The first time I saw Dr. Abkin was at the mandatory New Patient Orientation. As I listened to him and his three associates take turns answering questions from the audience, my initial impression of Dr. Abkin was one of great knowledge and confidence. I didn't speak to Dr. Abkin until my consultation on 8/19/04. Not only was he confident, but he also has a way of making you feel very comfortable. I knew in the first few minutes of the consultation that he was the surgeon for me. He doesn't shy away from answering any question, he's direct and to the point.
From reading all the reviews about Dr. Abkin and his office, I expected to be in a crowded office waiting for hours to see him. I must have picked the right day and time to go. My appointments went like clockwork, no problems at all. The office didn't seem understaffed at all, however I imagine on busy days it must be very hectic.
Dr. Abkin and his group stress the importance of post-op care. They call it "a program for life"... The psychologist and nutritionsit were also very big on following up post-op.
Overall, I KNOW I made the right choice. Dr. Abkin is not only a skilled surgeon with the numbers to back him up, but he's also very likable and approachable. I feel confident putting my life in his hands.
9/23/04 -
Between this site and seeing another WLS surgeon, I think I have a pretty good understanding of the procedure, so I really didn't ask the doctor a lot of questions.
I chose Dr. Abkin on his statistics. But the fact that doctors in the area also recommended him didn't hurt either. He did come across as a competent professional. His statistics backed that up.
I thought he was approachable about anything... But I was also a bit exhausted from the 3 hour drive to get there. He is near my sisters where I will be recovering.
I haven't found him to have any negatives yet. Hopefully I won't either.
He's a nice mild mannered guy. The practice is a well oiled machine. They are very knowledgeable on every ascpect of this process from getting you approved, to seeing a nutrionist and pshycatrist, to post-op care. I would higly reccommend them. Also unlike some doctors you do not have to wait months and months to have surgery. I saw them in July and has surgery in Septemeber.
He was very intelligent.
He was interested in every aspect of the surgery and answered every question I had.
They are very honest with all the aspects including the risks involved.
His bedside manner wasn't bad but his surgical competence is what I was most concerned with.
I would rate him at the top of the list of people tthat do this in the country.