 when the first Gastric Bypass Surgery was performed in Utah by Dr. Gerald N. Goodman and Dr. David K. Miller. Dr. Goodman and Dr. Miller created Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians in 1988 and with Dr. Charles B. Edwards pursued the sub specialty of weight loss surgery. Dr. Sherman C. Smith joined the group in 1992 as Dr. Miller retired. Dr. R. Chad Halversen became a partner in 1998 and Dr. Steven C. Simper partnered in 2001. The latest physician to partner with RMAP is Dr. Rodrick D. McKinlay in 2004.

As new surgeons establish themselves at Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians, the experienced surgeons provide them with training to minimize complications. New surgeons assist on at least 100 cases before they perform a gastric bypass case as primary surgeon. When a new surgeon begins acting as primary surgeon, the experienced surgeons assist to ensure quality. Our surgeons also are trained to provide the new Lap Band procedure.

The experience of RMAP surgeons spans over 25 years providing weight loss surgery to over 16,000 patients. The current surgeons combined experience at RMAP and other hospitals has provided weight loss surgery to over 8000 patients.

Due to the surgical excellence provided by Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians and their dedication to patient education and rehabilitation, patients come from all over the United States and foreign countries to receive treatment. Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians is recognized as one of the leading obesity centers in the country.

Studies show that the risk for complications and death is dramatically reduced when weight loss surgery is performed by an experienced surgeon.

Nationally Gastric Bypass mortality is approximately 1 in 200. With the experience and expertise of the RMAP surgeons, our mortality rate as reported by St. Marks and Cottonwood hospitals combined is only 1 in 1000 for the year 2003 for Gastric Bypass.

Gastric Bypass Surgery is a complex operation especially laparoscopically. We currently do approximately 95% of all gastric bypass cases using the laparoscopic approach.

The physicians and staff of Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians strive to provide the best medical care, education and rehabilitation programs available. While they are dedicated to perform surgery to the highest standard, they also teach patients the lifestyle changes necessary to keep weight-loss results durable.

At Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians we strongly believe that weight loss surgery is a tool that will help patients lose weight when all other methods have been unsuccessful. We coach patients to understand that if they do not make lifestyle changes for life, the weight can gradually come back. Patients are required to follow up with their surgeon and participate in an education program. Lap Band patients are required to receive frequent adjustments for success as necessary.

It is frustrating for patients that insurance companies continue to ignore the benefits of weight loss surgery. Insurance coverage is mostly available through government plans and self-funded company sponsored plans. Commercial insurance continues to lack coverage, forcing many patients to finance the surgery themselves. Contact the human resource department of your company and encourage them to seek coverage for this growing need.

RMAP is working to promote coverage with most of the major insurers in Utah but real change will come as companies begin to recognize the savings and benefit of keeping employees healthy through weight loss and weight loss surgery if medically necessary.