Dr. John Lloyd Pennings, MD

Post Gastric Bypass 2019. Lost 135 lbs. However, 2 years later my GERD returned with a vengeance, had to have blood transfusion, and developed chronic Iron Anemia requiring regular IV Iron Infusions, B-12 injections. I am protein, calcium deficient. Bariatric Vitamins are useless as the duodenum section of my intestine is bypassed. I now other serious health, dietary, mortality risks.

I was referred to Dr. Pennings by my PCP because of severe symptoms of a hiatal hernia. I didn't think Dr. Pennings took me seriously and I didn't appreciate his offhand remark that "I've done 2,000 of these and only 3 didn't work." I left his office with the feeling that it might not work for me. A few months later, feeling desperate after a lot of symptoms, I went back and scheduled the surgery, which is called a Nissen Fundliplication. I did not feel better after the surgery and told his PA so when I had a 6-week follow-up. This PA had no social or patient skills whatsoever and dismissed my complaints. I went home for about 4 more months and was so desperate I called and made an appointment with "Dr. Pennings, and I do not want to see his PA under any circumstances." Dr. Pennings ordered some tests, and guess what, he acknowledged that the surgery had been a failure. (Now he knows of 4 failed surgeries!) His solution was a gastric bypass. I thought about this for awhile, and… then I went to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. Mayo agreed the only surgical alternative was a gastric bypass, but referred me to their gastroenterology department and gave me great hope that the condition could be managed. It has not been easy, but through diet and recognizing my body signals, I am now only sick for a few hours once every 3-4 weeks (instead of every day) and my near-constant belching has been reduced about 98%. (This took over 3 years to get better). Mayo did this by working with my gastroenterologist in Coeur d'Alene. I place some of the blame on my PCP who referred me to a surgeon (Dr. Pennings) rather than a gastroenterologist. What is it that surgeons do? Surgery! I so wish all of this had never happened. I blame myself for not insisting on seeing a gastro before going to a general surgeon. I blame myself for not listening to that small voice that told me this might not work for me. (If I can believe what I read on the internet, my experience isn't even all that unusual...certainly not only 3 in 2,000 surgeries). I feel that Dr.Pennings was over-confident and dismissive of me. I also wonder if he did a good job on the surgery, but I guess I will never know.

My wife had Dr. Pennings install a lap band on her in 2013. In 2015 she nearly died because of his incompetentce, And lack of knowledge with the lap band and maintenance of it. It cost $17,000 To fix his mistakes. And he never even took responsibly, but he sure took the $22,000 for the procedure he botched.

I was dr pennings patient for.weightloss surgery. His office said I would have a little over $700.00 out of pocket cost. Well after I gave them the money dr pennings said I wasn’t eligible for the surgery. That I really didn’t want it. Well that wasn’t true why after 700.00 and loosing 20 pounds would I not want to have the surgery. He gave me a dozen tests and all the travel time. I have rheumatoid arthritis , arthritis osteoporosis, sleep apnea so why would I not want the surgery that would help all of this. He didn’t know what I wanted. He just took me for all my money. This was just a lot of trouble for me. So I would go somewhere else. Watch out for this Dr and his care teem.

Dr Pennings performed urgent surgery on me for a ruptured appendix. I am sure he saved my life! He is kind and efficient. I am blessed he was on hand.

Did not make himself available. Not friendly or informative. No visit after surgery to discuss.

To the office of Dr. John Pennings, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Dr. Pennings and his entire staff for the wonderful care I received before, during and after my recent procedure. Kassi, especially, was wonderful, courteous and helpful, going above and beyond what is expected.

My experience with Dr. Pennings and his staff was wonderful. From the first appointment to the last I cannot say enough on what a pleasurable experie ...

This doctor saved my moms life by doing her surgery!!! he is always nice to my mom and makes her feel like a human being. his staff is very nice to my mom also. his PA has been grouchy and not approachable but the doctor himself is wonderful. best medical experience my mom has ever had!!!!!

Dr Pennings performed my RNY recently. While researching where I wanted to have my surgery performed. My first visit I did not like the receptionist. Almost to the point I wouldn't consider having surgery at his office because of her. It was a pleasant surprise when I came to one of my first appointments and she wasn't there anymore. My first appointment with Dr Pennings, he spent the time to answer my questions and didn't make me feel rushed in any way. I was also pleased to meet the dietician and psychologist. They were both professional and made me feel comfortable. My surgery went very well and I am recovering very well.