Jake J. Allen Bariatric Surgeon M.D., F.A.C.S.

I had a rough fight being in the hospital for 102 days...We didn't know when we went in i was going to have BIg trouble and he tried to help but the insurance company wouldn't pay at all...... The insurance company is Utah/Idaho Teasters Security Fund......
Since i was in the hospital for so long he took me baby steps. Still I should have lost more weight then I have.

He spoke in laymans terms that I could understand. He made me feel like I could do it and feel better about myself.

I feel the same way about him, he saved my life.
Very helpful, some had also had the surgery.

Nothing

He is very dedicated and caring.

Very much so.

Yes

Yes

The Best, I got very lucky to have him.

Both

I first contacted the Bariatric Surgery Center in Missoula. Although they were nice, they wouldn't go out of their way to let me know what I would need for insurance approval. BC/BS Federal didn't pre-approve at that time, and they were afraid to touch me. They wouldn't even get me in to see the doc.

I then tried another surgeon. Dr. Rohrer flat out told me that my particular insurance requires someone to have been diagnosed with one of the 7 major risk factors, and he gave me a prescription to have a sleep study done. The sleep study didn't show anything, so I was dropped by them as well. Being right on the bubble, this has been a little tough.

I am changing surgeons to Dr. Allen after hearing the results of the sleep study. I'll update after my consult next week.

Some good words about Dr. Allen. He is not judgemental. He relayed an experience he had with some surgical nurses who were very thin. They were looking at his patient and he could tell that they were thinking, "how could she let herself get that way?" And he said to them, "Do you think that all they need to do is diet and exercise?" And they said yes. He then said, "What would you say if someone told you that you needed to gain 100 pounds and keep it on for over a year?" They said that they couldn't do it. And Dr. Allen said, "Now you know how they feel about NOT being able to lose the weight." He has also never lost a patient during WLS and has better statistics than the average regarding weight loss maintained, infection, and other major complications. Overall, I was very happy I finally went to him. I should have done it sooner.

I didn't see his bedside manner as bad. He seems to be very confident in his ability as a surgeon, and makes sure you know he feels very comfortable performing the RNY laproscopically. He does talk fast so you have to listen carefully, but he will let you talk and listen to your input as well. He wants to know that you are really a good candidate for WLS. He gives you plenty of time to ask questions, but I think he already knows that most of do quite a bit of homework before we even call a surgeon. I thought he was very kind and he spent a lot of time with me in his office.

I did NOT feel talked down to as I did with Dr. Rohrer. That's important. He was a little concerned about the short amount of time I've been married because husbands tend to feel more secure with their heavy wives. He also wants to make sure you know that you WILL feel head hungry sometimes and encouraged me to get a picture taken of me now so that when I start feeling sorry for myself because of the things I can no longer eat (and he assures me I will at some point) I can easily remind myself part of why I am doing this. What a good doctor. Although he doesn't have a support group, he says that most of his patients prefer to do things at their own pace and call and ask if they have any questions. He reminds us to listen to our bodies and do what they say is the right thing.

Once again, very impressed with Dr. Allen.

02/24/04 - I like this man more and more with each contact. He is a very warm person and I believe he is a skilled surgeon. I'm doing very well post-op.

When I was first researching gastric bypass, I looked into local surgeons. After looking at success rates, etc., I chose Dr. Allen. I have noticed in some of the postings concerning Dr. Allen in this website that he is lacking in bedside manner, and I will relate that this is one of the comments I heard repeatedly when talking with other patients. As a nurse, I know that this is something that I will hear from my patients frequently concerning the Drs. caring for them.Unfrtunately, a bedside manner is not always there. So, you ask, why did I end up choosing Dr. Allen? When you work with surgeons on a regulat basis, you tend to look past bedside manner, and look at the skill, and success rate of the surgeon. Dr. Allen rates extremely high in both of these categories. He also rates very low in nosocomial infections. (hospital based infections).Yes, I found Dr. Allen to be a man of very few words, but he did answer all of my questions and he did a very nice job with my surgery.

I met Dr. Allen on March 3, 2003. My first impressions were very positive. Dr. Allen met me with a caring and concerned attitude. He explained his surgical procedure in easy to understand language and was very thorough. My questions were all answered and I felt that I was important during the office visit. When I asked him about the risks of surgery and his success rate, I felt he was very honest. He shared his regular medical practices which help to lower the risks during and after surgery. Dr. Allen spent all the time I needed at my office visit.

I was very impress with Linda his Administrator. She went through gastric bypass within the last 18 months and was able to answer more personal type questions. She provided a tour of the hospital facility where I will have my surgery and introduced me to several of the nursing staff. The other staff which worked with me were all patient and very friendly. I feel confident in Dr. Allen and am definately looking forward to working with him and his staff.

My surgery is scheduled for the 11th and I will update with more comments after I'm home.

3/21/03
I had my one week post-op visit with Dr. Allen today. (released from the hospital on 3/14) The doctor's visit was very short - He took out my incision staples and removed the drain tube - that wasn't pleasant, but like Dr. Allen said the discomfort was over very quickly. We talked shortly about my soft food diet for the next two weeks and I was on my way home.

4/3/03
I called Dr. Allen's office and spoke a couple of times yesterday to his nurse regarding my week four meal plans. And today I had my first solid meal. We went to McDonalds and I had a grilled chicken flatbread sandwich. I took my measuring cup and measured 1/3 cup of grilled chicken and fresh tomato slices. I left the grilled onions and flatbread per doctors instructions. It was very satisfying to have solid food again. I did not experience one bit of discomfort during or after the meal, as I follow the doctor's orders and really chewed my meat and took very small bites. I am so happy with the surgery, direction and care Dr. Allen has provided me. This surgery has been text book. I couldn't be more happy. Thanks Dr. Allen

Dr. Allen was all business on my first visit. He is nice, but I wouldn't describe him as warm.

Lynetta is a doll. She is very supportive and totally makes up for Dr. Allen's bedside manner.

July 31, 2002 I went to the emergency room and was admitted for surgery to remove my gall bladder. Dr. Rhorer was the on call physician. His personality was almost the opposite of Dr. Allen's! He is very warm and seemed to sincerely care about my well being, emotionally and physically. I wish that I had chosen him to do the bypass too. If you live in the GF area it is worth a visit to more than one doctor.

My first meeting with Dr. Allen will be December 23. I've talked with a young lady on his staff who is eternally cheerful. I will let you know about anything else after I've met with him.

I met with Doctor Allen today. He was absolutely wonderful. I thought his bed side manner was just fine. (heard from people that his bed side manner was not so great) He made me feel wonderful and I did not leave feeling like I was just another fat person. went through the procedure with me and the complications that could occur. was very knowledgeable on the surgery. he also does a lot of pretest (upper GI, A.K.G, blood-work, urinalysis, chest x-rays) before your surgery to make sure everything is working O.K. He did not spend a lot of time on after care but I have researched a lot so that was O.K. asked me if I had any questions showed me where my incisions would be and just in case they had to do an open showed where that would take place. my first impression is great I heard he was an excellent surgeon and I don't doubt it one bit but I will know for sure in a week.

Professional, straight and to the point. He's not overly friendly, not great with his bedside manner, but I have no complaints. He is an excellent surgeon, and that's all I care about. Office staff were helpful, encouraging.

I was a little nervous about making my initial visit for a life changing operation, but Dr. Allen and his entire staff was extremely considerate and helpful. I found the doctor very dedicated and knowledgable about the subject of gastric bypass. One of his staff had the surgery last Nov. and she is doing wonderful and she answered all of my questions about my insurance and the surgery. Linda from Dr. Allen's office has been extremely kind and thoughtful and excited for me. She is a God send.