"What was your first impressions of him/her? Dr. Clarey has a slide presentation before your first visit with her. This is free to everyone and is full of information. It was in a small room packed with chairs. There were about 25 other people there (for the same reason) She goes over the surgery and what you can expect and also, what she expects from you. She has a slide presentation of the surgery and side efffects then answers questions from the audience. She was very patient with everyone and stayed until the last question was asked. The reason for this slide presentation is so that you are able to make up your own mind if this surgery is right for you. If after the presentation you still feel the same about having WLS you are to call and schedule and appiontment.
How did your impression change over time?
I liked Dr. Clarey from the first impromtu meeting with her. After I went back for my scheduled appoitment with her I knew I was going to have this surgery. She is a very laid back person. There is nothing stuffy or superior about her. She explained the surgery in more detail then in the first meeting and answered all my questions. She explained the test I would need before my surgery and preformed a mini-examination at that time. I felt very comfortable with her.
How would you describe his/her office staff?
I have only spoken to a couple of her staff members and to tell you the truth I wasn't impressed with any of them. They try to be helpful but they have this "your bothering me attitude". I also didn't have a good repose of woman who schedules the surgery. I live out of town and my insurance company required me to do my testing locally so it would be covered by my network. I called the office manager and told her this but it was not put in my chart because when the woman who schedules the surgery called me to give me my surgery date and dates for my testing she was upset when I told her that I was having them locally and most of them were already done.
What did you like least about him/her?
I really like Dr. Clarey. There isn't really anything I didn't like other then her staff.
What should future patients know about him/her?
She is truthful. There are no pretenses with her. She is a tell it as she sees it person. Which I myself like. When it comes to anyone performing major surgery on me I want to know the truth and nothing but the truth.
How much does he/she emphasize aftercare?
A lot. She tells you at the slide presentation how important it is to find a WLS support group and to GO. There is a lot of information that is giving at the meetings and you really need to keep yourself informed.
Does he/she have a structured aftercare program?
Yes!! The meeting dates are posted on her web site. www.weightlossalternatives.com
How did he/she address the risks of surgery?
Again, truthfully. She told everyone at the slide presentation what the risks were and that in some cases death has occurred.
How would you rate him/her overall?
If I couldn't say 10 and believe it she would not be doing my surgery.
Which is better, surgical competence, bedside manner, or both great?
Surgical competence. I can get over a rude Doctor, I can't get over a bad surgery.
"
