Heather M.
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North Colorado Medical Center (COE)
"Best Hospital experience I've had & I'm NOT sugar-coating; I'm a Quality Assurance Manager by profession so I know quality when I come across it. The nurses were really personable, upbeat, and attentive. The care across units was good to excellent overall. MY I.V. stick was a peice of cake hole-in-one. (I've had 4 nurses working desperatley to get an I.V. in me in the past. Yes - all at the same time!) My overall experience at NCMC was much better than average or expected. Good Job Guys!"

Michael W. Johnell M.D., F.A.C.S
"<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! ;)"
About Me
Firestone, CO
Location
30.2
BMI
RNY
Surgery
05/20/2003
Surgery Date
Jan 22, 2003
Member Since
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