Park Nicollet Bariatric Surgery Program Bariatric Center

I first met Dr. Thomas A. Jones on September 23, 2006. This was the day that my surgery was scheduled. He came into the office and my first impression of him was: \"What a friendly face.\" He was smiling and shook my fiance's hand and then my own, asking me if I was excited to have come this far. I was and he went on to explain what he would do. He said something that will always stay with me. He said: \"There are 2 reasons why people fail at having this surgery. 1. They have no exercise regiment and 2. They drink high calorie drinks. Those are the 2 reasons.\" I had concluded at that moment, I was going to exercise daily, (no matter how much weight I might lose without the exercise) and never again drink soda. He stated the risks of this surgery in ratios which really helped me to understand where he was coming from in the \"medical world\". The one thing he did that made me feel a little uncomfortable, although it was probably entirely medically necessary, was to observe my stomach. I tried to suck it in and not look like a fat a**- (but I think he all ready knew what was there before I tried to do that). He was a very kind man and I would recommend him to anyone. After all, he was recommended to me.

I met Dr. Svendson at my pre-surgery visit on the date that my surgery date would be determined. He is the only one of the three Methodist surgeons I hadn't already met.rnI found him genuine, honest, direct and comforting. He examined me and answered my questions about surgery and recovery.rnI met him again the morning before surgery, then each day I was in the hospital. I felt he was genuinely concerned about my well being mentally/emotionally as well as physically. I really feel like he cares.rnI've known Barb Johnson, Dr. Svendson's nurse for several months as she leads the WLS support group for Park Nicollet/Methodist. I adore her. She's been a sage guide in the journey, a great source of information, and a wonderful comfort now that I am post-op and I'm really dealing with the challenges and benefits of surgery.rnThis program has a fantastic after care program. I've had my 1 week post-op visit so far. I'll have nurse visits at months 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12. I'll have nutritionist meetings at months 1, 2, 5, 8, and 11 months. I can attend support groups twice a month.rnI am very pleased to have Dr. Svendson as my doctor (I think of him as Dr. Chuck, not out of disrespect, but out of admiration and appreciation) and Barb as his wonderful nurse. I'm truely blessed by having them both helping me in this process.

Dr. Svendsen is the best!!! He is very carring. The first time I saw him we talked for 45 minutes. He was there to answer all my questions and make sure I understood everything every clerly. We talked about all the risks of the surgery. He has told me about the complacations of the surgery and what I can expect. The after care is great plan on seeing his team alot. His nurse gave me two numbers to get ahold of her at any time and told me not to be afraid to call she will answer any and all questions and she is very good about getting back to you very soon. His staff is also great. It helps to have a nurse that has been through the surgery herself. She has told me what works for her and what she has had a lot of trouble with. I really could not say what was best about the Dr. he is a great surgeon and he is very carring and has a great bedside manor. all the nurses at the hospital were great. On a scale of 1-10 I would give the dr. and his staff a 10++++++.

My first impression of Dr. Svendsen was, \"Wow, he must be close to my age!\" and he is! But most importantly, he is very caring and approachable and was very patient with questions. His office staff is super! Everyone at Park Nicollet is EXCELLENT!! He stressed both aftercare but was also very upfront about pre-op: the 10 day liquid diet, exercise, getting your mind ready for the changes about to take place. Dr, Svendsen has both surgical competence and a great bedside manner but but if I had to pick one I would pick surgical competence. When he is truly \"earning his salary\", I will out cold on the O.R. table!!! Dr. Svendsen is the best! ****UPDATE*** Now that I am six months out I still have such strong feelings of respect for Dr. Svendsen! I saw him at my check-up and I asked if I could hug him! He said yes - I wanted to express my gratitude for taking such good care of me on the OR table. I would also describe him as a kind, compassionate and smart man who happens to be a great surgeon.

He is awesome!! Supportive and positive. Great bedside manner. His staff is caring and the nureses are incredible. He stressed following the rules-- made me aware of the plus/minuses, and had no after-surgery issues. The flagyl just happens-- the surgery itself was easy. I highly recommned him!!!!

'1. What was your first impression of him? rnHumm

'I started the process with Dr. Svendsen's nurse Barb. She has been wonderful during this whole process. She tells me what I need to hear not what I want to hear.... all with a sense of humor. I love that she has been through this herself

I had a great first impression of Dr. Jones. He is very warm and friendly. He has a good bedside manor and he was great with any problems I had after surgery. I liked that he is very down to earth and easy to talk to.

Dr. Jones is very nice and real easy to talk to. rnHis office staff is also very nice they make you feel very comfortable.rnrnI feel Dr. Jones is a very good surgeon and he cares about his patients.

'Tom Jones was amazing to have as a surgeon-- I can't say enough great things about him and the PNC/Methodist staff. He made me feel comfortable right from the start