"2/17/04 - I met Dr. O'Connell & some of the ReNew staff (social worker, nutritionist, nurse practitioner) at a support group meeting/new info meeting. The 1st 30 min. was for pre-ops to ask questions to the post-ops, then the post-ops went to their aftercare meeting, and us pre-ops stayed with the Doctor & nurse & asked more questions. It was very laid back & informal, no slide show, etc. The doc was very honest & direct. He & his partner, Dr. Mando, do all of the surgeries together (over 2,000 RNY). He openly stated that they consider themselves still learning the laproscopic procedure (although I believe he said they're done a few hundred). They do the open RNY in under 1 hour. I had already decided that I wanted mine done open anyway. And last week I found out I have gallstones, and they only do an open procedure if they know the patient has stones. He discussed the risks & expected outcomes. I haven't had an appointment with him yet, but I feel I've made a good choice in surgeons.
I believe that experience, competence and success rates are the most important factors in choosing a surgeon. If a surgeon has a good bedside manner, that's just a plus."
