Our Mission and Values

Our Goal:

"To dramatically improve lives by giving those who suffer from morbid obesity the tools to overcome obstacles to weight loss"

Our Values:

• Advanced technology – To use the best and most advanced technology available
• Education – To provide extensive education before, during and after surgery to enable safe and effective outcomes
• Quality – Ongoing efforts to improve the outcomes for each individual who seeks our help
• Sensitivity – The environment you experience will be absent of judgment regarding your condition and how you came to be in that condition

ASBS Center of Excellence 
In 2009, North Colorado Medical Center and Michael Johnell, MD, were renewed as an “American Society for Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence”; the industry’s highest distinction. Requirements include:

• Must have superior resources for bariatric patients
• Must show excellent patient outcomes
• Must prove institutional commitment at the highest level
• Must have specialized bariatric patient equipment
• Personnel is specially trained for bariatric patient care
• Must have a large case volume
• Must collect and maintain case management & outcomes data
• Advanced practice personnel (2 PA-C)
• Diet/Nutrition support
• Psychological support
• Dedicated bariatric patient care unit
• Inservice education

State-of- the-Art Technology & Patient Support Services
North Colorado Medical Center is at the forefront of modern medical technology and patient service.

• Ninety-nine percent of cases performed with minimally invasive technique
  • Laparoscopic surgery avoids a long abdominal incision
  • Only 5-6 small incisions are made in the abdomen
  • Faster recovery
  • Reduced pain 
• Video teleconferenced support groups
• Online newsletters
• Satellite clinics in surrounding communities

Dr. Johnell's Advanced Skills
Renowned for his expertise in minimally invasive surgery, Dr. Johnell draws patients from ten surrounding states. In 2006, he received training for robotically assisted surgery and began using the da Vinci™ robot to perform many of his bariatric cases. Dr. Johnell has been a general surgeon since 1985, and has performed thousands of laparoscopic procedures during his career.

• Dedicated bariatric surgery practice
• Bariatric surgery constitutes 98% of annual cases
• First da Vinci™ LAP-BAND® performed in Colorado
• Over 250 da Vinci™ cases performed
• Over 750 adjustable gastric banding procedures performed
• Over 570 laparoscopic gastric bypasses performed

Specializing in Adjustable Gastric Banding
LAP-BAND®  and REALIZE™ Band Surgery
Since 2002, we have offered the adjustable LAP-BAND®.
Since 2008, we have offered the new REALIZE™ Band

• Least invasive and safest weight loss surgery
• Same day discharge for most patients
• Quick recovery
• Highly effective procedure for weight loss

Before and Aftercare (Take A Look At Our Aftercare Program!)
Our program has one of the most comprehensive weight loss surgery before and aftercare programs available in the western states region:

• Interactive pre and post operative education classes
• Research based nutrition focusing on prevention of nutritional deficiencies
• Classes in lifestyle change and stress management
• Exercise and physical fitness instruction
• Monthly support groups in Greeley and Lafayette

Multidisciplinary Team
Our multidisciplinary professionals from the allied health specialties of nutrition, exercise science, psychology, and nursing, work together as a team to provide comprehensive patient care.

The bariatric team members have a broad scope and depth of experience. In addition to the surgeon, our team members include:

• Bariatric Program Coordinator & Case Manager-RN
• Clinical Psychologist-PhD
• Certified Physician Assistants
• Registered Dietician

Sized for Comfort
Our patient waiting areas and treatment rooms are equipped with armchairs that fit, soft and wide treatment tables that operate electronically, gowns that are sized to fit, and weight scales, wheelchairs and blood pressure cuffs that are designed for all sizes.

No Long Waiting Periods
Patients do not have to wait a long time for their surgery. Patients can have surgery as early as one month after their first consultation with Dr. Johnell.

Family Lodging at the North Colorado Medical Center's Hospitality House
North Colorado Medical Center provides comfortable overnight accommodations for our patients and families in the Hospitality House. The Hospitality House is located on the main campus of the medical center, and is equipped with all of the comforts of a modern hotel room at a fraction of the cost.