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

I was refered to Dr. O'Connell by five friends that had already had the operation, and they had nothing but praises for him. Even my endocrinologist said he was good. When I met him, he was willing to answer all of my questions including when I put him on the spot regarding mortality rates. He is very perseptive and genuinely concerned. He even went out of his way to make sure that my surgery was scheduled before the end of the year. I have only had the opportunity to speak with him at legnth twice and I am actually looking forward to my surgery.

He was very kind, he had a great sense of humor. He knew what I needed and promised to make me anew woman. I liked him immediately. I had already done a lot of the pre-test stuff before I saw him (psych eval, echo, etc) so he thinks he can get this done before Xmas.

From my first appointment with Dr. Raury O'Connell I was very impressed. I was NOT in the waiting room for long- His office seems to work like clockwork. When he came in and greeted me I knew I was comfortable with him. He was very thorough in describing the procedure and very light hearted. We joked around and he made me feel very good about my decision. His nurse's that work for RENEW in authorization and pre testing are wonderful too. Heather, is great. I think I must have called 2xs a day every day and she was just patient and as nice as can be. I am very much looking forward to my surgery with minimal fear. I think Dr. O'Connell and his staff are very competent and I am relaxed with my choice.

I ALWAYS THOUGHT DOC SHOWED THE UTMOST RESPECT AND FAIR TREATMENT FOR ME AND IS ALWAYS STRAIGHT FORWARD EVEN IF YOU DO NOT LIKE TO HEAR WHAT HE SAYS; USUALLY EVEN IF IT IS THE TRUTH. I FEEL THE CLINIC NEEDS TO STAY IN TOUCH WITH THE PATIENTS MORE AFTER SURGERY. THE STAFF IS VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE AND CARING BUT NOT OVERLY FRIENDLY; THEY HAVE A JOB TO DO. I LIKE DOC A LOT THOUGH. THIS SURGERY HAS SAVED MY LIFE. HE WAS VERY EMPATHETIC FOR AFTER CARE ALWAYS RETURNING MY CALLS PROMPTLY. THE AFTER CARE PROGRAM IS SUFFICIENT. HE ADDRESSED EVERY ASPECT OF THE SURGERY BEFORE AND AFTER. HE IS A + DOC ALL THE WAY. I PUT MY LIFE IN HIS HANDS; HIS BEDSIDE MANNER IS TO THE POINT; NOT OVERLY CARING; I DID NOT EVEN SEE HIM TILL I WAS IN MY ROOM; I HAD A BAD EXPERIENCE AT METHODIST HOSP WITH THE STAFF; HIS SURGICAL COMPETENCE IS BETTER THAN HIS BEDSIDE MANNER.

I first met the doctor on November 1, 2000 and
was impressed. I find Dr. O'Connell to be very
professional and very caring about his patients.
His staff is very caring and helpful even though
they are very busy. I feel very comfortable with
this.

Renew is an ongoing wls program.Which really impressed me! They have mtgs in several ares of Louisiana several times a month. At these group/support mtgs you get to speak with the Dr.,A nurse,a social worker,and a nutritionist.As well as group dicussion. Dr. O'Connell is I hear one of the best.He certainly made a good impression with me;-)
His office is very clean and all the staff are very patient and attentive.It is a positive atmosphere.
He is highly reccomended!
I must continue after for 2 years.Yes the Renew mtgs and online chat/information from his patients.
He addressed the risk and side effects/complication and success rate with honesty.
A really honest, caring, super surgeon!
This is ONLY MY OPINION. I have had a few minor complaints about the hospital but none about the Dr.

8/07/00 Met Dr. O'Connell today for my initial visit. He was very friendly and personable, also has a good sense of humor. He did not "beat around the bush" about the seriousness of this surgery, but also completely understood my problems and concerns. While waiting for my insurance company to pre-approve sugery, I am going to complete my sleep study and psychological evaluation.

My first impression of Dr. O'Connell was he seemed to be a little pressed for time. He asked a few questions. He said that because I have no serious Co-morbidity (illness), but lower back pains at times it may be hard for me to be approved(but I got approved anyway). His office staff is very nice and go out their way to help. Dr. O'Connell is firm, straight forward and seemed to me that by being rushed he was not really worried about my welfare at the time. I just try to keep a positive approch about the situation. I think I can deal with it, because of the professional side of him(experience with the surgery).

My first impression of Dr. O'Connell was very positive. Trust me they have a thriving practice, and it is very much in control. He seemed very busy, which he is... but answered all questions professionally and to the point. He addresses all risks, describes exactly what will occur in surgery, and why he chooses to perform Open RNY, as opposed to some other options. He has a very strong, self-confident personality, which for me should be a requirement in a surgeon! The ladies in his office are wonderful, and also extremely busy. I called constantly throughtout this whole pre-approval process, and they were always full of answers and reassurance. The Renew clinic (Dr. O'Connell and Dr. Mando's practice) is very much into aftercare. It seems to be a very organized and structured process, and I am actually a little excited to take part. As it will be much easier to deal with the stresses after surgery with "someone who has been in your shoes." I will update on the actual surgery portion after the 15th of August. The one thing I would caution against, is if you are accostomed to an intimate relationship with your doctor; please understand that this is a busy practice. Busy but very well managed.

I went to my first Appointment with Dr. O'Connell on Monday 4/24/00. It did not go so well. I drove three hours and his Surgery cases ran longer than normal so I waited two hours to be seen. I realize things like that happen. Dr. O'Connell was not sure if my Insurance would even approve me but he did say he would write the letters and we would go from there.

7/28/00-I love dr. O'Connell. He was a fantastic surgeon and I would recommend him to anyone. He came in to check on me every day and was very attentive to me needs.
He said my surgery went well.