Charles A. Svendsen Bariatric Surgeon M.D.

My first impression was...he's nice looking! He can't be looking at my fat! But over time, and chatting with him, I came to really respect his ability and skills as a surgeon. Then there's Barb, his nurse...what a peach! Love her! She's got the most fun sense of humor. As for after care, you can't get enough and they strongly recommend follow up appointments and support groups. You need it to continue being successfull! As with any surgery, there are risks, and the Park Nicollet program made sure you are well aware of all the possibilities. It's a life changing experience and they want you to know what you're getting into...FOR LIFE! If I had to rate Dr Svendsen and Barb, I'd give them a 10! There is no one else I'd rather have before or after surgery than those two. I always felt so comfortable and safe in their hands.

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.

'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

My first impresson of him was very nice and soft spoken. He knew what he was doing and that made me feel very comfortable. His nurse Barb is great!

What a wonderful man! He was funny but honest. He took it all in stride. He knows that he's dealing with well-informed patients who know what they want.

I also love Barb, the bariatric nurse. She is amazing. She keeps me honest and doesn't feel like a nagging mother. I'm glad that I get to work with her through this whole ordeal. She's willing and able to keep me grounded.

Dr. Svendsen was recommended to me by both my PCP and my daughter, who is a nurse.
His experience, his qualifications and his confidence gave me a sense of well-being and "rightness" about this surgery. His nurse Barb and the office staff are terrific. One of the very first things I recieved was a list of names and phone numbers that I could call if I had any questions. The bariatric program requires that I meet with both the surgeons office and the nutritionist multiple times the first year post-op then tapers off the second and third year. All in all, I'd give Dr. Svendsen and the Park Nicollet bariatric program an 11 on a scale of 1 thru 10.

I can't say enough great things about Dr. Svendsen, Barbara Johnson...and the "Team".
The support from day one has been lasting for me.
When first coming onboard..when WLS was only a thought, not really sure if it was the right decision..I found myself at the informational meeting. The rest is history.
I was taken under the wings of Barbara and into the nest of Dr. Svendsen.
What a great nest to be!!
Throughout the process.. to the day of surgury (to aftercare) my rating is A+++.
Dr. Svendsen was totally honest, very professional, confident, addressed all my concerns and looked you in the eyes when talking. He was there for me 110% plus. My impression of Dr. Svendsen holds true today. The words are "Top Notch".

I would highly recommend Dr. Charles Svendsen!

ps. Great eyes and bedside manner.