Sheilah M. Clayton M.D. Bariatrics Bariatric Center

Dr. Sheilah Clayton is very knowlegeable and worked very hard. She does mostly only these surgeries and has for over 11 years. I liked her even more as time went on. Whenever I had a problem and asked her to call, she always did without fail and talked to me as much as I wanted to. I lived out of her area and traveled to have her to do my surgery. Her office staff always seemed to remember me when I called. They got things done when I needed them such as paperwork and faxing things to my job and the disability office.
The thing I liked the least about my doctor is that she was so far away. It was at least a 3 hour drive. I did not like the hospital experience at the plac eshe does her surgery which is Brotman Memorial in Culver city. They need more staff. It took too long to get my light answered and to get things I asked for.
also so many of the nurses are from other countries and do not speak good English. Some of then I had trouble communicating with.
Dr. Clayton is very thorough and has a reputation of her patients being very successful with their weight loss. She is known for being a very consciencious surgeon.
She is very strict about the after care and the diet she requires. She informs all her patients about all the risks of surgery and does not leave anything out or gloss over tings. In fact, she makes you sign a waiver about settling out of court if there is a law suit. I would rate her very highly as a surgeon and doctor. Many of her patients fly from all over the country to have her do their surgery. I met many people in her waiting room that flew in from other states and areas to see her. I feel that surgical competance is more inportant than bedside manner, but I feel that Dr. Sheilah Clayton is good in both areas.

She's very concerned that patients know this surgery is just a tool. It is a very serious operation.
Her office staff is friendly and helpful.
She takes time to explain everything and doesn't sugar-coat the possible problems. She is very upfront about all the risks.
After care is very important and she is associated with a support group.
I would rate her as an excellent person to deal with. Everyone in my support group has nothing but good to say about her.
I think surgical competence is the most important thing but the surgeon also needs to understand the patient's concerns and show empathy.

I met Dr. Clayton on 02/25/02 and I am thrilled to say that my surgery date has been scheduled for 03/27/02! Only one month from now!!! Dr. Clayton was very informative and took the time to answer my questions. I did not feel rushed with her. She was very to the point explaining the risks of surgery, in fact I almost felt like she was trying to talk me out of it; which I know she wasn't, but if a person wasn't well grounded, it would be easy to run scared. I'm sticking to it because I know the surgery is going to help save my life. If god decides to allow complications, so be it. The Spectrim program (for which Dr. Clayton is the surgeon) sponsors a support group meeting twice monthly. I went to my first meeting two weeks ago and was very impressed. I plan on attending as many meetings as I can throughout my weight loss journey. The support group can be an important tool for successful weight loss.

Dr. Sheilah Clayton was very reserved and soft spoken, but knows her surgery. She is an excellent surgeon and has a plastic surgeon scar.....its not bad at all. She is careful, interested and knowledgable. Her office staff is on top of the game, they are knowledgeable, and take care of business fast. I was approved and having my appointments in a matter of weeks. They were all so friendly and supportive. This is a scary surgery, but Dr. Clayton and her staff put you at ease, but definately tell you everything that can happen. They prepare you for your journey. She almost talks you out of it, discouraging you I feel, and if you are just thinking about this and not serious, you may not have this procedure done, but Dr. Clayton is the one of the best in my opinion. After the surgery she is so calm and excited for you and your new life but she is very reserved showing you how serious this really is. She is very very concerned that you take your vitamins and drink your protein and eat right and exercise, she drills it into you over and over, and if you don't do it, its your own fault. She has always returned my calls, promptly and she is very pleasant and courteous, gives you as much time as you need. It was never her decision, always mine, but she was there beside me when I made the decision of my life. I would recommend her to anyone seeking this surgery. The worst thing about her is that she is quiet. Unless you have a question and then you get all the information you need. She was far for me, about an hour away from my house but the drive was worth it, except for the one speeding ticket I got while going there once.

Two years of hassles hasn't diminished my desire to have this surgery. "That which does not kill you makes you stronger" could be paraphrased to "That which does not drive you totally nuts makes you stronger" :)

Dr. Clayton is a very brisk, efficient woman; very energetic with little time for chit-chat. Since I'll see very little of her whether I like or dislike her manner is of little importance. What is important is her surgical competence which has received high marks from all her previous patients that I've met. She made it quite clear that there are risks involved with this surgery and what those risks were. Overall I was impressed with the whole experience.

Her office staff are efficient and courteous.

Aftercare is emphasized, the Spectrim staff is well organized and very friendly ~ lovely people.

I thought Dr. Clayton was very nice, she explained everything to ensure that you understood. She explained all the risks involved and advised that this was a serious operation that should not be taken lightly. That you need to be ready (emotionally) as well as physically to undergo it. Nancy in the office is very nice, very helpful. Dr. Clayton streeses the after care and the Spectrim program is very good, the support group and the people are great. I would recommend Dr. Clayton, she's a great surgeon with a great bed side manner.

What was my first impression of Dr. Clayton?
Well I had previously met with a Dr. at UCLA about his only question to me was am
am I sure I want the operation. Dr. Clayton went into all of the specifics of
the surgery and really made sure I had a clear understanding
of what to expect.
How would I describe her office staff?
Nancy is very kind and very understanding I really like her alot and heather was very helpful as well.

I met Dr. C for the first time on 11/14/01. I was highly impressed with her. Like one of her other patients mentioned, it felt like I was talking with a friend. She highly emphasized that this is major surgery and, of course, listed all the risks. She patiently answered all my questions and really made me feel comfortable. In fact, I had another appointment scheduled for this coming week to interview a second surgeon and I was so impressed with Dr. C and the program, that I called the other doctor and cancelled. I can't believe that they had a cancellation and scheduled my surgery so soon. I just have to pray that the insurance comes through soon and that they can get all the pre-op tests scheduled.

Well, I've enjoyed this site and can't believe that I am now part of this exciting journey. God Bless each and every one of you that are on this journey also.

1-9-01 - I believe God led me to Dr. Clayton. She has been unbelievably totally informative, supportive and comprehensive. I could not have been blessed with a better surgeon. She has given me back my life!

I had my first initial consultation with Dr. Clayton on 4/3/00. She was very professional and thorough in her explanation of the procedure she performs and the general risks and the risks associated with my own specific co-morbidities. I was very impressed with her credentials and her total surgical experience. The office staff were warm and caring and non-judgemental. I felt very comfortable during the entire visit.

I was a little disappointed with the "program" side's follow through. The program coordinator had provided me with a package and told me to complete a lengthy questionnaire take it with me to see Dr. Clayton. Then when I arrived, they were not concerned with it at all and wanted to refer me back to the program coordinator to start the insurance approval process. I think better communication between the program coordinator and the surgeon's office would ease the patient's confusion of where to start and who is responsible for doing what and help shorten the pre-surgery processing time.

Dr. Clayton seemed to understand and respond to my sense of urgency to have the procedure. We'll just have to wait and see if my insurance company understands too. After approval I will also need to be scheduled for pre-surgery evaluation with a pulmonoligist. I don't know if this will also delay the process. Hopefully all will go smoothly and I will be on my way to better health as soon as possible.

I felt really comfortable with Dr. Clayton the first day I met her for consultation. She was very professional and straigtforward which is what I liked the most. She didn't try to "sugar coat" anything or beat around the bush. She answered all of my questions clearly and competently without hesitation. When speaking with her I felt like I was just simply chatting with one of my girlfriends!

Thank you so much Dr. Clayton.
Thank you also to your pleasant and knowledable staff as well the staff at ST. LUKE Medical Center in Pasadena,CA.