"The SMDC Bariatric Program is awesome. They do a complete job of preparing you for the surgery and possibilities, and what is expected of you before and after surgery, that I went into this with my eyes wide open and a great attitude. I had lost over 40 pounds pre-operatively, exercised and went into my surgery as healthy and prepared as possible. I think this contributed to my relatively complication-free surgery and recovery. But my positive attitude, willingness to follow the protocol, and lack of complications were reflected in the positive, compassionate and helpful attitudes of the nursing staff. My caregivers were wonderful and so encouraging! And of course my surgeon, Dr Jon Krook is DR MIRACLE and he ROCKS! "
"My first impression of Dr. Krook was from his presentation at August's Informational Meeting. I thought he was very young, but confident, (not arrogant). With the MS flare ups and the longggg diagnosis process, I've had it with arrogant doctors. Give me a real person! Dr. Krook fits that criteria. Plus he had WLS experience during his residency in MI. I also like that he uses Lovenox after surgery to help prevent blood clots.
My consultation with Dr. Krook just emphasized his compassionate, honest manner.
I also am very impressed and confident in Patti, the General Surgery Nurse, and Roxanne one of the dieticians. The lady at the desk who scheduled my endoscopy was also very very nice and helpful, as was the case worker who submits the info to the insurance co.
The only thing that concerns me about having surgery at SMDC is the youngness of the program. They have been back in the WLS business for less than a year. However, in some ways this is a good thing. There is nothing routine about the procedure.
Future patients of Dr. Krook should know that he's very honest and detailed about the procedure, risks, benefits, goals, aftercare.
The SMDC program places a lot of emphasis on aftercare. Patients are expected to do a lot of follow up with the surgeon, nurse and dieticians. The aftercare program is structured as to what you eat/drink and when, and all of your follow up appointments, B12 shots, etc.
Due to bad experiences with a certain neurologist in 1996, bedside manner is just as important to me in a doctor as his surgical competence. One does not outweigh the other. "
