ACUTE Center for Eating Disorders
I Want To
The ACUTE Center for Eating Disorders has changed the lives of hundreds of patients. But do not take our word for it. Instead read a few of the testimonials our patients have shared.
Before I came to the ACUTE Center for Eating Disorders, I felt as though my life was totally out of control. I have struggled with anorexia for 12 years and never was fully able to get a hold of the disease. I was constantly being pulled in a thousand different directions and had a difficult time saying "no"...even if it meant running myself to the ground. While I was sick of living life like this, I was also fearful to change because this horrific disease had become such a huge part of my lifestyle. It came to a point where I got sick and tired of feeling sick and tired all the time, so I decided to go to ACUTE to get the help I desperately needed. I was extremely nervous before coming to Denver because I didn't know what to expect and the unknown was insanely terrifying. However, my experience here was seriously life changing. The staff was all so loving, supportive, and encouraging, and helped me to become both medically and emotionally stable. They realized that I was struggling with a very complicated disease but never treated me like I was a failure. They acknowledged my hard work and praised me all the time, which was a very important part of my recovery process. Also, the food tasted fabulous and they had a great variety to choose from. I got to try foods I never thought I would ever eat again because I had once deemed them as unsafe or forbidden foods. I cannot say enough good things about ACUTE. I am forever grateful to all the doctors, nurses, and CNAs for their guidance and energetic spirits. It's bittersweet leaving because while I am ready to get on with my life and accomplish all my goals and dreams, I am also sad to leave because I have made great friendships here and have gotten the tools I needed to get well. And most importantly...they give the best bear hugs of all time!!!! :)
There are no words to express my gratitude the entire staff of the ACUTE Center for Eating Disorders at Denver Health. From the moment of my arrival to the time of my discharge, everyone was warm, friendly and genuinely vested in my care, both medically and emotionally. I am forever indebted to ACUTE for saving my life. You have provided a nurturing environment in which to begin recovery. The whole team was brilliant in my individualized plan and I am truly honored to have been under the care of the most elite eating disorder professionals in the world.
The ACUTE Center for Eating Disorders absolutely saved my life! I battled anorexia and bulimia for 27 years and have had Juvenile Diabetes for three years. My life was in severe jeopardy. Dr. Gaudiani and all of the team of amazing professionals work together to restore a patient in all aspects--mind, body, and soul. There is no judgment--just love. To have my life and health back--well, there are no words to express what that feels like. Thank you Dr. G!
Before entering their treatment program at the hospital, I had been suffering for over 10 years of not only my eating disorder, but also mistreatment by other less qualified physicians. I endured what seemed like an endless cycle of arduous medical testing and countless blood draws; all without any diagnosis or any chance at recovering my health and ultimately my life. I missed out on a lot of life experiences that my peers enjoyed and I was in chronic pain both emotionally and physically. By the time I got to ACUTE I was at my breaking point. There were many times where I had given up leading a healthy life and given up pursuing my goals in life. My life had all but collapsed from my condition. I had dropped out of college, became totally isolated from my peers, lost my relationship, and struggled to be close with anyone including my family. I felt no one could or would be willing to help me. I felt very alone. After attempting treatment in an outpatient program, it became clear that I would require hospitalization to end my substance abuse, restricting, and exercise addiction. My health was so compromised that without ACUTE, I could have lost my life to my eating disorder.
The thought of a lengthy hospital stay was intimidating, but I truly felt ACUTE was the right place for me to get well. Being a young male, I was always concerned treatment would be difficult since it is less common for males to enter these types of programs. They welcomed me with open arms, always staying positive, giving me hope that I wasn’t alone in my fight, and that they would gladly do everything in their power to turn my life around. Everyone at the hospital was outstanding. From all my CNAs, the dieticians, all my nurses, and of course the excellent team of doctors that treated my case. My treatment by: Dr. Bahia, Dr. Cleary, Dr. Gaudiani, & Dr. Mehler was amazing. I finally felt I had found physicians that were experts in the treatment of eating disorders and they proved it every day I was under their care. I never felt judged or just like another patient. I realized how invested the medical staff was to improving my health and my quality of life. With their expertise within about 2 & half weeks, I was recovering, gaining emotional and physical strength, and was ready to move the next stage in my overcoming my eating disorder. Now, I am gaining my life back. I feel a great relief, and continue to get healthier with every passing month. I am finishing college and look forward to pursuing goals I set out to accomplish a long time ago. I am humbled by the care I received and extend my fondest gratitude to my team at ACUTE, THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!!
I have never seen or experienced a group of people who are so harmonious, show so much care and support for their patients. I always felt safe, but also watched my strength grow as I worked through my fears with staff. Although my week stay was very brief, the care I received felt like a month of love. Thank you to everyone at ACUTE. You definitely gave me my fight back and showed me there are loving and nurturing people who truly care for others. I will hold this experience in my heart always.
When reflecting back on my time at the Denver Health and the ACUTE Center for Eating Disorders it is hard to know where to begin. The entire experience from start to finish was both eye opening and life changing. Upon admission, I was at my lowest point physically, mentally, and emotionally and drained of life and hope. I was far from home, my family, and support and scared to begin what I knew would be a long and arduous journey. Having struggled with anorexia for over ten years and in and out of many different treatment centers, I was exhausted and had lost sight and hope of recovery.
My time at ACUTE, however, was unlike any experience I had had at previous facilities and treatment centers. From the moment I was admitted, I was treated not as a disease but as a person. The wonderful staff from Dr. Mehler and Dr. Gaudiani to the nurses and CNAs embraced me and took the time to truly understand and meet my needs. The care was individualized and complete, addressing both nutritional, physical, and mental aspects. Above all, the treatment team was just that--at team--and always ensured I was an active part of my treatment and recovery.
In the end, I left Denver Health with a renewed spirit and outlook on life. I was truly nourished body, mind, and soul and allowed the freedom to rediscover who I was without an eating disorder. Most importantly, I left knowing it was ok to have fears and uncertainties but not let that keep me from letting go and living life. There is so much more out there beyond the eating disorder once you stop simply existing and start truly living. My sincere hope and wish for those battling with an eating disorder and the decision to seek treatment is that you give yourself a chance--a chance to find yourself, a chance to live, a chance to fly.
When I decided to get treatment for my eating disorder, I was told I was too sick for residential treatment. I was referred to Dr. Gaudiani at Denver Health’s ACUTE Center for Eating Disorders, and was told they could help get me medically stable. I was severely underweight and was abusing laxatives, and I didn't trust that anybody could help me get off the laxatives, without me suffering severe side effects. When I got to ACUTE, I was taken care of better than I could have expected. Between the doctors, nurses and CNAs I was treated with care and respect. Dr. Gaudiani, Dr. Mehler and Dr. Mascolo, listened to my fears and concerns, and took great care of me. I was alone, scared and there over the Thanksgiving holiday, and all the staff treated me so kindly. Within in 2 weeks I was medically stable and feeling better. The side effects I had suffered before when trying to get off the laxatives didn't happen, and everything they promised, did! I never thought I would be able to recover from my eating disorder, and without Denver Health's ACUTE program, I am not sure I would be in recovery today. They got me medically stable for residential treatment. Thank you to the whole team at Denver Health!!
I just wanted to let you know that I am doing FANTASTIC. In fact, my healthy life has come back completely (and then some!). ... I can't believe how much my life has completely changed in the past several months! I've made SOOO many amazing friends, got a boyfriend, went to amazing parties (including super fun pool parties where I felt confident in a bathing suit), joined a yoga studio, etc. I KNOW for a fact that I am healthy once in for all. I'm at a healthy weight, I feel great, and I'm happier than ever! I'm so happy that I dance like crazy every time I hear music. My friends know me as the "Dancing Queen of Denver." I definitely want to put the word out there as much as possible about how incredible the ACUTE center is for that final first step in complete recovery!
I cannot say enough good things about my experience here at Denver Health. From the day I was admitted to the day I left it was such a positive, professional, and loving experience. The staff at ACUTE from the CNAs, to nurses, doctors and administration all works together as such a strong unit to provide the upmost care of the patients. They went above and beyond their jobs to make me feel at home, cared for, special, and part of the family! I always had the support I needed to get through every day. I was nervous coming in, having never stayed at a hospital before but those feelings soon subsided with the outpouring of care I received. As I am getting ready to depart Denver Health and move on to my next stage of treatment, I have so much confidence, and strength due to the program. I feel that this is truly the only facility with professionals that are capable of treating those that are severely malnourished due to their eating disorder(s) and have all the knowledge necessary no matter what your story is and how long you have been battling your disease. I came here to be supervised during the refeeding process to make sure that there were no side effects and if there were, that I would be in an environment that would and they are the only doctors that I have ever talked with that understand this disease and how to treat it properly. The care is so individualized and they meet you where you are at. They realize that each case is different and spend time getting to know you and what will work best with you to help restore your physical health and well-being. The staff is genuinely invested in getting each of us back to a healthy and safe place to continue on to the next stage in battling our eating disorders.
If it were not for the strong compassion and care of the doctors at Denver Health, I would not be living the wonderful, healthy life that I am now. In fact, I would not be living. I traveled to Denver from Michigan specifically to go to ACUTE and that was by far the very best decision I've ever made, since I may not have survived another week. I was very ill, extremely underweight, afraid, and helpless. Dr. Gaudiani, Dr. Mehler, and the rest of the team took me under their wings and helped guide me every step of the way to gain back my health, happiness, and strength. The ACUTE center is the stepping stone needed for ultimate recovery. I would definitely recommend this program to anyone struggling with an eating disorder or any related illness that causes individuals to become malnourished. THANK YOU DENVER HEALTH!
Battling an eating disorder can be one of the scariest experiences a person (and their family and friends) can face, especially when looking for, and contemplating, treatment. If you are reading this, I’m guessing you understand that statement on a more personal level.
As a young lady who has struggled with an eating disorder for over 15 years, I know first-hand how scary it can be to relinquish control and ask for help. As a family member and/or friend, I also recognize how difficult it can be to watch your loved one struggle with the decision to live or die.
I was faced with this dilemma just a few weeks ago. Basically, I could seek treatment and choose life, or continue unhealthy eating disorder behaviors and risk not waking up in the morning, which became more and more of a reality for me and those who love me so much. Denver Health’s ACUTE program was recommended. I was hesitant and scared, yet knew I needed some type of intervention and immediate help if I wanted to live, which I desperately do.
From the moment I made the phone call to Denver Health, I was treated with the utmost respect and professionalism by Dr. Mehler, Dr. Gaudiani, and the entire staff. They got information from me and based on the severity of my situation, immediately began to make arrangements and recommendations for me to get to Denver as soon as possible. As a working professional, they were flexible with me as I made personal arrangements with work and family obligations. Dr. Gaudiani made phone calls and corresponded via e-mail to make the option to come to Denver Health a reality. I was completely at ease with her as she gently, yet knowledgably explained the severity of the disease and the need for professional treatment. She is positive and brilliant, yet direct and forthright as to the severity and nature of eating disorders. She truly cared about ME and I felt that before I even met her.
As soon as I walked in the doors of Denver Health, a burden was lifted. I finally felt safe and was able to trust the professionals (because that is what they truly are!) to give ME the treatment I needed. They met with me daily and made adjustments as necessary to my treatment, again to fit ME, my body and my needs. Individuals with eating disorders have similar struggles and the re-feeding process involves common side effects, which the doctors and nurses monitored carefully, once again treating the patient on an individual basis.
Everyone I interacted with was personal, friendly and SO knowledgeable about treating not only eating disorders, but truly the individual. Dr. Mehler, Chief Medical Officer of Denver Health and world-renowned expert in the field of Eating Disorders, made a point to visit with me and check on me throughout my stay. Dr. Gaudiani assessed and made daily changes according to my struggles, wants and needs, as well as made adjustments and recommendations pertinent to my care. Nurses and staff were constant, positive and thorough. They truly take a team approach which I so appreciate. They are aware of, and incorporate, cutting-edge research to guide their practice, but more importantly, carefully monitor labs, glucose levels, vitals, electrolytes, weight, etc. to cater treatment to the INDIVIDUAL. I will be forever grateful for the care they took in my medical stabilization so I am ready for the next step in my treatment and road to full recovery!
Anorexia hit me like a ton of bricks after suffering a car accident and other personal issues. My family, friends, kept mentioning the weight but I was not the one with the problem "they were.” I was referred to Denver Health, and Dr. Jennifer Gaudiani through my outpatient clinic...And of course my husband actually PUT me in the OP clinic. Trust me when I say I was dragged across the United States to "get better." I mean it. I am from Birmingham, Alabama...But one night and DH and Jennifer's wonderful team took me in and helped me see it was what not only I needed but had to do to live at all. The approach was clear...and charming enough to keep me, a true classic woman from the south or any other person there to realize what a horrible disease this is. I fought like a tiger but no matter what the staff kept coming back and regrouped me and helped me once again until I was able to return to Alabama to finish my program. I was told the program was the best, I thought, "sure," sarcastically, but I am living proof they were. Thank you Dr. Jennifer Gaudiani.
When I entered the ACUTE program, my family and I both thought that I was going to die and I had lost all faith in myself and in my future. Looking back at my experience, I can firmly say that Dr. Gaudiani and Dr. Mehler saved my life. I had previously been to several eating disorder treatment centers, but nowhere have I been treated with as much respect and compassion. I truly felt cared for and loved and each step of the process was nurturing and nourishing in every way. The program was also very sensitive to my needs and extremely comprehensive and thorough. I truly owe my life to the program and would whole-heartedly recommend it to even the sickest patients without any reservations. There is hope!
Upon entering Denver Health‘s ACUTE Center for Eating Disorders I was at my lowest point. I had hit rock bottom and knew I could no longer continue this perpetuating, terrifying cycle of restricting, overexerting and self-destruction. It was killing me and I knew it was time to seek treatment. It was time to choose between life and death and I wanted life more than anything. After doing extensive research I came across Denver Health and immediately knew this was the place for me to start my journey towards health. They saved me and gave me the precious gift of life. Without them I stood no chance in surviving.
This is a state of the art facility and I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to work with this team of professionals. They are so knowledgeable have the best doctors and staff in the world.
I know that entering the hospital is terrifying but the staff at ACUTE deserve to be acknowledged for their hard work, compassion, leadership, dedication and sincerity to their professions. They are all so insightful, real, kind, genuine, and trustworthy with positive attitudes and radiate with unconditional love, empathy and warmth. They make the transition as easy as possible.
The staff is caring, attentive and would go above and beyond to make sure that my needs were met. Every one of the staffs presence would light up the room. They are committed to helping individuals move forward and overcome the challenges in life. They addressed my needs promptly and with love and affections I desperately needed. Their hugs and encouragement meant the world to me. The staff here are all one in a million...angels in disguise. They take time to listen with open arms and always said the right things at the right time. They helped me put things into perspective and taught me patience and persistence pays. They encouraged me through the trying and turbulent times without passing judgment and never treated me like a number on a scale. They treated me as a human with a heart, soul and spirit. They never gave up on me even when I felt like throwing in the towel and giving up on myself. They would cheer me on, and offer such inspirational words of wisdom that I'll always remember and keep close to my heart. They helped me to ultimately surrender control to the disorder and be at peace. I came in guarded...wearing a mask and they helped me slowly uncover the mask, open up, be myself, blossom, and released me from my lonely prison.
Their small facility offered individualized treatment which was great and very much appreciated. They showed me I'm capable of recovery and gave me glimmers of hope.
I have nothing but the utmost respect for program and staff from the doctors to the nurses to the dieticians to the CNAs to the sitters. I would highly recommend this program to anyone who is currently seeking treatment. I feel blessed to have such extraordinary professionals be a part of my journey of health. This is such a safe place to start recovery!
The ACUTE Center for Eating Disorders saves the lives of severe eating disorder patients, and their loved ones are often the most vocal and most grateful. Read a few of the testimonials our patients’ loved ones have shared.
You and the entire team at ACUTE Center for Eating Disorders have our eternal appreciation for saving our daughter's life. Each professional's caring and personal touch was equaled by their vast medical knowledge.
As a parent having been at your hospital for the entire journey, I experienced first-hand world class experts at work lifting their patients from extremely low levels to readiness for their final leg of recovery.
Denver Health ACUTE is our ultimate blessing.
For the first time in our 10 year struggle with this disease and its typical treatment modalities, we knew without a doubt that we could turn her care over to their amazing staff. Our daughter was treated with the utmost kindness and respect while receiving the best medical treatment available for this illness. Their expertise is unparalleled in our experience. They saved her life and launched her into recovery. But best of all was the loving care and support she received from the entire staff. Their motto of loving the patient while hating the disease is true and practiced with commitment. Even our daughter let go and felt safe in their care -- a huge accomplishment.
I realize she needed to make a decision to do the necessary work to literally save herself and I know it was painful and it took great courage for her to come to Denver, but the compassion, dedication, love and knowledge I saw at every level of her care out there overwhelmed me and I know that by her coming to Denver it absolutely saved her life....You guys out there never seem to stop helping even after my daughter has returned home. She looks good, a shine to her face and a sparkle in the eyes that hasn't been present for a long time and she seems to be holding her program together....You and your team are a special blessing in the lives of these special patients and to their loved ones who want to see them remain in our lives....Thank you and all of your team for this gift.
I'm sorry but the words to thank each of you just won't seem to come. My heart is full of gratitude and I'd never wish for any of you to be in my shoes--but that's the only way you could ever truly understand how thankful we are to all of you and how grateful we are to have our daughter with us this holiday season!
Words can never say what I truly would like to express... Our daughter truly seems to have such a positive attitude change. We are very hopeful for her future and want to say 'THANK YOU!' for giving us our daughter back. You are such a gift. Words aren't enough. ... How to find the best words to express appreciation for you, your attitude, and your effective team? You have been such a responder and provider! You saw to it that the special treatment and trained teams were effectively utilized during so many challenges. Our daughter is back from the brink, beginning a new life with all the gifted self she has for others. A very special thank you!
Last year I sent my daughter to the ACUTE Center for Eating Disorders at Denver Health, sight unseen, with the hopes that a miracle would happen. How scary it was for us as parents to send our daughter so far away from home as critical as she was. We put our daughter’s life in the hands of strangers. But we had no choice because we wanted her to survive. ACUTE saved my daughter’s life. The treatment and care my daughter received was amazing. The doctors and nurses truly cared about my daughter’s well-being. My daughter was always treated with respect and dignity.
They never gave up on her and they believed in her ability to recover. The ACUTE Center for Eating Disorders has given me my daughter back. Thanks to the staff's commitment and love we beat the odds. I having nothing but praise for the treatment and care my daughter received at Denver Health and I personally would recommend this facility to anyone who feels like there is no hope. My daughter is living proof that you never give up. Denver Health has given our family a chance to create new memories with our daughter and I know they will be able to help many more families. I cannot thank the doctors, nurses and staff at the ACUTE program for all they have done for our family.
Our daughter was close to dying of severe malnutrition when we brought her to Denver Health last year. She had steadfastly refused inpatient treatment prior to that and, as parents, it was terrifying to watch her rapid decline. On admission, she had a heart rate of 27 beats a minute and a blood sugar level that had her at the brink of slipping into a coma.
From the moment we entered the ACUTE center, a calm and competent team of professionals took charge. Over the subsequent weeks as they nursed her back to health, the importance of a cutting edge medical team was brought home to us on several occasions. An eating disorder can be fatal and needs specialized expertise to keep the patient safe through the risk-fraught process of refeeding. The ACUTE team was diligently on top of our daughter's medical status and kept us updated on an ongoing basis. This was very reassuring to us as parents and greatly helped to relieve our anxiety at our daughter's critical state.
The true value of treatment at the ACUTE center however goes well beyond medical expertise and outstanding nursing care. Every single team member was caring, compassionate and spent countless hours with our daughter encouraging and supporting her. Her treatment program was individualized and structured around her special needs. Our daughter has been to several top-rated treatment centers in the country and we have never seen this customized level of care, tailored to the patient's needs instead of a one-size-fits-all schedule that is the norm. Throughout this period, our daughter received daily therapeutic and psychiatric support, thereby ensuring that she would have a smooth transition to the residential level of care.
Words cannot express our gratitude to the Denver Health team for saving our daughter's life. For every parent or family member looking to help a loved one, this is THE place for building a strong foundation for sustained recovery from an eating disorder.
When our family felt like all hope was lost in our son's critically failing health an angel of mercy, Dr. Jennifer Gaudiani and her Denver Health Team, stepped forward on our family's behalf. The ACUTE Center for Eating Disorders at Denver Health saved my son's life when no other facility in the country was willing to take him because of his advanced eating disorder condition. The level of expert care and concern expressed by every member of the ACUTE staff restored hope and a sense of peace in our family and eventually restored my son's health. Dr. Mehler's caring leadership and patient focus are the cornerstones of this incredible facility whose legacy is renewed every day by a staff that truly believes in their work. The ACUTE program is about far more than treatment and health stabilization; the real focus is on the patient's well-being and it does not end when treatment is completed. I still talk to Dr. Gaudiani months after my son's treatment concluded. The ACUTE care program at Denver Health changed our lives for the better and there are not enough good words to adequately describe this amazing place or more importantly, the people.
Our daughter was diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa and has been treated as such for six years. She has been in and out of several eating disorder clinics with no long term improvement. We felt that something else was wrong, because she didn't have most of the typical "behavioral" symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa patients. Based on many of her symptoms, we felt she had Celiac's Disease, but our doctors kept insisting it was as eating disorder. Our local hospitals eventually lost patience with us, telling us we were in denial, and should go to another hospital. We did.....we took her to Denver Health (DH).DH was the first Hospital that actually listened to us, and showed the compassion and understanding that something else was wrong. The doctors at DH were less interested in our daughter's history and more interested in getting to the source of her problems. While she is not out of the woods yet, we believe the doctors at DH have put her on the right path.
During the past several years, we have been to some of the "big name" hospitals, but there is NO hospital we would recommend above DH. Thanks a million DH for getting our daughter on the road to recovery.
The ACUTE Center for Eating Disorders is proud of the outstanding reputation our specialized care has built. Through our close relationships with referring providers and treatment programs nation-wide, ACUTE is able to provide life-saving treatment to patients from across the country. Read a few of the testimonials healthcare professionals have shared.
When extreme low-weight results in life-threatening medical complications in a patient seeking treatment, we often turn to ACUTE for medical stabilization prior to admission into Eating Recovery Center. Drs. Mehler and Gaudiani's vast expertise on the medical complications of eating disorders is unmatched in the field, and their collaborative process supports a seamless transition into any comprehensive treatment program. Eating Recovery Center recognizes ACUTE as a tremendous resource to the eating disorder treatment community, and we assign great value to our relationship with the program. -Dr. Kenneth Weiner, Eating Recovery Center
The ACUTE Center for Eating Disorders provides expert services in stabilizing patients who are medically compromised and /or need a hospital for the re-feeding process. The patients who come to our program after completing stabilization at ACUTE speak very highly of their experience--and this speaks volumes. I can wholeheartedly recommend the ACUTE Center for Eating Disorders at Denver Health to professionals whose patients require medical stabilization. -Carolyn Costin, Monte Nido Eating Disorder Treatment Center
Dr. G and her team were able to speak directly to my patient and address her specific questions and concerns. The team’s willingness to work with individuals with severe eating disorders and to include the outpatient team was better than I could have ever expected. They are able to make the “home” outpatient team feel like they are part of the transition for the patient, calming the anxieties of the patient along the way. By allowing the outpatient team to remain connected and have a voice as the patient transitioned made the transition successful and healing for my patient. Thanks Dr. G and the ACUTE team. It was a pleasure working with you. Thanks for being a part of the healing process for my dear patient!
I am a nurse in the MICU at Denver Health and I also volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House in Denver. While recently volunteering, I was able to meet and talk with the mother of a recent patient you cared for. She had endless kind words to say about you, the care she received, the other health care providers, and her overall experience at Denver Health. She said, "We have never had such a great experience.” She was really taken care of and felt very supported.
She spoke so highly of Denver Health as an institution and really appreciated the time her daughter spent on the eating disorder unit. It's priceless to hear a parent speak with such compassion about a traumatic experience their child has endured. It is those interactions, along with my everyday work, that make me so proud to be a part of Denver Health. Thank you for all you do!