A Note from Dr. Johnell
There is nothing more rewarding than seeing my patients meet their goals.
I became a surgeon because I’ve always liked fixing things. For nearly 21 years, other doctors called me in to do surgery for their patients. They depended on me to "go in, fix the problem, and get out." After a while, it occurred to me that I was missing the best part of being a doctor – getting to see my patients regain their health.
Bariatric medicine enables me to do that. Now I'm with my patients from beginning to end.
- Right from the start, I get to explain their weight-loss options, and we decide together whether surgery is right for them. Is bariatric surgery the best care for you? What are the benefits and risks?
- I find real joy in exercising my surgical skills and working with laparoscopic tools, especially high tech tools like the DaVinci™ Surgical Robot.
- For the first time in my surgical career, I get to see patients months and even years after surgery because our program provides lifetime support for our patients.
- Learn more about NCMC
Think of it. Wouldn't you like your surgeon to see you again after you lose that 100 pounds? Will he or she know you?
I will, and it will bring me joy. I believe finding a healthier weight will bring you joy and great satisfaction as well. That is why I do what I do.
Michael W. Johnell, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Click here to read Dr. Johnell’s history and CV
Consider quality first.
We welcome you to examine our program. We think you’ll feel comfortable here because our mission is “to make a difference in people’s lives through excellent patient care.” And we have a record of great results.
Dr. Johnell and North Colorado Medical Center (NCMC) formed the NCMC Bariatric Center in 2001.
- In 2005, we were one of the first 10 bariatric programs in the country to be named a Center of Excellence.
- Bariatric surgery makes up more than 95 percent of Dr. Johnell’s surgical practice. This way, he can see his patient progress from before surgery through their after-surgery follow up program.
- In 99% of the hundreds of stomach-band and bypass surgeries Dr. Johnell performs each year, he uses “laparoscopic” tools. Using these tiny surgery tools means Dr. Johnell can avoid making a long incision, so his patients feel less pain and heal more quickly.
- The most advanced laparoscopic tool is the DaVinci™ robot. DaVinci™ has tiny hands and vision that is 10X more powerful than human vision. Operating with DaVinci™ gives Dr. Johnell better precision in tiny spaces. The results are fewer internal bruises, less pain and faster recovery.
- In 2006, NCMC met exacting nursing qualifications to become a “magnate” hospital. We are a state-of-art teaching hospital, and our goal is exceptional patient care.
- Our nurses, therapists, diet and exercise specialists are the backbone of our program. Both before and after your surgery, they are here to give you the education and support you’ll need to lose weight and keep it off in the future.
- Dr. Barr, our clinical psychologist, helps patients deal with change and expectations after surgery. He can help you discover why you eat what you eat as well as how to find healthy substitutes for emotional eating.
We are here for you as long as you need us.
Having bariatric surgery is a huge step in losing weight, but it’s only one step. We promise to be here for aftercare because that is the time you will need education about diet, exercise, medicines and self-image changes. We promise to be here, and that promise is what makes us just a bit different — better — than other programs.
