Highland Hospital Bariatrics Bariatric Center

My impression of Dr. O'Malley at both the group meeting and personal meeting was that he is a very knowledgable & busy surgeon. He was willing to give me the time I needed for any questions I might have, and his bed side manner is cordial, but he's not the warm and fuzzy type [very professional]. I like that. He's not there to be my buddy, but he is going to do major surgery on me, and I want to feel he is competent and sure of himself and the procedure he will do. I got that impression.
He is very adamant about understanding the life changes that are required afterwards, and he's up front about the risks. They are there, they happen, and he doesn't want anyone not to recognize this. He's also strict about post op care and appointments, and compliance isn't optional.
Rating a surgeon is an interesting concept. I will be asleep so will be clueless, and I will be sore afterwards but that is expected. At this time I'm willing to say this. With the research I've done at several support groups that are made up by a majority of his patients, and with the praise heaped on him by patients that he has already done the same procedure on, I have to say he is the surgeon I feel the most at ease with doing the surgery. He has the reputation as one of the the best in his field in this area. I really wanted him to do it, and appreciate that he will.
The most important in my case is surgical competence. Bedside manner should not be undervalued, but excellent has to be better than Mr.Friendly and adequate.
Diane has been very helpful and runs the administrative part of the office. She is also a very busy person and has to run the office for everyone's good. I won't bug her constantly when she's working on your case if you won't bug her while she's doing mine. OK?

PostOp statement: Dr.O'Malley was very consciencious about visitation while I was in the hospital, and his surgical team were also there several times a day. At no time is this ever treated as an elective procedure. I was Impressed.

My first impression of my Dr. was ok. I didn't feel all warm and fuzzy. I guess he is the typical surgeon. I feel confident in his ability and knowledge of the surgery.
I had seen another Dr. first, but he moved out of the area and I felt Dr.O'Malley may not have taken all the time to explain things because I had already had a consultation with another MD.
His office staff is small and very busy, but they are very knowledgeable in regards to the paperwork and ins.

At this time I can't really say, I will post after my surgery.

I do feel that surgical competence is the most important. Bedside manner is also important for the patient to feel good about themself, esp. with overweight people who are not confident in themselves anyway.

Dr O'Malley made a very impressive first impression. He is up front about the surgery, he is informative, compassionate and very experienced. My impressions of him have only been confirmed and strengthened. His office staff is highly professional, extremely busy, concise with answers and the procedure, helpful and always on top of things. Dr. O'Malley emphasizes aftercare to the extreme. He wants all his patients to be successful with as few complications as possible. He has 4 progressive diets to follow to ensure success. He has dealt with many very high risk candidates and requires total support from your PCP. In my opinion, he is an overall excellent surgeon.

I had my Group Consultation with Dr. O'Malley on Oct 31 and then my personal one on November 7. I am very impressed with his professionalism and compassion towards hiw patients. He truly has an understanding of his patients and their needs. He is very knowledgeable. When I asked 40 Questions in my one on one he didn't hesitate on answering any of them. He is very up front. He emphasizes over and over again that the surgery is a tool and the real work is up to the individual. I have only heard wonderful things about the man and I am just confirming them.

Dr. O'Malley is wonderful. I have nothing bad to say about him and his surgical team. He is very sensitive to an obese person's needs and feelings. Everyday I was in the hospital, even on Christmas Day, he stopped in and checked in. His resident that was working with him was also very nice and was in twice a day. Overall I would rate Dr. O'Malley a 10! He is a wonderful surgeon and a very caring doctor.

Met Dr. Omalley first time at Group meeting after seven months of waiting. He came highly recommended and he met all my expectations. Two weeks later I had my personal meeting with him and was hoping he would do the surgery since I had previous abdominal surgery 24 years ago and didn't know if the surgery was possible. Diane had arranged for me to have an upper GI before the appointment. When Dr. Omalley reviewed the written report from the upper GI said he couldn't make a decision without looking at the film which had not been sent over. I couldn't wait another minute. So arrangements were made for me to personally go to Borg imaging and pick up the film. I was back in less than a half hour. Dr. O'malley said it was a go and to set a surgery date of February 11, 2003. I'm thrilled and counting the days. I liked Dr. O'malley a lot and have the utmost confidence in him. Diane and Kim are awesome to work with. Dr. O'malley definitely covered the risks and aftercare required. It would be great to have both surgical competence and bedside manner but top priority is surgical competence.

I have just switched to Dr. O Malley and have not yet met him but I have heard all good things. I will update when I meet him.

11/27...I met Dr. Omalley on Oct. 31 for the group meeting and then Nov. 7th for the individual consultation. He is very nice, and freindly. Although he seemed to be in and out quickly he did answer any question I had and he would have stayed in the room longer had I had any other concerns. He appears very knowledable and caring and I have heard nothing but good about him and his skills as a surgeon. I feel very comfortable having him as a surgeon. His staff is wonderful and have gone out of their way to accomadate me with appointments and any questions I have had when possible. Out of 10 I give this Dr. and his office 10!!!

My first meeting with Dr.OMalley. He explained what would happen during surgery. I had many questions which were not answered. In trying to find answers I started therapy to find out why I could not control my eating. Then I was scheduled for my psychiatric visit. He thought I had eating problems that could not be taken care of by this surgery. More therapy and a 2nd opinion return visits with Dr.O. I worked very hard trying to figure out why I was different and could not get the surgery and was being denied. I finally got in touch with my innerself and decided that I was not goin to be a victim of the no word. I was not going to let no be the last word and I began to fight.
Over all of two years His office staff was wonderful. After my hospital stay I returned for my first visit to have my staples removed. He emphasized how important it was to watch my incision as I was diabetic and could easily get an infection. A few days after I started to drain from an upper area called and was told to come in immediately. I was examined and placed on an antibiotic for a week and told to return if any more problems developed. I returned a week later with a new area draining. I was given care by the new physicians assistant that had just been hired. Great Person she is.
My internest said the risks of surgery are nothing compared to the complications i could suffer if the surgery wasn't done.
I would give Dr.O'Malley a 10 the more you get to know him. The more you try the more he gives. I would definately have him do surgery on me again.

So far he seems very intelligent and encouraging.. important to me.

5/12/02
I meet with Dr. O'Malley in September. What a long wait! I have heard so much about him and look forward to meeting him. My PCP recommended him highly!
9/27/02

Update! I had my one-on-one with Dr. O'Malley and he was wonderful. My daughter, a student nurse, was with me. She watched his every move and was impressed that he warmed the stethescope before using it on me! My surgery date is Nov. 8th. He answered all of questions and I never felt rushed even though I knew there were several other people waiting to see him. I trust him to do a good job.

I have my first meeting with him on 10/31/02.