Peter O'Brien Bariatric Surgeon M.D.,F.A.C.S.

My first impression was that he was confident, quiet, softspoken. My impression didn't change. He had a very calming quality about him. His staff was professional with a 'been there, dealt with that' attitude. The only thing I could ever complain about with O'Brien (and most other doctors) is that you spend 40 minutes in the waiting area, 15 minutes in an exam room and 2 minutes in the Dr.'s company. <Grin> I would give him and his staff a very high rating. This surgery has given me the opportunity to acheive the things I'd only wished before.

My first impression was that he was a surgeon.. you know what I mean.. kind of uninvolved.. I began to understand that he was one of the best in the state and that helped me understand a little better.. After care is very important to Dr Obrien..

Dr. O'Brien came highly recommended by both an aquantaince that used Dr. O'Brien for gastric bypass surgery and by my own personal physician.

After meeting with Dr. O'Brien, I can understand their praises. He is a comfortable person to talk with and he seems to be talking to you, rather than at you.

The staff has been great in all of my dealings.

Sioux Valley has bi-monthly meetings. I've only gone to one of those, but quite informative. It was lead by the nutritionist.

Overall, I feel very comfortable that I am in good hands.

Surgical competence is better overall. However, stress is a known factor that slows down recovery and, if your surgeon has a good bedside manner, you will be more comfortable asking pertinent questions, which in turn lowers your stress, so....perhaps bedside manner is almost as strong of a factor as competence.

I met Dr. O'Brien last february and that was the only time I have talked with or seen him. I thought he was great, I had taken my mom along because she had a lot of questions and he was very helpful. After that he make the final decision as to my getting my surgery as Sioux Valley let him say weather they would allow the surgery without pre-approval by Medicare and no down payment from me.
I'll have to leave it at that right now--hopefully I'l see him again B4 my surgery.

My first impression of Dr O was that he was VERY nice. He took his time talking to me. My freind Jodi went with me. He answered both our questions in ways we understood. I am very comfortable with him.

His nurse Pam did the initial stuff with me. She is very nice. I have talked to her on the phone several times. She is always quick to get back to me.

I also have to say....the rest of the clinic staff has been GREAT! I have dealt with the office people more then once and felt good after I talked to them!! They have gone above and beyond to hlep me!!

I was so happy with Dr. Peter O'brien. He made me feel very comfortable and was just an all around good guy. His nurse was wonderful with any questions and helped in every way. Sioux Valley called and checked on me a couple of times after getting home and the dietician was also excellent. As far as looking for a doctor it took me about 4 months, did a lot of checking around from Bismarck ND to Rapid City SD and Dr. Obrien was the one with the most experience and I could not find a person who was disappointed with him. Once I had my first visit in Aug of 02 it took 4 months to get into him for surgery, a very busy but well worth the wait!!

First impression was of a very busy doctor. He was nice enough. Very professional. Addressed my concerns and answered all my questions to my satisfaction. The more times I met with him and after the surgery he became more personable. His office staff is very friendly and helpful. He emphasizes after care alot and is very good about wanting to make sure if you have questions that you contact him or his staff to get the answers. He has a wonderful support group that meets every other month the 3rd Monday of even numbered months. There is always a guest speaker, and Dr. O'Brien is there with his nurses and nutritionists to help with any questions or problems you might have. I went 3 times before I had my surgery and met many people, men and women who were in various stages of post op. They were all so supportive and kind. Many of them had before pictures along with them. I would rate him an 11 on a scale of 10. He is an excellent surgeon. I would say his surgical competence is great, his bedside manner very good.

We had a very short initial visit. So I had little for a first impression. He was nice enough. But again, it was a short visit. Initially, my insurance company claimed they did not have enough information to approve my surgery. The insurance company requested to speak with the surgeon. He (and anyone at his office) was unwilling to make that call. His theory is that the initial letter he sent should have the proper information needed to approve the surgery. That really turned me off. But, I gathered all of the information I had from the surgeon, the psychologist (I had to have a psych eval), and my family doctor. I re-faxed all of the information and got it approved myself 20 minutes later. Yeah me! I haven't had the surgery yet so I have little additional information.

My first impression was that he was a very busy man.. the inital visit was not at all what I was expecting.. but I am glad of the outcome..

Just wanted to post how well a job Dr. Obrien did on my surgery. Couldnt ask for a better Dr. or nursing staff. He did a wonderful job and would recommend him to anyone. He was very thorough in explaining everything and came in twice a day to visit after surgery while in hospital. He is an A+ in my book!!!! Thanks Dr. Obrien!!