Peter Crookes Bariatric Surgeon M.D., F.A.C.S.

My first impression of Dr Crookes was he was delightful and friendly. When I got to know him, my impression broadened to include highly skilled surgeon, very professional, with a human touch. There really isn't anything I don't like about Dr Crookes. Future patients should know that he is a genuine caring healer. He cares about each of his patients,and does his absolute best for each and everyone of them.He stresses aftercare. Dr Crookes himself is always someone to look forward to ;Dr Crookes never makes you feel rushed or hurried. Overall Dr Crookes is a fabulous surgeon, with a wonderful record, and an exquisite bedside manner.

My first impression was of a little Irish man that looked so kind. He turned out to be kind and very humerous.The office staff are very nice and helpful. My surgery went very well and Dr. Crookes explained everything before hand and so did his assistant Maria.They tell you all the risks. There is no doubt about what you are about to go through. He also came in to see me every day after surgery and has a wonderful bedside manner.I went for my three week check and saw the dietician at the same time. He has a very structured aftercare program.
He is a wonderful man and surgeon and I would highly recomend him to anyone.

MY FIRST IMPRESSION OF DR. CROOKES WAS THAT HE SEEMED TO BE A HONEST,CARING MAN AND THAT WAS VERY IMPORTANT TO ME. HIS OFFICE IS VERY BUSY AND SOMETIMES IT IS HARD TO GET THROUGH TO THEM AND FOR THEM TO FOLLOW UP ON THINGS. ONCE YOU GET GOING EVERYTHING MOVES VERY QUICKLY, AFTER SURGERY DR. CROOKES WAS VERY GOOD AT LETTING MY HUSBAND KNOW ALL THE DETAILS AND HE WAS ALSO VERY GOOD ABOUT COMING IN TO SEE ME EACH DAY AND WORKING WITH ME TO GET ME OUT OF THE HOSPITAL AND HOME. HE DID SURGERY ON FRIDAY THE 14TH. OF JAN. AND I WAS RELEASE TO GO HOME ON MONDAY THE 17TH. DR. HAS ME COMING IN ON THE 2ND. OF FEB. FOR MY 3 WEEK FOLLOW-UP VISIT AND THEY ALSO HAD ME SEE MY PRIMARY DOCTORS JUST A FEW DAYS AFTER SURGERY SO THAT HE CAN FOLLOW UP ON ME ALSO SINCE I LIVE SO FAR AWAY FROM DR. CROOKES. THE DR. MADE SURE I UNDERDSTOOD THE RISKS OF SURGERY AND WHAT KIND OF SURGERY HE HAD SELECTED FOR ME AND WHY HE CHOSE THE RNY. I FOUND THAT DR CROOKES WAS NOT ONLY VERY SURGICALLY COMPENTENT BUT HIS BED SIDE MANNER WAS GREAT AND BOTH OF THOSE WERE IMPORTANT TO ME. AS FOR RATING HIM, I DO NOT THINK THAT YOU COULD ASK FOR ANY BETTER DOCTOR.

I absolutely felt safe and comfortable.My impression has never changed of him .His staff was great ,except for one front window girl named Veronica (very rude).I liked everything about Dr. Crookes! He's the one you need..no doubt! All future patients should know that he really cares for you and any fears or concerns you may have.He is very emphatic about after care and definitely stresses the importance of it.Yes there is a structured aftercare program that you will be informed about.Dr. crookes'bedside manor is beautiful,warm,and so kind.As for his surgical competence...the best! Overall I can't say enough good about the man. I recommend him highly!!! This has been my personal journey with this doctor.If there are any negative things about this man I,me,myself have not experienced them.

My first impression of Dr. Crookes was to note his Irish brogue. Having lived in Ireland I noted his brogue was from the North of Ireland. But I let him operate on me in spite of his geographic origin.

A friend suggested I check for obvious signs of "leprechaunism." And then begin to look for that pot of gold. I found it! Dr. Crookes' pot of gold is his skill, his knowledge and his care of his patients.

The Bariactric Office at USC is understaffed and overworked -- Like most offices.

Aftercare IS part of the program. If one is not willing to commit to following the program and appearing in the office for the aftercare then that person is not committed enough to have this surgery.

Personally, I believe the DS was the best way to go. The best way for me and I strongly suggest it to anyone looking at bariatric surgery.

Dr. Peter Crookes is the BEST! The best surgeon, doctor, mentor and leprechaun one can find in Los Angeles.

One must actively participate in ones on health. A positive attitude toward surgery, and follow-up with aftercare. Most important, after surgery -- Clean out that closet -- you no longer need to save those clothes!

Which is better, Surgical competence or bedside manner. BOTH!

I like Dr. Crookes. He seems like he genuinely cares for the well-being of his patients. For once, I didn't feel like cattle being shuffled in and out of his office. His staff appears professional and very curteous. He has an endearing Irish accent that can be a wee bit difficult to understand at times but other than that, he's great. He took the time to answer all of my questions thoroughly and patiently. I feel comfortable having him perform this surgery on me. I will update some more once I've had the surgery.

I'm sure it's been said here before, but Dr. Crookes is just the most adorable little Irish man! He is just genuinely nice and very caring. He has a way about him that let's you know that he's really listening to what your concerns are, but then he's relaxed about everything and so you end up feeling more relaxed as well. It's as if he's saying 'oh yes, that is a problem, but it's easy enough to fix' (now say that in your best Irish accent!)

The Pros -
His bedside manner
He came to followup everyday I was in the hospital
He often comes to speak at the support group meetings (or just shows up to visit with the group)
His surgical competancy seems very high
He seems very focused on helping the obese
The wait time for surgery is relatively short at approx. 3 months
He has a regular schedule of follow up appts
When I had an issue with my incision, I called the hospital at 6am to leave a message for him - he called back within 8 minutes!

The Cons -
His appts are rather brief - I wish they could be longer
I wish he had a bigger better staff around him - they seem a bit stressed and overworked (particularly the front desk)
Several of us who have recently had surgery noticed that our scars are very crooked - could be just that our bellies lay differently when we're horizontal though!
It can be difficult to get in for an appt - intitial consults can take a long time

Dr. Crookes and Maria (his surgical nurse) are very nice people. I was pretty assertive with them both and prepared when having my consultation. I went to the appointment with a great deal of information and a lot of questions. They entertained every question with patience and were very professional. I have been utterly impressed. We will see after surgery!

After meeting with Dr. Crookes I felt he was very confident and could handle anything that I could "dish-out". During my stay at the hospital I felt the same and I had all the confidence that he had a handle on everything. I highly recommend that anyone interested in checking out surgeons give him a try.

Dr. Crookes seems to be a very nice surgeon. I have met with him for one appointment and he explained to me all that is to come. His assistant was really good. The receptionist Veronica is somewhat rude and insensitive. I recently called her up to see if she can fax me the paper where it explains the pre-op prep and she said "no". I guess i will have to get around her.