William E. O'Malley, M.D.

Hello, everyone!

I did a search, but did not see many posts on this surgeon in Rochester, NY.  I saw some personal blog posts, which seem to be positive.  I am looking for any information, good or bad, on Dr. O'Malley or the Bariatric Surgery Center at Highland Hospital.

Thank you!

I've seen his name but I don't know much about him either. A great source for researching the DS is www.dsfacts.com. :)

--gina

Yes, I've heard of him and know he will let patients have the DS, and he seems to do the surgery adequately.  I don't think his DS patients really sing his praises, though.

 Dr. O'Malley will be doing my DS surgery. At this juncture, I've only met him twice at group seminars but I did like him. Hes funny, personable, and was very willing to answer questions. He's highly respected in this area, and does more Bariatric surgeries than anyone else in this area. His office has been great so far, although they do tend to discourage the DS.  Their staff is extremely thorough and responsive. They always return calls promptly and have a call center just to field calls. The more I read, the more I respect that...The DS is a serious surgery and should not be had lightly. I think he and his staff want you to fight for the DS to 'prove' you are ready to manage your vitamin, protein, malabsorption issues post surgery....just my experience. He performs the DS to appropriate candidates weekly.

The hospital and Bariatric center is a level 1-highest rating that can be received. The entire hospital caters to SMO individuals-everything from the hallways, to the attendant at the door, to the no stairs to get to the Bariatric center, to the easy access to elevators, to the large tables, operating rooms, and wheelchairs are designed for comfort of individuals of any weight. Even the scale can accommodate a wheelchair, it's so large. They also do their blood work right in their office, which is so efficient. They are very willing to work with any insurance and encourage you to choose the surgery you want and allow them to fight for you to get it. . There are two other surgeons in his office that perform other procedures but he's the only one who performs the DS. I've spoken to others through here and other sites that have had him do their DS and it's been nothing but positive. He expects you to know your stuff if you want the DS.

I cannot thank you enough for your post, TravellingMomofTwo!  I live 2.5 hours away from Rochester, and have been seeing a local surgeon for an Roux en Y.  However, I am convinced that the DS is the one for me now.  I just hope that Highland will allow me to transfer my approvals from the NUT and psychologist, etc. 

I will be going to a seminar at the end of the month.  Very excited! 

~~Brandy

 You are welcome. Just returning the favor of many on here who gave me information!  Make sure you are going to O'Malley's seminar, not another physician's at the practice, in case you want the DS since he's the only one who does them. Expect to get bare minimum information on the DS at the seminar....and, it's a crowd (hundreds of people!). Get there early. Director usually speaks first and she's great-gives lots of information about the process, then he goes. Videos he shows are good, and with just a little digging you'll find the DS version online.

They will not allow you to my knowledge to transfer your NUT and psychologist visits, sorry. Someone asked that at my seminar. They require you to see their NUT for a minimum of three sessions (one group, two 1:1's). If you don't know your stuff and your food diary does not show that you are practicing what they preach, you'll be stretched out months longer. These appointments have to be 1 month apart each time to give you time to practice the lessons.

To expedite things, see your PCP and have him fill out their required form and fax it in. You can actually do this before the seminar. Immediately following the seminar, call them-even before they call you to follow-up!, to get first dibs at 1st available group session, and next 2 NUT appointments. You can then immediately schedule your psych appointment following group NUT session too, along with required abdominal scan (If you still have your gallbladder). You'll also have to get approval from any specialists you see and you can schedule these when you schedule your psych. Once NUT feels you have completed nutrition education program successfully, you can schedule with the surgeon (usually 1-2 weeks). When you see surgeon, he'll schedule your surgery date (usually within 2-4 weeks). 

You can't be a smoker-they will test you! They are adamant about that...

Hope this helps. Feel free to PM me.

TravelingMomofTwo, I am sorry I did not see your reply until now.  I wanted to report that I have just tonight come from a seminar with O'Malley.  I was told that my psych consult may transfer, which is quite a relief.  I am going to have my current NUT transfer my file anyway, even if Highland cannot use the information.  You were 100% correct with your lowdown on the session.  Thanks so much for the heads up!  I am very happy with the seminar and Highland.  Their information packet is much better than the one I have from the first practice I looked at.  

How are you doing on your journey?

~~Brandy

 I'm glad you went! Yeah!! I've done my 3 required NUT appts (group, and 2 1:1's), and everything else. I have to go to 1 additional NUT appt (not really even sure why except I was going through their process too quickly is my guess!). Then I'll meet with the doc. I'm guessing that I'll have surgery at the end of July....

Wow, that is outstanding!  You are quite impressive.   I was due to be scheduled by a local surgeon, but I was dragging my feet until I went to the seminar last night, just in case.  :)  Now, I need to request to have my information sent over and "come clean" that I am leaving their practice.  :)