Surgical Bariatrics Northwest Bariatric Center

I had my surgery May 4th 2001. Dr.Pennings and his staff were professional and caring.
I was given information about the surgery and the program that they provide with it.The aftercare is very important as is the process before the actual surgery. I feel lucky to have found Dr. Pennings and this program. I had a lot of questions and concerns and him and his staff were very helpful. The support group meetings were great, you talked to post op-patients and listened to all there experiences. I still attend the meetings when I can. It is wonderful to see others changing their health and lives for the better.
I am so greatful for all the support that I received from Dr. Pennings and his staff. They made it as easy as something like this can be. I would do it again.

Dr. Pennings was very supportive and understanding. Gave me a lot of encouragement and explained everything in detail. Very patient and spent a lot of time with me. The staff were all very helpful. They have a wonderful program, including a structured aftercare program. Dr. Pennings had dictated my physical/report for my appeal the same day I saw him - got a copy in the mail in just a few days! I think this is a very professional and caring staff, the Dr. is very up front and honest with you, lets you know exactly what the risks are. I feel very confident in Dr. Pennings and don't want to go anywhere else. The only thing I wish they did do that they don't is bill the insurance. It is extremely difficult to come up with the funds prior to the surgery.

MY SURGEON JOHN PENNINGS IS THE NICEST GUY EVER. HE HAS BEEN SUPER FRIENDLY RIGHT FROM THE START, AND I CAN'T SAY ENOUGH GOOD ABOUT HIM. TODAY IS THURSDAY, AND I HAD MY SURGERY ON MONDAY. I AM FEELING VERY GOOD, WITH LITTLE PAIN. THE FIRST NIGHT I WAS SO SICK, AND HE CAME TO SEE ME AT THE HOSPITAL AT ALMOST 10 P.M. TO SEE IF I WAS OK. HE IS THE BEST. HE SAW ME TWICE PER DAY. HE IS GREAT, AND EVERYONE WHO NEEDS TO HAVE THE SURGERY SHOULD HAVE HIM.HE IS WAY PAST A 10!!!

My first impression of Dr. Pennings was that he was caring, knowledgable, consciencous and interested in me as a person. If my impression changed at all it was for the better -- if that's possible. He is wonderful. His staff is also very friendly and caring. As a future patient, one should know and understand that Dr. Pennings gives you the tools and the fresh start but that it is still up to you to work the program. He is very supportive and encouraging regarding all of his programs and support groups. I was given lots of information regarding surgical risks, pamphlets, websites to investigate on my own, and of course he was there to answer what ever questions I or my family had. On a scale from 1 to 10, Dr. Pennings and his office have earned a 10. Both Dr. Pennings bedside manner and surgical training and knowledge are exceptional.

I'm extremely impressed with John Pennings. He has continued to impress me throughout our surgical relationship. His office staff is very helpful and understanding of my special needs. There is nothing that I don't like about Dr. Pennings. His program has a very strong emphasis on aftercare. He has implemented a post op support group that is very helpful. He has hired a facilitator for this support group that is great to work with and strives to make our group informative and supportive. Dr. Pennings was very open about the risks associated with bariatric surgery. I would rate Dr. Pennings as being an excellent surgeon who has worked diligently to create a program that treats the whole person. He cares deeply about his patients and truly believes that gastric bypass is a successful tool to help his patients lose weight. Dr. Pennings has excellent surgical skills and equally excellent bedside manners. I recommend him to everyone I meet!

I was very impressed from the start. Dr Pennings initially struck me as a very competant and understanding surgeon. I was very nervous and his confidence really put me at ease.
My impression of Dr. "P" did change in time. But it was certainly for the better. I trusted him with my life and would do it again without any hesitation.
His staff is very caring and I think that the thing that impressed me the most was that they never made me feel like a "fat freak" which unfortunalely is how I have felt all my life. They made me feel normal again. And I certainly thank them for that.
I really do not have anything negative that I can say about Dr Pennings. And believe me I have really tried to think of one. But to no avail. He's wonderful.
The after care that the Dr and his staff use is so refreshing. I go to regular support groups and seminars and they are never too busy to answer any questions that you may have. And believe me you will have alot.
Dr "P"layed it on the line when it came to the risks of the surgery. Nothing was held back and I really appreciated his candor. We all need to know that this is a serious step in our lives. And we also need to know that good things sometimes don't come on a silver platter. We have to take some risks to achieve the end product. It's worth the risk in my opinion.
I would give Dr Pennings a 100+ rating.
Of course Surgical competence is more important. But we are in luck because this Dr. has it all. Competence and great bedside manner. He's quite a find. And I feel very blessed to have found him.