Alvarado Bariatric Surgeons Bariatric Center

I used Dr. Clark and I was very pleased with him. His personality isn't as smooth as Dr. Whitgrove, but he is very caring. He explained everything to me so there would be no surprises. This meant the good the bad and the ugly. Clark and Whitgrove really have this down to a science. If you are thinking of having the Lap done these are the men to do it.
I could not have asked more for in a surgeon he has hands of gold. Surgery lasted 1 1/2 hours, very quick.I and was up and walking that night.
The nursing staff was wonderful. I was lucky enough to get Rosemary as my nurse. She first came on a little hard, but believe me I never had a nurse that cared so much for my well being. She did everything to make the recovery easier for me. Glenn my night nurse was there everytime I made the slightest noise. I couldn't have asked for more.
Also, talks about nutrition, after-care, depression were all covered. Again, no surprises. You eat jello, broth, and water the first few days then on to an egg and toast. Then they give you a shopping list which makes it so easy to follow you shouldn't have any problems with dumping.
Again, all I can say it that Dr. Clark and his staff were great!!!!

Jaimee Allen

I've been very impressed with the staff, and they got the insurance approved with the first excellently written letter. The office is very well organized and run. I've been working with them long distance, and haven't physically been in their office yet.

I am scheduled for surgery on 8/30/00 with Dr. Clark in San Diego, but will meet him for the first time on 8/24/00 at my pre-op visit. I went to an informational session with Dr. Weber in Seattle and had a consultation with Dr. Thirlby at Virginia Mason, but really wanted the laparoscopic RNY due to the shorter recovery time. Am currently fighting Aetna U.S. Healthcare for in-network coverage (they approved out-of-network at 70% with no problem) since noone in Seattle does the lap. I went with Dr. Clark because he and Dr. Wittgrove were the surgeons who pioneered the lap technique for this surgery, have published their results, and seem to have the most experience with this type of surgery. I will post more after I meet Dr. Clark and/or have some resolution on my current appeal for in-network coverage with Aetna.

I know the doctor in the seminary , and he answerd all the questions ,he was very nice.

I love Dr. Clark. He is so competent. That is apparent in how he handles the interview, his pre-and post op consultation, and in how his staff relates to him. I was even impressed with how dearly one of his daughters speaks of him and his committment to helping his patients have a better, thinner life. Some have said that his bedside manner isn't as friendly/soft as others: perhaps, but that was not the most important thing to me. His skill and experience is what impressed me, and I always had/have complete trust in him. I also like him because he is honest and specific when he shares information. I never felt like he was glossing over anything, and he always gave me as much time as I needed to ask questions. He does have a droll sense of humor, and he is quick. I like that. Oh yes, and at the time of my surgery, he was a little overweight - which made hin all the more real to me.

I haven't had the chance to meet with Dr. Clark pesonally yet. I know he is the less celebrated surgeon at Alvarado. I always have heard of his partner, Alan Whitgrove. But, that's okay. I am sure his ability to do the surgery is just as wonderful.

Solid, concerned, knowledgable. No change. Office staff helpful on phone. I liked everything about him, his openness about his 7 kids, his military background, and the fact that his wife just had the surgery in late December 99. Other patients tell me that he got more empathetic after his wife had the surgery, but I didn't meet him until February, so don't have anything to compare to. My husband was able to relate to him as well.

After care emphasized, surgical risks fully explained. Very detailed and structured aftercare program, well explained and documented with great handouts.

Highest ratings in both areas. I think his surgical competence is without peer, and his bedside manner fits my style perfectly. Straightforward, humorous, concerned, not too mushy. I have absolutely nothing negative to say about Dr. Clark or his entire office staff. VERY impressive and helpful, kind, efficient and knowledgable.

I will meet him May 1,2000;surgery date is May 2,2000. I did meet Dr. Wittgrove at a seminar in Sacramento and found him to be extremely patient and knowledgeable. Dr. Wittgrove's schedule did not have an opening for my preferred date, so I opted for Dr. Clark.
Dr. Clark has a good bed side manner and performed my surgery in just over an hour!
At hospital release he gives each patient a soft teddy bear to lay across your tummy when you need to cough. He is a knowledgeable surgeon in regards to the sensitivity issues of the obese. I would definetly use his services again.

Dr. Clark was pleasant, helpful, thorough and to the point. He took time to prepare you for the surgery and the post-op. After surgery, he was responsive to any problems I had in the hospital.
My impression of him did not change. If anything I was able to see just how thorough he was.
The people in his office were very friendly and supportive. Many had the operation and were able to relate their experiences to you and to understand your problems. The only problem with the office was that it was a bit chaotic and that seemed to be because of all the business they were getting and an inablitiy to cope with that quantity.
There is a follow up program that calls once a month because I am out of state. There is abetter program if you are in the area, I suppose. I am able to call any time with questions and my call sre always returned within a day or two. Again when I talk to the nurse practioner or the office staff, it is helpful because so many of them have had the operations.
As I said before , Dr. Clark clearly explained the risks of surgery and the problems I would or could encounter post-op.
I would have him do it again. The only reason I would chose someone else would be location, and I am not sure if that would be a strong enough motivator for me to chose someone else.
I felt his surgical competence was better than his bedside manner, because as I said he is to the point. I do not see this as a detriment to his ability.

I met Dr. Clark the day before my surgery. He was pleasant and informative and answered all my questions. Their office staff was friendly. I initially chose him and the Alvarado group for their skill and experience and after the surgery am happy with the decision I made. I would recommend them to anyone.