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

He and his wife who is his nurse were wonderful. Very informative and put you at ease right away. Thorough in asking questions and also answering them. Did not feel rushed. They made sure that I had everything answered so I could feel comfortable about the decision. I also had gotten his name from another gal that has lost a tremendous amount of weight and she gave them higheest praise as well.
I am very happy with them and as soon as I can get the name of an insurance company that will cover the surgery, I am going to have it done. INsurance has proven to be a problem in my case. EVeryone seems to be denying gastric bypasses. Help! Does anyone have information there?
Aftercare is a must empasized to the max.
The beforecare and aftercare programs are in place and support groups established. The risks of surgery were explained in that they have perfected a procedure to prevent leakage from the proceedure and used diagrams and pictures to show how use to be done and how now done with extra measures. In a 1-10 ratio of satisfaction, I give their entire staff from office people to nurses, doctor a 10. I have had to call the office numerous times trying to get insurance info and they have been so encouraging every time. Both bedside and surgical proceedures are nice because we have been treated as "less than" all our lives dealing with weight, this doctor treated me with utmost respect and my family as well. His wife Patricia is amazing too. Very sensitive and yet knowledgeable. You know there were no negative aspects on this visit. I just wish the office was closer. I am driving from the very bottom of Colorado to the northern border because of my confidence and respect for this doctor and his team.

My first impression of Dr. Johnell was great. He was warm and friendly and answered all the questions I had. He is very professional.

I loved everyone in the office. They are very nice and helpful.

Dr. Johnell and his staff have a fabulous aftercare program. From the support groups, to the educational classes, your options are limitless.

I would rate Dr. Johnell a 10+.

My first impression of him was that he was very matter-of-fact and knowledgeable surgeon. He answered all my questions and took his time with me. He is not a "warm and fuzzy" type of doctor...but I felt confident in his skills. As he gets to know you, he does warm up a bit. I enjoyed him. He emphasized the risks and after-care related to this surgery. His pre-op program is very structured, which I found to be quite helpful. His staff is tremendous...always there for you if you have a question or should a problem arise. Overall, I believe his skills in the operating room are beyond compare..he's excellent...and his pre-op testing is lengthy...if something is wrong with you, he's going to find out about it. I believe all his policies are the reason I've had such a great outcome. I'd recommend him and his staff in a heartbeat!

I am just now writing this for my husband, Don. His surgery was 08/2002. He has lost 195 lbs, going from 375lbs to 184 lbs. His pictures can be seen on Dr. Johnell's website @ www.bariatricoperation.com. Dr. Johnell and his wife Patrice are running one of the best programs in the state! Myself being a bariatric nurse, I used to work with this team. I left only for a career advancement. However, I can't say enough about this program. The Johnell's are thorough and very passionate about this specialty. Dr. Johnell has done gastric bypass on my husband, and a Lap-Band on my parents. I highly reccommend him and his practice to anyone who desires weight loss surgery. As of my husbands surgery, Dr. Johnell had a "0" mortality rate, and I believe this to be true today.

I met with Patrice Dr. Johnells wife and assistant on the 3rd of march. She was very nice and very informative , answered all of our concerns and went over what life would be like post-op. And the vitamins , change in eating etc. Really stresses family support.
Seen Dr. Johnell the next day. Was very short and brief. Just went over the risks and pros and cons of the surgery . Brief exam and that was it , but he was nice , just kind of quiet. But said with a 40 bmi and reasonably good health i was a perfect candidate.
Now we wait on insurance approval.

I had an excellent experience with Dr. Johnell and his staff.

I consulted with him back in April 2003. He is not a gushy, cuddly kind of doc; he's more matter of fact. I get the impression that he sets a high standard for himself and his staff. He and his wife/nurse Patrice answered all my quetions very well. They put together a strong letter requesting insurance coverage for my surgery (Paficare HMO of Colorado). I was approved in less than 24 hours!

My surgery date was set for about a month later, May 2003. They provided lots to read and classes and support groups for me to attend. It helped me prepare for this new way of life.

I feel that I was very well prepared for the surgery and the lapband. In my pre-op meeting with Dr. Johnell, he told me every complication that could happen but then he told me everything he did to prevent them from happening.

The surgery went perfectly. I had very minimal pain the day of the surgery, and none afterwards. I was back to work four days later. Dr. Johnell's office was good at answering my phone questions. I've had six fills, two of which were by Dr. Johnell himself and four by his assistant Paula, who is great.

As I write this, it's now February 2004 and I've lost 50 pounds, I'm off of my asthma and blood pressure medication and I feel GREAT!

Dr. Johnell and his staff are wonderful. I really like the fact that I call with a question and they don't think that it is stupid. The Dr. came to see me in the hosp. everyday either him or is PAC. Told me what i needed to know and answered all questions. THE hosp. stay was wonderful the Nurses and CNA's were great. There was one CNA that was way out there and new nothing but that happens. ( CNA myself) Just avoided her. haha I would highly recomend him to any one. I would rate Dr. Johnell a 10. He knows what he is doing and I thank him so much for giving me my life back. thank you so much Doc.

Dr. Johnell and staff were great to work with. I was very well informed of all that would be taking place with the surgery and the risks involved. Dr. Johnell personally discussed the surgery with me, and his staff has always been on hand for any questions that I have had between my visits with him. The Northern Colorado Center for Bariatric Surgery is well organized and puts a lot of emphasis on aftercare. The support groups, newsletters, and personal care have helped me be successful in achieving my health goals.

Had my 1st meeting with Dr.Johnelle.

<blockquote><Font face="Book Antiqua"><font size=2><p align="left">I chose Dr. Johnell initially because his credentials are very impressive and he is so highly spoken of by his patients. A secondary benefit - the wait is 1/2 to 1/3 as long out there in cow country as it is in Denver! It's well worth the drive for this program. Dr. Johnell comes off as a very knowledgeable, soft-spoken Surgeon and an ordinary guy with a desire to help people with problems like you & me. It seems to me he 1) enjoys working with his patients and 2) recognizes the position of incredible trust he's given in performing this elective procedure on each person. He took time to answer my list of questions and concerns without pressure or rush. (I think it is helpful for you both if you're prepared with a list of questions at the consult.) Dr. Johnell seems to look at me as a unique person - not a number or another customer. I imagine he'll have a comforting bed-side manner also.

The Greeley Bariatric Program has been GREAT overall - all the support that is provided in addition to the surgery is soooo valuable. They'll get you going on good vitamins, exercise, and motivate you to watch your diet from the start, so you're in as good a condition for your surgery as possible. Yes - they educate patients verbally and in writing on the risks and benefits of wls. Plus - there's the support groups (wonderful!), eating behaviors specialist, and psychotherapist - all available when/if needed. I really like the service I'm receiving process-wise and I feel comfortable most of the time with all the staff I've met. So far, I'd rate my overall experience a 7 or an 8.

Side Issue: Tension developed in my pre-op appt. when I requested a sign-language interpreter for my hard-of-hearing husband for one support meeting and for post-op, in case there's anything complicated to explain. Although this is covered legally under the ADA, I almost NEVER request help. However, this is Major Surgery, and my husband deserves to understand fully what's going on. I think insurance may actually pay for this service -it might cost them $100 or $250 bucks. With about $2000 out of our pocket for the program, surgery, lots of copays, meds, vitamins, and protein items, we can't afford an interpreter too. I just really dislike how people's attitudes change when I have on rare occaisions requested this accomodation. Other than this side-issue, I've had a pretty good experience with Dr. Johnell overall. Most importantly, I trust his skills and knowlege.

Note: I have heard it's critical to stay in contact with Dr. Johnell's office staff, & really push to get your paperwork through "the system". I didn't have any trouble in this regard (Connie is GREAT in my experience) but it doesn't hurt to keep on top of things yourself, just in case! ;)