Surgical Associates Ltd. Bariatric Center

My impression of Dr O"Brien has been great so far. He answered all of y questons and was extremely thurough w/ his answers. His staff has been very quick, kind and helpful as well.

He does tend to lean toward the Lap-Band, but will advise which procedure will work best for you as an individual.

He informed me of my personal potential risks that are catered to my current health issues for both procedures.

I thought he was very knowledgable, nice and helpful. He figured I wouldn't be approved for the surgery because of the insurance plan I had, so that was a little discouraging. He is somewhat quiet and not forthcoming with info unless asked. He stressed that aftercare was very important to followup with. His nurses are the best. They are very knowledgeable and if they do not know the answer they do get back to you with it.

I thought Dr O'Brien seemed to be a very knowledgeable physician.I trust him.


I have only met with him once.

The office staff are great.I have spoken to Aurie a couple of times and she has been very helpful and cooperative.

I think he is very good at what he does and has much experience in gastric surgery.
The aftercare has been emphasized int the informational pamphlets very much.
Yes,from reading the information given to me there are regular followup care appointments to make sure everything is going the way it should.

I would rate him overall as 8 out of 10.He is nice but does not have the warm personality I would like.
Definitely,surgical competence is the most important thing, but I need to be able to feel comfortable discussing my concerns with my sugeon. I think I have both with Dr O'Brien!

First impression of Dr. O'Brien was he knew his stuff, to the point and helped me make up my mind on which way to go.
Impression has not change.
The office staff is GREAT... VERY helpful and very nice.
Future patients should see him twice to get a get feeling on him, if your having a hard time making up your mind. But I think you will like him from the start, you don't get a smile from him right away, my wife thougth he was a bit cold, but I liked him from the start.
Aftercare is a must, yes there are structured aftercare programs, also a support group on the web and meeting at the hospital or close by.
Was told of the risks, but the risks of not having it is higher, at least to me.
Rating him from 1 - 10 I'd give him a 10.
I think surgical competence and bedside manner is a must.
This is just my personal impressions of my own personal experience and I'm making no statements about what other people may experience.

My first impression was he is brief and efficent. He will stick around if you have questions and has no trouble answering them. I have never had to wait long in his office for my appointments. Everyone has always been friendly. I am very impressed at how much he comes and sees you in the hospital. Very early morning, late morning, and late afternoon. Much more than other Dr.s in my opinion. Also took my fever serious and would rather be cautious then let me out with it. He also came and visited with us in the pre-op room. I would recommend him highly. I think he is very surgically competent, and great on following up after the surgery!
Thank You! Dr. O

My first impression of Dr. Graham was that he seemed a bit aloof. . . I realized over time that it's his perfectionist and very clinical nature. However, clinical in nature does not mean he lacks bedside manner. He was very good and I would recommend him favorably. His nurse Cheryl is the absolute best! (Talk about "behind every good man is a great woman!" I think she really keeps things on track for him so he can concentrate on his skills as a surgeon, rather than having to mess with office-type stuff. As far as aftercare, he keeps telling me I'm doing well! There was a discrepancy between what he was telling me and what the nutritionist was telling me at my 8 week checkup. I think he's more lax than the nutritionists would like to see. (He told me I could drink a diet coke if I wanted to, and the nutritionist said that was a big no-no. Also, when I asked him, he gave me permission to eat popcorn, but the nutritionist said that was too scratchy and not nutritious enough to warrant eating. There were a few things like that, but I think he feels if you're doing it in moderation, you aren't going to ruin your surgery.) He did address the risks of surgery with me and was completely upfront with me on his past record, past complictions that his patients have had, etc. I like that honesty. Overall, I rate him very very favorably. His surgical skills are top-notch, and he's considered THE authority on gastric bypass surgery in Sioux Falls, as far as I'm concerned.

Dr. O'Brien was very professional. I have only meet him once and have been dealing with his staff since. The staff was very friendly and responded to my phone quickly. They have answered any question that I had. It been pointed out to me that after care is a requirment. There is a set program to follow before and after. I give a thumbs up for Dr O'Brien and his staff.

MY FIRST IMPRESSION WAS HE WAS VERY PATIENT AND EXPLAINED THE RISK AND ADVANTAGES OF THE DIFFERANT TYPES OF PROCEDURES.

MY OPINION OF HIM IS STILL GOOD I HAVE ONLY HAD THE ONE VISIT SO NOT ALOT TO BASE IT ON.

THE STAFF IS VERY PROMPT AND HELPFUL WITH APPT AND INSURANCE INFORMATION.

HE ADDRESS THE RISK AND SIDE EFFECT OF EACH PROCEDURE AND ADVANTAGES WELL.

I FELT HE WAS VERY COMPETENT AND THROUGH.

SEEMED VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE BUT I STILL WANT TO CONTACT SD BOARD OF HEALTH TO SEE IF ANY COMPLAINTS OR PROBLEMS.

anyone thinking about this surgery should seriously think of going to dr. o'brien. he did a fantastic job. i have had no complications and things are going fantastic. his staff has been great to work with, and very friendly and helpful. in my opinion dr. o'brien is the best surgeon in the are for this type of surgery.

I thought Dr. O'Brien was very good in explaining things to me on my initally visit he was very open with me with any questions I had regarding the surgery. The office staff have been extremely helpful with answering any questions I have had.H eemphazies alot about aftercare that it is a big lifestyle change and followup car is crucial. Dr O'Brien had great bedside manner I feel very confident in him and I am excited about my up coming surgery.