Charles Svendsen, MBA, MD
Director of Allina Health Bariatric Surgery
My specialties:
- Bariatric surgery for weight loss
- Obesity medicine
Professional interests:
- Bariatric surgery
- Bariatrics
- Gastric Bypass
- Gastric sleeve
- Robotic surgery
- Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
- Revisions of previous weight loss surgery
I am board certified in general surgery and specialize in bariatric surgery but that is really just the start of any good surgeon's training. I have been doing bariatric surgery since my first day in practice in 2002. Over the course of my career, I have had the opportunity to perform endoscopy, gastric bypass, gastric banding, gastric stimulators and sleeve gastrectomy procedures.
Hometown: Tyler, MN
Practice philosophy: Every patient is different, therefore many different methods are needed to help people overcome their disease and succeed at weight loss. When all other avenues have been tried, sometimes surgery is necessary.
Favorite health tip: You can't out-exercise a bad diet. Many patients feel discouraged if they aren’t able to exercise vigorously, but weight loss is actually about 90 percent diet. If you don’t pay attention to what you are eating, no amount of exercise will help you lose weight.
Why I became a weight management surgeon: I have been fortunate enough to help several thousand people with their weight loss journey. It is immensely rewarding to me to help someone solve a medical problem that has plagued them for years.
Best part of my work: I do my best to provide safe, compassionate care to my patients. In return, I am rewarded with seeing patients transform their lives. The greatest privilege of my practice is seeing my patients succeed.
Credentials
- MBA
- MD
Board-certified specialties
- Bariatric surgery for weight loss
- Obesity medicine
Personal interests
- Brazilian jiu-jitsu
- Spending time with family
Educational institutions
- University of Minnesota
Memberships
- President of the Minnesota Chapter of the ASMBS
Internships
- University of Minnesota
Residencies
- University of Minnesota
Years of experience
- 23
Hospital affiliations
- Abbott Northwestern Hospital
- United Hospital
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Major health plans we participate in
- Allina Health | Aetna
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota
- HealthPartners
- Medica
- PreferredOne
- SelectCare/LaborCare
- UCare
- UnitedHealthcare
Other health plans we participate in
- Medicaid/Medicare
- Aetna
- America's PPO
- First Health/Coventry
- CIGNA
- Humana
- Hennepin Health (formerly Metropolitan Health Plan)
- PrimeWest
- South Country Health Alliance
- United Behavioral Health
- Wisconsin Physician Services (WPS)