At Utah Surgery, our board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeons specialize in minimally invasive procedures that deliver faster recovery, less pain, and better outcomes for patients from Salt Lake City to St. George.
.png)
Every follow up appointment, Dr Eakin has taken the time to reassure me, explain the recovery and healing process and what I should expect
Dr. Beck to help me. Simply put Dr. Beck and her staff deserve a 5 star rating and more...
Amazing first visit and my second was just like it. She shows professional care and compassion. She listens and understands what I'm experiencing.
Dr. Beck was thorough in her assessment. She was a pleasure to work with. Her personality is gentle and she shows her true concern for the well being of her patients.
Common questions about our surgical procedures, insurance coverage, and what to expect when choosing Utah Surgery for your care.
Utah Surgery specializes in three main areas: bariatric surgery (gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, lap band removal), GI and general surgery (gallbladder, hernias, acid reflux), and colon and rectal surgery (diverticulitis, colorectal cancer, colectomy). All procedures are performed using minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques by fellowship-trained surgeons.
Most major insurance plans in Utah cover bariatric surgery when you meet specific medical criteria, typically a BMI of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related health conditions like diabetes or sleep apnea. Our team verifies your benefits and handles all pre-authorization documentation on your behalf.
Most gastric sleeve patients lose 60% to 70% of their excess body weight within 12 to 18 months following surgery. Individual results depend on adherence to post-operative diet and lifestyle recommendations. Our fellowship-trained surgeons provide comprehensive support throughout your weight loss journey.
Gastric sleeve removes approximately 80% of the stomach, creating a banana-shaped pouch. It's a simpler procedure with fewer nutritional risks. Gastric bypass creates a small stomach pouch and reroutes the small intestine, resulting in both restriction and malabsorption. Bypass typically offers higher diabetes remission rates (70-80% vs 50-60%) but requires lifelong vitamin supplementation.
Recovery from laparoscopic gallbladder surgery typically takes 1 to 2 weeks. Most patients go home the same day or after one overnight stay and can return to light activities within a few days. Full recovery, including returning to all normal activities and exercise, usually occurs within 2 weeks.
Colon and rectal surgery treats conditions affecting the large intestine, colon, rectum, and anus. Common procedures include colectomy for diverticulitis or colorectal cancer, sigmoid resection for recurrent diverticulitis, and treatment for inflammatory bowel disease, bowel obstructions, and colon polyps. At Utah Surgery, over 95% of colon procedures are performed using minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques for faster recovery.
Yes. All surgeons at Utah Surgery are fellowship-trained, which means they completed an additional year of specialized training beyond general surgery residency. They are also board-certified by the American Board of Surgery and active members of professional organizations including ASMBS and SAGES.
Utah Surgery serves patients from all across Utah, including Salt Lake City, Provo, Ogden, St. George, Logan, West Jordan, and surrounding communities. Our practice is located in West Jordan with convenient access for patients throughout the state.
We offer same-day and next-day consultations for most patients. For urgent surgical needs, we can often schedule surgery within 24-48 hours. For elective procedures, consultations are typically available within one week. Call (801) 352-5911 to schedule your appointment.
Minimally invasive surgery, also called laparoscopic surgery, uses small incisions (typically 0.5 to 1 inch) and specialized instruments with a camera. Compared to traditional open surgery, patients experience less pain, smaller scars, faster recovery, shorter hospital stays, and lower infection risk. Over 95% of our procedures are performed using minimally invasive techniques.
Yes. Utah Surgery provides same-day emergency surgical care for conditions including acute gallbladder attacks, appendicitis, bowel obstructions, strangulated hernias, and other urgent abdominal emergencies. If you're experiencing severe abdominal pain, fever, or other emergency symptoms, call (801) 352-5911 immediately.
Surgery for diverticulitis is typically recommended after two or more severe attacks, if you develop complications like perforation, abscess, fistula, or bowel obstruction, or if medical management with antibiotics is no longer effective. Elective sigmoid colectomy removes the diseased portion of the colon to prevent future attacks. Most patients experience complete resolution of symptoms after surgery.
Recovery from laparoscopic colon surgery typically requires a 3 to 5 day hospital stay followed by 4 to 6 weeks of at-home recovery. Most patients can return to light activities within 2 weeks and resume all normal activities including exercise and work by 6 weeks. Minimally invasive techniques significantly reduce recovery time compared to traditional open surgery.
A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm into the chest cavity. Surgery is recommended if you have severe acid reflux or GERD that doesn't respond to medication, difficulty swallowing, chest pain, a large hernia causing breathing problems, or chronic heartburn despite taking proton pump inhibitors daily. Hiatal hernia repair is performed laparoscopically with same-day or overnight stay.
A hiatal hernia is an anatomical problem where the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm, while acid reflux (GERD) is the symptom of stomach acid backing up into the esophagus. Many people with hiatal hernias also have GERD because the hernia prevents the lower esophageal sphincter from closing properly. Surgery can repair both the hernia and stop the reflux simultaneously through Nissen fundoplication.
Most patients can eat normally 4 to 6 weeks after hiatal hernia repair surgery. You'll start with liquids for the first week, progress to soft foods for 2 to 3 weeks, then gradually return to a regular diet. During the first 6 weeks, you should avoid carbonated beverages, tough meats, and bread that can stick in the esophagus. Long-term, most patients can eat anything without restrictions and no longer need acid reflux medication.
Most patients do not require a permanent colostomy after colon surgery. In elective procedures for diverticulitis or early-stage cancer, the colon is reconnected immediately and normal bowel function resumes. Temporary colostomies are rarely needed and are typically reserved for emergency situations with severe infection or when the bowel cannot be safely reconnected. Your surgeon will discuss the specific plan for your procedure during your consultation.