Hennepin County Medical Center Bariatric Center

The 1st thing that occurred to me, is that he is much shorter than I expected! That said, he is HUGE in confidence and compassion. I found him to be humorous, yet very serious about his vocation and why he chose this field. He was very straightforward in his group presentation about the surgery, the pros/cons, the risks and what HE considers a successful WLS long term. He doesn't look at the numbers on the scale, but rather the percentage of people who go off their BP meds, diabetes that is cured, the sleep apnea that goes away, etc. The numbers he showed were amazing to me! In top of that, not only did he give us the 'nationally accepted' percentages for certain complications (bleeding, leaking, blood clots to the lungs, death, etc.) he also gave us HIS PERSONAL stats on these. That was impressive to me.

I found him to be honest and caring, and truly concerned for his patients....as well as prospective patients. If needed, he will give you his personal cell phone number to call anytime w/problems, concerns, whatever. He is available 24/7, even on vacations (try not to interrupt him though...even he deserves a break!) I expressed my concern over a *new* criteria my insurance instituted just 2wks prior to my consult w/him, and thought it may set me back months possibly. He encouraged me to call him in 7 days if I hadn't heard anything, and that HE'D handle it. Said he'd see me in July for my WLS. Also told me to have any family, friends or the neighbor down the street call if they had any questions or concerns about what I'm undertaking....how many Dr's in general make themselves this accessable??

My first impression of Howard was that he was rather cocky. I did not like this but I am cocky too so I figured that this could be a good match. After spending some time with him I realized that he was a truly caring man that was so different from all the other surgeons that I had visited. He really did care and did not look at me as a way to simply increase his retirement fund. He is the most dedicated medical professional that I have ever met. Howard’s office staff with the exception of one dietician, Amy, was fantastic. They were always friendly and returned phone calls very fast. A nurse there name Andrea Jones even gave me her after hours pager so that I could page her after business hours if I had questions or concerns. All paperwork that I needed was handled in a very prompt matter. The after care with the HCMC is very very good. I personally did not care for the hospital setting, or having to share a room, but it was ONLY 1 DAY and to be operated on by a man like Howard, with such skill, tenacity, and dedication far out weighed the above mentioned negatives. Howard has never lost a patient, knock on wood, and told you the honest truth each and every time. There was no sugar coating it. He flat out told me that if he didn’t think that I was ready that he would not operate on me quoting him "I have plenty of patients." He was promptly in to see me in the hospital room several times after surgery always with a smile on his face. He also has a great sense of humor. I would rate Howard a 9 out of 10 and would not hesitate to refer any one to him. You should see how small my incisions are!! And only 5 weeks out two of them are hardly noticeable!
Please contact me on AOL instant messenger at Nightwalker447 at any time with questions.
Ryan

Awesome,confident,serious, caring, sense of humor,makes you feel comfortable,I met Dr.Lederer in group which he informed us about the surgery and the risk of surgery he was strieght forward no sugar coating.
He as you do you smoke and some us answered yes, he told us to quit now because if you come to him 2 weeks before surgey and if he ask again and you lie to him he will cancel your date, he said he do not have to smell your clothes or your breath he can see it in your eyes.He willbe helping me with quit smoking.He has a great staff everyone is so helpful.his staff consist of nurses,ladies that take of insurance issues, before care , aftercare . The whole thing is so AWESOME.

Dr. Lederer is very confident in his abilities which does make me feel very comfortable about the surgery. He finished a year long fellowship program at the U of MN with Dr. Ikramuddin and he says that he performs the surgery exactly the same. I have heard wonderful things about Dr. Ikramuddin but it is well over a years wait to get to see him.

Post Sergical: Dr. Ledderer has been wonderful!!! My surgery could not have gone more smoothly. He came to see me several times while I was just in the hospital for a day and a half. I would recommend him in a heart beat to anyone who is considering or has decided to have the surgery. He has a very comforting manner as well as a good sense of humor. The nuses on his staff were the greatest as well. Top Notch Team!!!

Dr.Lederer is very serious and compassionate in helping people.

This man is awesum and so is his staff! Dr.Lederer makes sure your ready comfortable & serious to make this life changing commitment.

The HCMC Obesity office has a wonderful staff to work with.

I had the Laparoscopic Roux-en-y.

Dr.Lederer very compassionate with all his patients & he'll take great care of you!

Called me at home to make sure how I was doing. He makes you feel like family.

This Doctor knows his job & he does it well!

I have my first consult on March 5, 2004

My first impression of my surgeon- Dr. Howard Lederer was wonderful! I think he has such a positive attitude, which helps me in the long run!
I have received some emails from current patients wishing me luck with him because he is so AWESOME.

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.

My first impression of Dr. Krook was that he was young! But very professional and caring. He was very informative and went over every pro and con of surgical procedure it self and how this was going to change my life style.
His staff is first rate and also very caring.
I started with another surgeon/program in the Twin Cities area and ended up in Duluth as this was easier for me to get to. This program is new and far more superior then the one I started with! What is most impresive is the fact that you work with a dietitan from day one and will work with one for as long as needed. It's all about this being a tool to use to get yourself healthy.

Dr. Krook was very caring and had a great bedside manner.

My opinion of him only improved over time.

His staff is very knowledgeable and helpful. I know they are there when I need them.
Nothing.

He's terrific.

Explained the risks very thoroughly.

He is wonderful, very attentive.

Both are great. I got many compliments on his handiwork. Loved his bedside manner and attentiveness.