Alison Clarey Bariatric Surgeon D.O.

I met with Dr. Clarey on 11/4. She is very professional and very honest. She wants me to meet with her Pulmonary specialist, as I have asthma problems. I didn't see her for more that 15 minutes. I have researched very long and her semiar answered the questions that I had. She said she thought surgery would be good for me. Her staff is great. Valerie, her insurance person knows her stuff. She told me that she would contact Aetna today, 11/5. She should have an answer within a couple of weeks. Dr. Clarey is only doing this surgery until February, as her insurance is up then. She said she and Dr. Bruce are trying to get other malpractice insurance, but the state of Ohio is tough.

I attended a class that Dr. Clarey held about the surgery on the 8th of August. She passed out a packet of information and she reviewed proceedures and answered questions. It was very informative. We met a staff member of hers that also had the surgery and she looks great!
I had my first appointment with Dr. Clarey on the 3rd of October. Her office staff was very friendly. Dr. Clarey was very nice and explained how the incision would be and answered all of the questions that I had (remembered).

8/12/2002 Well I finally met with Dr. Clarey at the presentation she gave about the surgery. I was very pleased and impressed. She was very well dressed and very nice. I am excited to meet with her one on one on August 22nd. She spoke about Dr.Bruce and how they both do the surgery together. Valerie her office manager was there helping her set up the slides and Dr.Clarey told us that she also had the surgery and she will help anwser any questions too. She seems to be very strict on aftercare and vitamins. they have a support group as well. I would have to say overall I am very pleased I chose Dr.Clarey to do my WLS. If anything changes from here on until I get my surgery I will keep you posted. So far Dr.Clarey has a great bedside manner. IF Dr.Bruce is anything like Dr.Clarey I will be in good hands. <UpDate> I met with Dr.Bruce, he is a very nice man, I am very pleased with BOTH doc's now!! He took his time, and talked in terms for ANYONE to understand.

My surgeon's name is Dr. Alison Clarey (Dayton, OH). She works with her partner, Dr. David Bruce. They perform these procedures together, and assist each other. I have the advantage of being a nurse in the hospital where they practice, and actually seeing them performing a RNY before I had ever considered having one done. My first impression of Dr. Clarey was one of deep empathy for her patients. So far, she has done everything to live up to that impression.

Her office staff is phenomenal. Two of them have actually had WLS, so are great resources, and know the ins and outs from dealing with insurance companies, to aftercare.

What I liked least was the amount of preparation and education that I received before surgery. I had an appointment in June for a History and Physical, and scheduled my date at that time. I won't see them again until the day of surgery. This could have something to do with the fact that my insurance does not cover the procedure.

Aftercare is strongly emphasized. They run a support group that is strongly attended, with many guest speakers. It is made clear that follow-up will be of lifelong importance.

All potential WLS candidates are required to attend a presentation about the surgery. In it Dr. Clarey discusses the risks of surgery. Additionally, at the time of the patient's history and physical, she takes a more individualized approach with that patient, and addresses them once more.

I've not yet had my surgery, so I can't make a final judgement, but I do know Dr. Clarey fairly well since I have worked with her. I have cared for her patients. She has 25 years of experience. She is kind, soft spoken, and empathetic, as well as extremely competent in what she does. As far as I'm concerned, she has both surgical competence and bedside manner.

Dr. Clarey is a very intelligent woman. She never "talks down" to you or makes you feel bad for being overweight. (Very important in a doctor)

I had a totally different kind of surgery with her years ago and everything went wonderfully. When I discussed having bariatric surgery with my PCP, he recommended her. I spoke to her at length and I am comfortable with having her do the surgery.

Her staff is really patient and nice to me as well. Valerie (she handles most everything concerning the surgery) has been great! (Thanks Valerie!)

There is a structured aftercare program and several support group meetings available to me, though I haven't attended any just yet. I want to before my surgery though.

Dr.Clarey was a wonderful person who treated me with respect and did not make me feel like I had failed my self.

She seems like a nice quiet woman. I wasn't overwhelmed with her presence. She has done many surgeries in the past and I found her website very informative. The website is what led me to chose her.
Due to costs of malpractice insurance, Dr. Clarey wont be doing the open RNY surgery after the first of the year.
As far as aftercare, there is a monthly support group that meets. There are routine checkups after a few weeks of the surgery then monthly then yearly. Overall I dont think I have enough info to rate her overall. I believe I have chosen the right surgeon for me. In time I will know more and share it with you.

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.

My first impression of Dr. Clarey was that she had a very good bedside manor. She was the presenter at the mini siminar I went to I could start the proceedings with this surgeon. She is the 3rd surgeon I have met with. The first was at Bariatric Treatment Center in Grove City, Ohio and they did not take my insurance. The second was Dr. Falling in Middletown. I really liked him and he had the best presentation of the surgery. He stood up and talked to a group of about 40 of us for 6 hours. It was very informative. I could not continue with him because if i was having the proceedure at all i would have to have it by the end on the summer, and his office could not guarantee that, so i went with Dr. Bruce and Dr. Clarey. I have not met Dr. Bruce yet. A friend had the surgery on July 3rd and loved both of the surgeons.

Dr. Bruce and Dr Cleary was very friendly , they answered any question and was very informative about the surgery . His office staff has been great too . I can call at any time and ask a question and they are willing to answer now matter hohw silly the question is .I got alittle inpatient waiting for my insurance info to be sent but that understandable in this case but the girls in the office were always friendly and willing to help , Thanks Patty and Valerie . I had to go back in for a 2nd surgery and it was preformed by Dr cleary , she is a very nice lady . She is very caring and helpful .