Providence Saint Patrick Bariatric Program Bariatric Center


he is the BEST...just wish I could have spent more time questioning him not that I know what I would have asked him...lol, I had some really bad co-morbidity's and he made sure all my issues were handled before surgery as well as after surgery, I feel he is very caring and knew his patients which is important to me. The staff what can I say ....they too are the best, always there for you when ever you need them before and after.

I consulted with Brad Pickhardt and he answered all of my questions and in turn asked me a lot of questions. Dr. Pickhardt is a no non-sense surgeon. His success record is awesome so I'd say there is probably a lot of talent in his hands. Dr. Pickhardt performed my Lap RNY on November 19th. Everything has gone extremely well. I am only one week out but have had not difficulties whatsoever. I will learn more about the aftercare program tomorrow and will post again.

My first impression of Dr. Swannack was that he was very knowledgable, and kind. I have not changed my opinion of him. All they way through he is very honest with me giving me his opinion but letting make my own choices. His ENTIRE staff is AMAZING! The program coordinater is a Nurse practitioner and she herself has had the proceedure. The other nurse in the office is also there for support and will answer any questions. Everyone in the office always greets you by name with a smile. I always look forward to my appointments.rnThere are so many great things set in place to make sure each person gets the best results. Such as online support, inperson support groups an interactive web site and much more. They always tell you that they are there to make sure that you get the best results possible.rnI had an hour consultation with my doctor where he explained every thing about the two different surgeries and then his recommendation for you. I was able to ask questions until I felt comfortable. Once I made my final choice between the two surgeries then I had another education appointment before surgery.rnI feel that surgical competence and bedside manner are both VERY important and Dr. Swannack has both. If I had to give him an overall rating on a scale of 1-10 I give him 12.

My first impression of Dr Pickhardt was wonderful. I was very nervous when I went to my first consult. Something about his manner put my at ease and while I KNEW I was doing the right thing, I FELT it after I met him. He asked me several times \"what questions do you have for me?\". I truly feel that he cares deeply for his bariatric patients and he is empathetic with what obese people go through. I would recommend him to anyone considering bariatric surgery in Montana. He is an excellent surgeon and I credit his expertise and willingness to help obese people with saving my life.

Hi havn't met Dr. Pickhardt as yet. I have heard he is one of the premire surgeons doing this operation in Montana. I am scheduled for my first meeting with him on 2/19/03. I have been in comunication with his nurses and I am looking forward to our visit. His head nurse Renee Williams at St Patricks in Missoula has done a wonderful job at getting things going.
Met with Dr. Pickardt on the 19th. Great guy with a good sense of humor, but very clear about the risks of this surgery. He was not trying to sell me on it in anyway, but was encouraging.
Had the Surgery on the 4th of march. Dr. met with me for about 15 minutes in pre opp and since we were both in commited mode by then, his demeaner was 100% positive that everyting would go well and that this was a new chapter in my life. He was right.

He is very straight forward, I liked that, no I just liked him more. the staff is wonderful.Nothing, Trust him. Listen to what he tells you.He pushes after care as a very large part of the plan. The aftercare plan they have is very structere.He was very straight about the posslible outcomes of this surgery I knew all the risks I would be facing. Overall I would give him and his program a 10 on a scale of 1-10. Both were outstanding

My actual surgeon was Dr. Charles Swannack a partner of Dr. Pckhardt. Dr. Swannack was great. I would highly recommend him. He explained everything, answered all the questions my husband and I had and always smiles. He has the same office staff as Dr. Pickhardt at the Bariatric Clinic and they are wonderful. Dr. Swannack uses an abdominal anesthesia along with the morphine pump postop, so I had very little incision pain. I don't think Dr. Pickhardt uses this. Dr. Swannack is very tall and lanky, but seems to have a lot of empathy towards his patience. I really am glad I had him for my surgeon.