Fairview Southdale Weight Loss Surgery Bariatric Center

I had seen Dr. Benn's photo on a website so when I went in for my appointment...I could see him waiting at the Nurses station. I was SO impressed by the fact I actually saw him before my scheduled appointment time. Dr. Benn is AWESOME. He was honest and friendly, and seemed to have a very caring bedside mannor. He explained everything in detail. I also love his staff, they have been truly remarkable!

Surgery (RNY w/ Gall Bladder removal) was performed at Fairview Southdale Hospital (Edina MN) by Dr. Benn and his team from "Southdale Weight Loss". This was a well coordinated TEAM effort. The program is extremely structured: Information Session, Clinical Assessment with medical screen & evaluation, meeting with Clinical Coordinator, Dietitian, Psychological eval, meet with Surgeon. Program coordinator then went to insurance for approval. Pre-surgery class required, significant after-care (1 & 2 week post-op, 3, 6, & 12 month post-op). Great group to work with, very accessible since the surgery. I have had questions and the folks that run the program are quick to respond to phone calls. The entire team was great to work with - they were all very knowledgeable and interested in this being a success for me.
Surgery risks were presented to me at all pre-op meetings with Nurse PA & Surgeon. Hospital staff at Fairview Southdale that cared for me post-op was great...kind, professional, interested in my success...and good humored when I needed it.
The only negative thing I have to say is that the TV reception at Fairview sucked! But then, it's not a hotel, and my 3 days there were not a vacation.

My first impression was impressiveness. I am very impressed with his staff and him. They are all very straight forward, but all take the time to listen to me and answer all my questions, no matter how stupid them may sound or be.

The only thing that put me off was his blunt demeanor. I mentioned that I have changed MANY things but I am still gaining weight. He mentioned my portions and after I said I had made them smaller, he very bluntly said I had not made them small enough.

I would still rate him as very good.

Well, Ive not had a chance to meet Dr. Benn yet, but his staff has been absolutely wonderful in any dealings Ive had with them, be it on the phone or in person. I really like them.

His PA, Deb Vogl, was amazing. She answered every question I had almost before I asked them. I did ask 2 two qestions that she didnt answer off hand on my list, and once asked she answered them all plus some otherones that had been on my mind. I am extremely happy with the care Ive received thus far and would recommend them to anyone.

They even each made doubly sure by repeating themselves that if I needed anything or had any questions to call them anytime...

The weird thing was they were all waif thin and cute, but they really care and I can tell they are in this line of work to help us, so I have no complaints other than jealousy... But hopefully in a year Ill be able to stand next to one of them and not look like a beached whale...

What was your first impression of him/her?

My first impression of Dr. Benn was good. He seemed very friendly and knowledgeable. I've only meet him once but was very impressed. He didn't come off as a "I'm better than you because I'm a doctor" type like some Doc's I've met. He was very friendly and very personable. It was like I was talking to a peer who I've known for a long time. He answered all my questions and explained the procedure throughly.

How would you describe his/her office staff?

His staff is also excellent. One of them even called me back after we talked on the phone to apologize because she thought she had rushed our previous conversation. Everyone I've meet there has been very friendly and courteous.

What did you like least about him/her?

He didn't offer to shake my hand when we met but maybe that's just a surgeon protecting his hands thing.

What should future patients know about him/her?

He seems like a great Doc and no one should be hesitant about seeing him for WLS.

How much does he/she emphasize aftercare?

He hasn't talked a lot about it yet. (I'm still pr-op)

Does he/she have a structured aftercare program?

He is starting up his own support group soon.

How did he/she address the risks of surgery?

We talked about all the risks and possible complications. His psych. eval person also goes over the risks quite extensively.

How would you rate him/her overall?
So far -- a Ten.

Which is better, surgical competence, bedside
manner, or both great?

A good Doc should be able to master both.