Michael W. Johnell M.D., F.A.C.S Bariatric Surgeon

My impression of Dr Johnell is that he is very professional and very careful. A very good combination for a surgeon. His practice is Bariatric only and he has performed over 1000 surgeries. I believe he is very selective in the patients he will operate on. My PCP's nurse was seeing him and a month before her surgery, he told her she would have to go someplace else as he would not do it. I don't know why but he has never lost a patient and I suspect his being selective is a part of the reason. A wonderful staff who care very much for the patients. When Angela called to tell me my insurance was approved, I am not sure she was not more excited than me. The information has been very thorough and I think I am ready. I will let you know how it goes.rnThis guy is very good. Surgery went very well. He is a great communicator and give very clear instructions. I also cannot say enough about his staff. Incredibly caring and professional.

My first impression of Dr. Johnell came from his office staff. They were all friendly. It seemed apparent that he must treat them well as it came though in the way they treated me. My first impression only became more and more clear-cut after I started the program. I first met the majority of his office staff at an expert symposium that I attended. Before your first appointment, you must attend this. The panel included Dr. Johnell, the office psychologist, the plastic surgeon that works with his group, his wife (she's as sweet as can be), and several other staff members along with one of his one-year out post op patients. They all spoke and afterwards, the panel was open for questions. They were all genuine. I was so impressed that they were aware and recognized of the bias that obese people experience on a daily basis. He's really given this his heart or maybe his heart really gave this to him, which ever way, he's turned out to be a great person. Dr. Johnell requires aftercare. You have many appointments to make post-op. Not only that, but his staff encourages you to call anytime you feel you're struggling with the mental, physical or any other aspect of the life changes. Support groups are set up on Mondays and there is no sign up needed. When Dr. Johnell speaks at the expert symposium and from that time on, the risks are never hidden or put aside. He has each patient meet with his dietician and each must pass a psychological eval. Dr. Johnell is the absolute best in his field. I recommend him first, last and always. His surgical competence and beside manner are not to be out classed. He is a person before he is a surgeon. I know it seems all so positive, this all does come from my heart. I have had a very positive experience and am very happy with my WLS surgeon decision. Last of all, Best of luck in your WLS journey.

I felt Dr.johnell was very professional as well as personal. He was very informative of what was going to happen before surgery as well as after. He made sure that we understood everythig that was taking placern His office staff very nice and very helpful. He wants you to follow all the guidelines after surgery, and makes sure that we understand it. He made sure that we understood that there were risks, but he didnt scare us with them. I would rate him as excellent.rnHe has both surgical competence, as well as bedside manner. He was great!!!

Dr. Johnell was very wonderful when I went in for my consult. I was very impressed by him and his staff. He doesn't over look anything. He is watching out for what is the best for you. Office staff was very polite and made me feel very comfortable. Everyone is very detailed oriented and will make sure that they have all of the right information and that you do also. Very excellent place to go!

I have my consult with Dr. Johnell on July 6, 2005 and I have not spoken to him myself yet, but I have spoken to his staff and they have been extrememly helpful. Dr. Johnell's staff made arrangements for me to be able to stay in the hospitals Hospitality Suite for $15 a day when I need to go to Colorado for consults, pre-ops or anything. Also, since I am traveling from NM to CO they scheduled my 1.5 hour with the Nurse, my consult with Dr. Johnell and my Behavioral Exam all on the same day so that I could cut down the number of trips that I would need to make. After I actually go for my consultation I will give you more insight.

7/8/05 - I had my consult with Dr. Johnell and his staff was WONDERFUL and Dr. Johnell is extremely professional he made me feel very comfortable and listened to me and told me about my options and what I can expect. I think that anyone who is looking for a surgeon would be extremely happy with him and his staff.

8/4/05 - I must say my surgeons staff is EXCELLENT.

Dr. Johnell and his staff are amazing! My experience was an extreamly positive one. ~More to come~

I've had my initial consultation with Dr. Johnell and it went well. He was informative and helpful.

My first impression of Dr. Johnell was that he was very focused on me and my concerns. He was quick and to the point and gave me the answers I was waiting to hear. Over time his demeanor was more friendly and still serious about the surgery and my indivdual issues. His staff was always professional, even when they were moving and in trasition. It took a bit longer for me to get my approvals because of the move of their office. I liked Dr. Johnell from the beginning and was only frustrated about the waiting period of 18 weeks. Future patients should know I traveled from Westminster to Greeley for my surgery and although it was about 1 houe away I felt I made the best decision on Dr. and location. Dr. Johnell and his staff stress the importance of aftercare and support classes in order to be really successful. I listened very carefully and have no issues execpt that I can't make all the support meetings because of my drive 1 hour away and my schedule. Dr. Johnell and his staff spent a large amount of time talking about risks of surgery and made me feel very satisfied and comfortable that I understood the risks. Overall, I would rate Dr. Johnell a very high 10 on a scale of 1 to 10. The aftercare and Dr. appts. I've had so far are very thorough and I leave feeling better everytime. To me I would say surgical competence is better, all other matters are addressed and improve as we continue to follow up with each other. This is an ongoing process between Dr. Johnell and his staff and myself and I am glad to have that support system.

Dr. Johnell is not the warmest person I've ever met, but he answered all my questions patiently. I was not pleased that he doesn't show up for the introductory lecture (especially since I drove from Denver to Greeley solely for the purpose of meeting him since I had already been to two other lectures with other surgeons). However, what I like about him is that he lets you have a consultation early in the process instead of making you wait until after your insurance has approved the surgery (unlike some other surgeons in the Denver area). I also like the fact that, unlike some other surgeons, he seems to be a real advocate for the Lap Band surgery rather than just paying it lip service and using it as a "bait and switch" to get patients to have the gastric bypass. He also will perform the Lap Band on patients with BMI >50 which again some surgeons will not do.

So far, his office staff has been very helpful. He has a great aftercare program, but I'm not sure how much I will be able to take advantage of it from Denver. My surgery is scheduled for May 24.

My first impression of Dr. Johnell was that I felt "safe" around him. I had just had surgery 30 days before my gastric bypass and he tested more that any other Dr. I've been to. I was very happy that he wants to make sure that each patient is given the best care and that he wants to make sure the surgery is right for you.

I found his office staff to be extremely supportive. Anytime I called I felt that the response was very fast. Initially after my surgery I had some stomach pain and was alittle worried. Dr. Johnell called me back with in 10 minutes.

I have no complaints. I'm very glad that I was informed of all of the dangers of this surgery because it made me a better patient. I am acutely aware of the importance of the vitamins, hydration and exercise that is needed to make this life change pay-off.

I'd rate Dr. Johnell and his staff a 9.99.