Kenneth Printen Bariatric Surgeon M.D., F.A.C.S.

I have changed surgeons! I originally was going to have my surgery done at BTC in Belvidere, Ill. with Dr. Berkowitz, but my insurance would not cover enough of the fees to make it affordable for me. Belvidere is only about 20 miles from my home. So, I went in search of a surgeon who was in my insurance's network and who had a good track record. After researching several surgeons from the Chicago area, I chose Dr. Kenneth Printen. I had my first consult with him on Sept. 14 and I was very pleased. Dr. Printen has been doing WLS for over 30 years and has performed over 2,000 WL operations. Dr. Printen does follow-up with his patients for life. He is extremely personable, as is his office staff. I have had one more consult with him and he wants me to attend a couple of support group meetings and so, I am looking for a support group locally to attend. Dr. Printens office has not recieved a reply from my insurance company yet, so I do not have a date yet. I was previously approved for the surgery though and am just waiting for approval to change surgeon and hospital now.

I'm not really sure what I expected at my first visit with Dr. Printen and his staff.
However, I found them to be friendly as well as willing to answer any questions I had about GBS very openly.

I think the best thing was sitting in his waiting room chatting with his patients while I was waiting for my appt.
I liked the fact that his patients seemed very well informed, both pre-op and post-op.

I had spent a lot of time and energy learning everything I could about GBS before
I actually saw Dr. Printen so I didn't have the standard questions ... although he seemed to try and make sure that I did indeed
understand exactly what I should expect.

I felt he tried to be very informitive. I think if I had to say any one thing about him it would have to be that he was very honest about what was what.

His office staff took care of all of my insurance needs and in a timely mannor.
The only thing I had to provide was a request letter explaining my need for GBS.

Surgical competence? From what he told me,
he has done over 2000 of these types of surgery's, how would you really know?
I was not able to watch his work ... LOL
I must admit ... I wasn't unhappy with his results.
Would I refer him to my best friend? Yes!

My first impression of Dr. Printen was he was very down to earth. I was not intimidated by him and felt I could ask any question without feeling like I was an idiot. He spent as much time as I needed with him and answered all my questions. I never felt rushed or like I was wasting his time. His office staff is excellent. In fact the first appt. I had they actually called and asked me to come a little later because he was running late. I really appreciated that. Dr. Printen`s program is excellent, there is a support group that meets once a month and everyone there is very willing to answer any questions you may have. I would rate Dr. Printen a 10. My experience as of today has been excellent.

Dr. Printen has been involved with WLS for over 20 years. He is a very casual, laid back person. My 1st appointment he was running 1 hour behind schedule yet when I was being treated he never rushed and took the time to answer every question and concern. His relaxed attitude quelled any fears I had. The staff is very friendly and professional. The care I received at St. Francis was wonderful. Every person on every shift was friendly and caring and they know how to care for bariatric patients. Follow up care for the 1st year is included in the initial fee and is scheduled according to each individuals needs. If I remember correctly he then sees the patients once or twice a year after that. I have been more than satisfied with Dr. Printens surgical competence and bedside manner! The only negative thing I can think of is that he does run late on his office appointments but he takes the time with each person and doesn't rush you through.

I had initially decided to go with another doctor but, after having met and heard Dr. Printen at a support group, I decided he was the one I wanted to perform the surgery. He was very likeable, down-to-earth, and very easy to understand. I got the impression right away that his first concern was the comfort and ease of the patient. My contact with him since then has only confirmed and heightened my initial perception. In visits to his office, his staff are easy to talk to and very helpful. Dr. Printen's office manner is very relaxing. I didn't feel nervous once nor did I feel he was talking down to me. He explained all my questions very matter-of-factly and very realistically. So far, I haven't found one thing I dislike about him. He is the best! He may be very easy to talk to but he also emphasizes the things a patient will have to do both before surgery and after surgery. He is very clear with his explanations and leaves little to the imagination. At least with him you know what to expect. Right now, not yet having had surgery, I would have to rate him one of the best.


I cannot tell you how much I'm grateful to God that Doctor Printen did my surgery! Talk about caring, professional, extremely competent, and funny! He immediately put me at ease after I got to my room after being in the recovery room. He was also very honest about what he expected. He told me, in no uncertain words, that he wanted me up, out of bed, and walking a little that very night. I told him I though he was nuts, but I did do it. Didn't think I could, but it's amazing what you can do when you have no other alternatives. After all, the bathroom was at the end of the room! Day after day, he visited me, relaxed me, explained things to me in clear and very practical terms. I know that I should find something "negative" to say about him, but how can I? He's that good. I can't think of anyone better to do this kind of surgery AND to provide the kind of informational, supportive backup you'll need after it. As far as I'm concerned, there are no other options. One other thing which I think speaks volumes about Dr. Printen. He treats the surgical post-op staff (residents, nurses, nurses aides) with a tremendous sense of professionalism. He jokes with them, greets them as equals in the health-care profession and they absolutely adore him. That kind of attention to others says more to me about his qualifications than any medical degree.

i brought my husband with for the consult,,dr printen is wonderful..truly gifed,,i was very nervous,,but he made feel at home,,explained in great detail alot about the surgery,,

I LOVE Dr. Printen. Anyone considering having Vertical Banded Gastroplasty should choose him as their surgeon. He is VERY knowlegable, has been doing the surgury for 25 years, and helped develop the surgery with Dr. Mason back in Iowa.

I really cannot think of one negative thing to say about my experience with him. He always ansered ALL my questions, never rushed me out of the office, and was easy to get a hold of if I needed to call him.

His office staff was always professional, and I never felt humiliated for being so fat.
Everyone at St. Francis Hospital was WONDERFUL also. I was VERY worried that I would be not treated kindly because I was so fat. The day of surgery I weighed in at 346 pounds (7/7/00) Today, 5/23/01 I weigh 220. I've lost 126 lbs in less than a year!

Aftercare is VERY inportant with Dr. Printen.
You must return to see him on a 6 week basis for a while after the staples come out. He weighs you and keeps track of what you are eating and amounts.

My first impression of Dr. Printen was one of a very caring man. I was in tears and he came to me and gave me a hug. It was what I needed at the time. He just gets more wonderful as time goes on.

The staff is great and very caring also. They will answer any questions that they can for your and are really interested.

Dr. Printen did such a good Job with my bestfriend and my surgery that i only have praises for the man god has truly anointed his hands to help the morbid obese I would and do recommend patients to him he is great and so is his assistant surgeons everyone was very thoughtful and explained everything that was going to happen to me so if you are looking in the Chicago Area you have just found a good surgeon to consult with Grace and Peace Shonnita

I had my first consultation on March 20, 2001 with Dr. Printen. He is very pleasant. I went back in April 12, 2001 for my follow up and he answered additional questions for me. His office submitted the insurance letter after the initial consultation. I received approval on April 18. Dr. Printens office did everything. Praise be to God.