Jon Krook Bariatric Surgeon

I go to the Bariatric Center at Unity Hospital in Fridely, MN. The staff there is unbelievably nice, frindly and moderately socialable. The insurance lady there and I believe her name is Jen ( I will double check that), is an angel. My surgeon who I just met recently is extremely informative, reassuring and confident in himself. He is alos not afraid to throw a little humor in to make sure moods stay calm and light hearted. He makes sure that you understand how important after care is, and that is is ok to come in and call him for ABSOLUTELY ANY reason that may have you concerned. He was very thorough with the risks, the rates that they happen, how they may be able to fix them, and the very scary aspects of the surgery that could occur. He was also very thorough in explaining all of the positive aspects as well. I would rate Dr. Krook a definite 11 on a 1-10 scale. I will come back at a later date, after I have had the surgery since I really do not know bedside manner, but I am assuming they will be just fine!

My first impression of him was that he was confident and knowledgable. All of the risk were relayed to me seriously but with a bit of humor too. After surgery, and because of it, I have more confidence in him. All staff were great, with the exception of a gossipy nurse in post-op.

I think that Dr Krook is a great surgeon. the fact that he is the only one in Dr Bakers office who does the procedure (RNY) laproscopically (sp?) is a great reason why I would refer others to him. I feel almost "normal" (given the obvious changes) after only 5 days of surgery. I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone.

I thought he was awfully young. I changed my mind when I talked with him, he is quite knowledgeable. His staff was great. There wasn't anything I didn't like about him. His future patients should know that he is a caring physician and should have no fear that he is competent. Aftercare is important, and he is there to make sure you do it. Yes, there is an aftercare program. He was very upfront about the risks of surgery. I would rate him at a 10 ++++. Both his surgical competence and bedside manner were great.

Great doctor, very compassionate man, the program in Duluth is excellent, a bit conservative, but excellent.

the Duluth (St Marys Hospital) program is very thorough. you have to have a psych evaluation, medical exam done, you have to meet with the program director and a dietician before being accepted into the program.

after that, then you meet the doctor and Dr Krook is a great guy. he definitely mentioned all the pitfalls of surgery, he only does the RNY and will do lap or open, depending upon your BMI.

the program also emphasizes aftercare and you will meet again with the program coordinator and a dietician every step of the way and they are very helpful. I have emailed the dieticians with my questions and they have always answered me.

great program, saved my life!

OK, if I have to say anything negative, it's that they force you to go on a liquid diet 2 weeks prior to surgery to force you to lose weight. it's because it's easier for the surgeon that way. that 2 weeks was probably the hardest, but somehow I did it.

I have only met with him twice, but he seemed fairly young, and very intelligent. He brought terms down to my level and anwsered all questions. He was interesting, helpful, and gave me the highest confidence in his ability as a surgeon. I will have to admit I was a little nervous in the beginning due to the fact this program is so new at my hospital, but he is teaching the laparoscopic procedure to the other docs, so I think I'll be fine.
The office staff is SUPER helpful and very well informed. They made the process very easy for me, but it really helps to take charge and get on the phone and talk to the Dr's office and INS CO to get/keep the ball rolling. At one point my papers were lost in faxland and if I had not taken the initiative to call and see how things were progressing, I would have been set back even longer.
There is not one thing that I do not like about Dr.Krook and his staff. They are all very nice, professional, informative, and good at what they do.
Aftercare, actually the entire process is all a learning one. It takes quite a long time, but it is so that you are very well informed, and truly understand that this is a TOOL not a quick fix. They stress the importance of learning exactaly what you need to know even before you go under the knife so that there are no surprises when you are on the losing side. After care is not an option, it is a part ot the process/program at SMDC. It is understood that you will forever be responsible for aspects of aftercare. Their aftercare program is very structured, easy to follow, self explanatory, and essential to good success.
He addressed the risks of surgery in quite a forward manner. He did not make it sound nice or good or sugar coat it. He came out and told me in terms I plainly understood what the risks are, and what possible complications could occur. He even gave me a list to ponder over at home.
He's a 10 so far!
First, I think, surgical competence. If they can't do a good enough job to get you into a bed to recover, what does bedside manner matter! But, on the other hand, Dr.Krook is a HUMAN, he is easily understood, easy to talk to, and seems very personable, yet I am confident he is an excellent surgeon also.

Dr. Krook was awesome. He is young, but I did not have a problem with that. He is truly dedicated to the program, and I was never concerned with my life in his hands. His surgical expertise and bedside manner were great, and I was out of the hospital a day early with absolutely no complications.

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.

this doctor was wonderful...the program just started in this hospital..they are wonderful people..the doctor went over everything from before and years after...he is very solid..i still have to go threw some more test...he likes to be on the safe side...i would trust my life with this guy..the spelling is wrong for my surgeon...Dr. Krooks...can't figure out how to change it