Ruary O'Connell Bariatric Surgeon M.D., F.A.C.S.

Tall, red hair and a wonderful Irish brogue.. Great since of humor… At our first meeting I said, obesity is the hardest addiction in the world to overcome because we are born with the eat to survive instinct. He said, no the hardest addiction to break was drinking Irish whisky… I love it… A doctor with a since of humor and a quick wit... He addressed WLS in detail, but in conjunction with a commitment to a life long change. Renew is the program to assist YOU in making the changes necessary to be successful with WLS. I left that meeting with the complete understanding that WLS was just a step in the process of a life long change. Other steps are: Psychological testing and review. This was a real treat, I had the opportunity to meet Dr. Catherine Macgregor, red hair, Irish an one of nicest doctors I have every had the pleasure of talking to for an hour. (Trust me use Dr. Macgregor for your test and review). Outcome planning. Monthly group meetings – support and education. Long term patient follow up – (you are not in this alone). Follow up agreement by the patient with money – (A signed agreement with a $ amount that is deposited in the hospital’s account and is returned to you on the following schedule. After you attend all appointment at 2 weeks, 1 month, 2 months , 3 months and 6 months. After a 1 year visit. After a 2 year visit) The office staff is very busy, but has never failed to return my phone calls. Understand I live about 70 miles away. I will update this information after the surgery!!!!!!!!!

Very friendly and patient
Felt more comfortable
Very friendly
Treated u like a person and not a number
Very strict about rules of surgery
A LOT!!!
Yes
Throughly
Didn't hold back
10
Both

10/3/01 Dr. Oconnell is a humorous gentlemen. He was very interested in my case and gave me his undivided attention. I became interested in this procedure after learning of it from a friend who had the surgery in May of this year. I spent 6 months trying to get approval for another procedure that did nothing but depress me. After attending a support group and talking to Yvette and Heather my surgery date is scheduled, November 20,2001. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!! I don't think there is anything I could dislike about the Dr. He's that kinda guy. He was emphatic about the importance of aftercare. I'll give the Dr. an overall rating after the surgery. As for what's better surgical competence, bedside manner or both, Both is the key but I'll take surgical competence overall.

My first impression of Dr. O'Connell was that he genuinely cared about helping me .
He seemed very professional and concerned.
I was so afraid that I would cry when I tried talking to him, but I didn't :)))
I was so at ease!! His staff is also very professional and considerate.

I've only met w/Dr. O'Connell on one occasion, and it was very brief; from the one visit, I feel I have not had a chance to form an opinion of him.
I have talked to his staff several times, and they seem to be mostly professional and friendly.

The m.d. i chose came highly recommended by the medical staff that i work with since I am a surgical nurse myself. Dr. O'connell first impression was not a good one but got better as time progressed. His office staff was very helpful and empathetic in the decisions i had to make. I am an easy going patient and patience seems to have been the biggest obstacle. He stongly emphasizes aftercare. I am only four days post op and will update this has thing progress.

I had my visit with Dr. O'Connell at the end of April, which got things rolling. I specifically chose him because of his extensive experience with this, and the fact that the open RNY is his surgery of choice (also my choice of surgery after months of study). There was an added plus in that my PCP knew of him and had referred other patients to him as well (made me more comfortable since I really trust/like my PCP). I found Dr. O'Connell to be personable, knowledgeable, and interested in hearing about complications I've had with some of my co-morbidities. I also thought his office was great, especially in that I had an initial consultation within one week of phoning his office. With his reputation, I expected to have to wait a month or two just to get in for a consult! The other thing I particularly like is that his RENEW program has a very good and practiced system for pre-requisites and follow up care. Maybe all bariatric surgeons are like this (?), but it makes me feel better that Dr. O'Connell's office has systemized the whole process based on years of experience.

My doctor was friendly and seems to really care about his patients. His office staff were extremely caring. Aftercare is of huge importance to Dr. O'Connell. He has a very structured aftercare program. All aspects of the surgery, before, during, and after, were explained in detail.

My first impression of Dr. o'Connell was that he actually listened and cared. I still get the same impression from him. Dr. O'Connell's staff is professional and courteous. Dr. O'Connell is a strong believer in follow up care. The Renew program is an excellent program with emphasis on nutrition and developing the individual. Dr. O'Connell and his staff are very attentive and they address any concerns I have in a caring manner. They respect the individual and help in any way that they can. It's an excellent approach. Dr. O'Connell has a terrific bedside manner and his staff comes to see you in the hospital to check in on you and make sure things are okay.

He is the best surgeon in the world. My impression has never changed over time he has always encouraged me. I have failed because I have never went to that many meeting or went to my followup visits. His staff is definitely above the rest. I believe I had every opportunity to be assisted in my weight loss with his staff but I did not do my end of the deal. Just stick to the program and you will have no problem to successful weight loss-no matter what the cost dont break the rules like me cause I am gaining weight back. Aftercare is very important to the staff I just felt like I was ok and no problems so I did not go to any but a few of my post op visits. He has a very structured after care program if you follow the rules. He addressed all the risks of surgery. Everything was explained in detail to me. He is the best surgeon in the world. He has great surgical competence and wonderful bedside manner.