How do you prevent fuel loss while changing the fuel filter on a 2004 Colorado?

There is no way to prevent the fuel that is sitting in the lines from spewing out when you disconnect the lines. You can try to catch most of it in a very clean container though, then put it back into your tank, though you don't lose that much when doing this procedure. I realize gas is expensive, but sometimes things just aren't worth the fuss. If there is the slightest bit of dirt in that container it can help your new filter get clogged and even mess up your injectors if it gets through the filter