Bariatric Surgery
for Weight Loss
Get ready to start your new life. If you’ve struggled for years to lose weight without success, bariatric surgery offers a proven way to combat obesity and transform your life.
Northwest Specialty Hospital is home to the only bariatric surgery program in North Idaho. Here, you’ll find a full complement of minimally invasive weight-loss surgeries, including vertical sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Plus, our entire team from the Northwest Institute for Digestive Surgery will support you at every stage of your weight-loss journey.
Comprehensive bariatric surgery program in Post Falls
We know that the decision to have bariatric surgery is deeply personal and emotional. Our team will give you the tools and information you need so you’ll feel prepared and comfortable.
You’ll receive care from fellowship-trained, board-certified bariatric surgeons, physician assistants, dietitians, mental health specialists, program coordinators and insurance coordinators. Together, we’ll care for all your medical and surgical needs. You can even complete your entire pre-surgery preparation here at Northwest Specialty Hospital, saving you time.
Why choose Northwest Specialty Hospital for Weight-Loss Surgery?
State-of-the-art care. We offer minimally invasive approaches to gastric sleeve surgery and gastric bypass surgery. These small-scar approaches promote less blood loss, fewer days in the hospital and faster recovery. Patients often leave the hospital the day after their procedure.
An Open MRI. Northwest Hosptial Center will soon feature the OASIS Velocity High-Field Open MRI by Fujiflim. For bariatric patients, Velocity’s high weight capacity and wide patient table ensure comfort and stability during imaging scans.
Exceptional safety. You’ll receive care in a safe, clean environment. Our infection rate is 13 times better than the national average. We sanitize our surgical suite using a germ-zapping robot (the Xenex LightStrike Robot) equipped with an ultraviolet light that kills pathogens.
A highly personalized patient experience. Our compassionate team has designed our care around your unique needs. That’s why we rank in the top 10% of hospitals nationally for patient satisfaction by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Here, you’ll feel at home and get treated with respect. We’re also recognized as one of the top hospitals in Idaho — and the recipient of the Patient Satisfaction Award — by Newsweek.
Will insurance cover my bariatric surgery?
Northwest Specialty Hospital is contracted with most major insurance providers. Your eligibility for bariatric surgery will be based in part on the requirements of your insurance plan. We offer some of the most competitive prices in the Pacific Northwest. You can choose from several financing options designed to meet your budget and needs.
Types of weight-loss surgery available in North Idaho
We offer bariatric surgery to people throughout the Inland Northwest who battle with obesity and related conditions, including high blood pressure, sleep apnea and diabetes. The type of weight-loss surgery you need will be determined in partnership with your physician, along with your family and friends. All our bariatric surgeries are performed minimally invasively, requiring an overnight hospital stay.
Bariatric gastric sleeve surgery
A vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG surgery) can help people lose 60% of their excess weight on average after two years. During a gastric sleeve procedure, the surgeon reduces your stomach to about 20% to 25% of its original size. This helps reduce the amount of calories a person can consume. VSG surgery also decreases the sensation of hunger. It is an irreversible procedure.
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery
Gastric bypass surgery (bypass stomach surgery) can help people lose 70% of their excess weight on average after two years. During a Roux-en-Y laparoscopic bariatric surgery, a surgeon creates a small stomach pouch, designed to restrict food intake. The surgeon then connects a section of the small intestine to the new pouch, allowing food to bypass the lower stomach and part of the small intestine. This reduces calorie and nutrient absorption and decreases the sensation of hunger. It is an irreversible procedure.
Lap-Band Explants and Revisional Bariatric Surgeries
If you previously had a Lap-Band (adjustable gastric band) and want it removed, our team can perform the explant procedure. We also perform revisional bariatric surgery to modify or alter a prior gastric sleeve or gastric bypass procedure.
Do I Qualify for Bariatric Surgery?
You may benefit from bariatric surgery if you:
- Have a BMI (body mass index) >35 with co-morbidities (obesity-related diseases)
- Have a BMI >40 without co-morbidities (check with your insurance company to verify)
- Have failed in prior attempts to lose weight
- Feel healthy enough to undergo a major operation
- Do not have any drug or alcohol problems
- Commit to lifetime smoking cessation
- Understand the surgery and its risks
- Commit to long-term lifestyle change and lifetime follow-ups
Getting Started: 7 Steps Toward Bariatric Surgery
- Watch the online seminar (below).
- Send your new patient paperwork to [email protected]
- Obtain insurance verification.
- We’ll contact you to schedule your first appointment. Allow 7-14 days for us to process your new patient paperwork.
- Consult with our bariatric surgeon and dietitian
- Complete our Bariatric Program and insurance requirements
- Complete pre-surgery testing, including an EGD, EKG, labs, ultrasound and a mental health evaluation
Weight-loss Surgery Success Stories
Get inspired by local people who have enjoyed the many benefits of life after bariatric surgery.
How Bariatric Surgery Helps Obesity-Related Health Conditions
Browse these educational videos and discover how bariatric surgery plays a role in reversing these obesity-related conditions.
Meet Our Providers
John L. Pennings, MD, FACS, FASMBS
General surgery
Special interests: Bariatrics, endoscopy, foregut surgery
During this training, Dr. Pennings helped to develop new surgical techniques for esophageal, gastric and colon surgery, and was responsible for educating other surgeons in these new, minimally invasive surgical techniques. Dr. Pennings has also pursued advanced training in bariatric (weight loss) surgical techniques, surgical and endoscopic management of reflux disease, Barrett’s esophagus and non-surgical management of hemorrhoids.
In his twenty year career as a community general surgeon, he founded Minimally Invasive Surgery Northwest, Surgical Bariatrics Northwest, Optifit, and currently is the founder and director of The Northwest Digestive Center.
Dr. Pennings has served in leadership roles as chairman of the department of surgery at Kootenai Medical Center and as chairman of the board of directors at Northwest Specialty Hospital. As part of his involvement at Northwest Specialty Hospital, he oversaw the development of a comprehensive bariatric surgery program and was awarded Center of Excellence in Bariatric Surgery status by the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. He is board certified by the American College of Surgeons, a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, a fellow of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons, and an active member of the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons. He is committed to surgical excellence and compassionate patient care.
Medical School: University of Minnesota
Residency: Emanuel Medical Center
Fellowship: Oregon Health Sciences University
Certifications: American Board of Surgery
Memberships: Idaho Medical Association, American College of Surgeons, Idaho Chapter American College of Surgeons, Kootenai-Benewah Medical Society, American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons, Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons
Derek Dirks, MD
General surgery
Special interests: Bariatrics, endoscopy, foregut surgery
Dr. Dirks grew up in Coeur d’Alene, ID. He is a graduate of the University of Idaho in Moscow, ID with a BS in Biology and a minor in Spanish. He attended medical school at the University of Iowa Roy J. & Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine in Iowa City, IA. He completed the University of South Dakota general surgery residency program in Sioux Falls, SD. He finished his training with a fellowship in bariatric surgery at Legacy Good Samaritan Hospital in Portland, Oregon. During his fellowship he was trained in bariatric surgery with the Legacy Weight and Diabetes Institute and advanced foregut and colorectal surgery with The Oregon Clinic.
Dr. Dirks is board certified in general surgery by the American Board of Surgery.
Dr. Dirks resides in Coeur d’Alene, ID with his wife and four daughters. He enjoys skiing in the winter and spending time hiking, running, and time on the water in the summer.
Medical School: University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine
Residency: University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine
Fellowship: Legacy Good Samaritan
Memberships:
Oregon State Medical License
Certifications: American Board of Surgery
ATLS Instructor Certification
FLS Certification
FES Certification
ACLS Certification
BLS Certification
Olga Lebedevskiy, MD
General Surgery, Foregut Surgery, Bariatrics, Endoscopist
Dr. Lebedevskiy received her undergraduate degree from the University of Washington, where she majored in Biology (Pathophysiology), as well as Spanish. Shortly after receiving her undergraduate degree, she attended Grand Canyon University where she was awarded a Masters in Public Health (MPH). Continuing her educational pursuits, she attended St. Georges University earning a Medical Doctorate (MD) degree, immediately followed by a General Surgery Residency at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, which is well known for its state-of-the-art level I trauma and burn center and boasts as the second busiest Emergency Department in the entire State of California. This residency also included training at Kaiser Permanente Fontana. She then went on to complete her subspecialty fellowship training in Advanced Gastrointestinal and Foregut Surgery at The Oregon Clinic/Portland Providence Medical Center, with focus on Minimally Invasive Foregut Surgery techniques, endoscopic treatment, as well as Bariatric Surgery.
Dr. Lebedevskiy is certified by The American Board of Surgery and is an active member in the American Foregut Society, Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons, and American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons.
Dr. Lebedevskiy resides in Coeur d’Alene with her husband and two children. She enjoys being outdoors and can be found with her family skiing, hiking, boating or camping in her spare time.
Medical School: St. George’s University
Residency: Arrowhead Regional Medical Center
Fellowship: The Oregon Clinic/Portland Providence Medical Center
Certification: American Board of Surgery
Membership: American Foregut Society, Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons, American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons.
Michael James, MD
Gastroenterology, Endoscopist
Dr. Michael W. James is a highly experienced and board-certified gastroenterologist with a distinguished career spanning over three decades in both civilian and military healthcare settings. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Carroll College in Helena, MT, in 1986, and went on to receive his Medical Doctorate from Vanderbilt University Medical School in Nashville, TN, in 1990.
Dr. James completed his residency at Kessler Medical Center, Keesler AFB in Biloxi, MS, in 1993, followed by a prestigious fellowship at Wilford Hall Medical Center, Lackland AFB in San Antonio, TX, from 1995 to 1997.
Throughout his career, Dr. James has held numerous significant positions, including serving as a Staff Gastroenterologist at St. James Hospital in Butte, MT, from 2021 to 2024, and at Kootenai Clinic in Coeur d'Alene, ID, from 2013 to 2021. He also worked at North Idaho GI from 1999 to 2013, where he took on the role of Medical Director at the Endoscopy Center from 2008 to 2010.
Dr. James' military service includes a decade-long tenure in the United States Air Force (USAF) from 1990 to 1999, where he served as Staff Internal Medicine at Keesler Medical Center, Biloxi, MS, and later as Chief of Gastroenterology at David Grant Medical Center, Travis AFB, Fairfield, CA.
He holds a medical license in Idaho and is board certified in Gastroenterology. Dr. James is currently enrolled in the Longitudinal Knowledge Assessment (LKA) program to maintain his certification and stay abreast of the latest developments in his field.
Medical School: Vanderbilt University Medical School
Residency: Kessler Medical Center
Fellowship: Wilford Hall Medical Center
Certifications: Longitudinal Knowledge Assessment (LKA)
Jonathan Saxe, PA-C, DSc
General Surgery, Bariatrics
Jonathan L. Saxe, PA-C, DSc, graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree from the University of Illinois. He then received a commission in the U.S. Army where he served as a military police officer before attending the Interservice Physician Assistant Program earning him a Master’s Degree in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Nebraska Medical Center. He later went on to complete a general surgery fellowship at Brooke Army Medical Center in Ft. Sam Houston, Texas and was awarded a Doctorate of Clinical Science with focus in General Surgery from Baylor University. He joined the surgical team at Northwest Specialty Hospital in 2019 after retiring from 20 years of active duty service.
Education: University of Nebraska Medical Center
Fellowship: General Surgery – Brooke Army Medical Center
Jennifer Ramsrud, MS, RD, CDCES, LD
Bariatrics
Jennifer graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science from Michigan State University. She obtained her Master’s of Science in Education from University of Idaho and is a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES). She has been a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) for over 14 years and is passionate about proactively helping patients manage their diabetes and other cardiovascular comorbidities with healthy lifestyle changes.
Specialty Areas:
- Bariatric surgery
- Weight management and obesity treatment
- Diabetes management and nutrition
- Oncology nutrition
Education: Michigan State University
Master's of Science in Education: University of Idaho
Certifications: Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES).
Lyndi Bertman, RD, LD
Bariatrics
Specialty Areas:
- Bariatric surgery
- Weight management and obesity treatment
- Nutrition for chronic disease
- Nutrition for kidney disease
Deanna Brunk, LCSW
Mental Health
Deanna Brunk is a highly experienced and compassionate Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) who joins Northwest Specialty Hospital as a dedicated Mental Health Provider. With a deep commitment to supporting the mental health and well-being of her patients, Deanna brings extensive experience from her previous roles in both the public and private sectors.
Deanna has been serving as a NIL TC Program Social Worker with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs since 2020. In this role, she has overseen the Home Health Aide (HHA) and Respite Services operations, providing continuous support and service management for Veterans. Her work includes collaboration with healthcare teams and community providers, crisis intervention, and program management, ensuring Veterans receive the highest quality care.
Prior to her work with the Veterans Affairs, Deanna held the position of Supervisor of Social Services at Kootenai Health from 2018 to 2020. There, she was responsible for performance evaluations, staff training, and educational program development, fostering a positive work environment while ensuring compliance and high-quality care delivery. Her leadership in quality assurance efforts and case management demonstrated her ability to guide teams in addressing complex patient needs.
Deanna began her career as a Medical Social Worker at Kootenai Health from 2013 to 2017, where she provided critical psychosocial assessments, crisis intervention, and counseling services to patients and their families. Her work in this role highlighted her ability to collaborate effectively with healthcare teams and community agencies to ensure comprehensive patient care.
Deanna holds a Master of Social Work from Boise State University and a Bachelor of Social Work from Lewis-Clark State College. She is also certified in Motivational Interviewing, a testament to her commitment to evidence-based practices in mental health care.
With strong attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and a passion for helping others, Deanna Brunk is an invaluable addition to the team at Northwest Specialty Hospital, where she continues to make a positive impact on the lives of her patients.
Master of Social Work: Boise State University
Bachelor of Social Work: Lewis-Clark State College
Certified: Motivational Interviewing
Visit Our Practice in Post Falls
750 N. Syringa St.
Suite 205
Post Falls, ID 83854
Phone: 208-262-0945
Fax: 208-415-0150
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between gastric bypass surgery vs. gastric sleeve surgery?
Both are minimally invasive bariatric surgery procedures. A vertical sleeve gastrectomy surgery reduces the stomach to about one-quarter of its current size without affecting the rest of the digestive tract. A Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure creates a new stomach and connects it to the small intestine, bypassing the current stomach and part of the small intestine. The type of weight-loss surgery you need will be based on a conversation with your doctor, your team and your family.
How do I know whether a bariatric surgeon is qualified?
Board certification and fellowship training indicate a surgeon’s commitment to education and excellence. The bariatrics surgeons who care for patients at Northwest Specialty Hospital are board-certified and fellowship-trained. Additionally, our surgeons perform all weight-loss procedures using minimally invasive techniques which promote less blood loss, less pain and a faster recovery.
What is the best bariatric surgery program in the Pacific Northwest?
Northwest Specialty Hospital is home to the only comprehensive bariatric surgery program in North Idaho. We are committed to giving our patients all the tools and resources they need throughout their surgery journey. In addition, Northwest Specialty Hospital ranks among the top 10% in the nation for patient satisfaction, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Can you have revision surgery for bariatrics?
Bariatric revision surgeries require a highly skilled approach. Our team at Northwest Specialty Hospital is skilled at performing revision surgeries to modify or alter a prior gastric sleeve or gastric bypass surgery. We also perform Lap-Band excision surgery.