Local hospital outlines metabolic and bariatric resources for 2026

Meghan Ritz, who leads the Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery Program at San Juan Regional Medical Center, joined host Scott Michlin on KSJE to discuss healthy living practices and the local resources available to help county residents set sustainable health goals for 2026. The 28-minute interview aired Jan. 14, 2026, as part of KSJE’s regular local-news and interview programming.

Ritz and Michlin focused on the range of patient education and community resources tied to the hospital’s metabolic and bariatric services, and on practical approaches to making lifestyle changes that are realistic for people in San Juan County. The conversation highlighted program offerings and the kinds of follow-up and education patients can expect from the regional medical center, which serves as the primary hospital for Farmington and the surrounding communities.

For residents considering bariatric or metabolic care, the episode outlined how local services fit into long-term health planning rather than quick fixes. The program emphasized the combination of clinical care, counseling and community-based supports aimed at helping patients maintain progress over months and years. That local emphasis matters in a county where distance, work schedules and family responsibilities often shape the feasibility of health plans.

Listeners learned how the medical center positions its program to work with other local resources, from outpatient services to community education, so patients do not have to travel out of the county for comprehensive care. The interview also served as a reminder that patient education is central to successful outcomes: pre-surgical counseling, nutrition guidance and post-operative follow-up were discussed as part of a continuum rather than isolated steps.

Residents can access the full episode via KSJE’s Scott Michlin Morning Program page, which provides play and download links through an embedded player. Tuning in gives listeners a concise, local-oriented briefing on what SJRMC offers and what to expect when exploring metabolic or bariatric options.

What this means for San Juan County is practical: you can begin 2026 with a clearer sense of local treatment pathways and educational supports, and with direct access to an episode that lays out next steps. Expect more local conversations like this through KSJE as health providers continue to connect residents with services available in Farmington and across the county.