Elmer Valin Bariatric Surgeon M.D.

Dr. Valin is young - but not as young as I thought he would be from reading other people's comments. I would say he is in his late 30's, early 40's at the most. He is from Hawaii, but has no real accent. I found him to be thorough in his explanation of the proceedure, and he was very clever in his questioning of me. He wanted to know what _I_ already knew of the surgery and the after-care, what kind of support system I had, and if I knew anyone who had the surgery. I think HE was screening ME to be sure I was serious, had done my homework, and truly knew what I was in for.
One thing _I_ wanted to know was how many proceedures he had done. He said he had done over 200 last year (2001), had NEVER lost a patient, and didn't intend to start now. I was impressed by his quiet confidence. There was no sense of arrogance - just a calm surety that he knew what he was doing.
He performs some of the pre-op tests himself (the GI tube to examine the stomach), which I think is important. he knows what he is looking for - another physician performing the proceedure may not have the same criteria as he does. Also, his twin brother is a cardiologist, and he performs the stress-test - which I also think is neat. They work together - which is beneficial to everyone.
Overall, I feel completely confident in his ability to give me great care in the operating room and in the years to follow.
My only concern is how busy the office is. It is VERY difficult to get through to a live person because they are short-staffed. They will frequently put all calls through to the answering service during regular business hours. When I expressed a concern over this, the nurse, Debbie I think her name is (also Dr. V's wife) said that when I am post-op, if I have a medical emergency or concern, I can leave a message with the answering service and she will get beeped immediately. She then returns the call right away. While I understand they are swamped, and the explanation made me feel better about being able to contact them if I need them, I still feel that a professional medical office should have the ability to answer the phones during regular business hours. If they can't handle the number of calls they get, then they need to hire another office person. This is my ONLY gripe - and it's a small one, I know. But it does bother me. Hopefully if enough people bring it to their attention, they will take some action. I guess it just proves that many people are in need to their services, and this is the price we pay for using the best Bariatric surgeon in CT.


4-29-03
This needed to be updated. The office has hired several new people since I originally wrote this and it is much easier to get through to a live person now. Things seem to run much smoother.

Hi my name is Rosa A DiMicco

I had my gastic bypass surgery on 2/26/03. I met Dr. Valin on November 30, 2001,at that time he was dong surgery on my 21 year old daughter he was putting a lap-band on her.
as time went on I could not believe his devotion and dedication as a surgeon. His office staff is just awesome. At that time I decided to have lap-band surgery. At this time Anthem Blue Cross & Blue shield denied, me. so I decided to go with gastric bypass, which the insurance company does approve.Debbie was great she was there to answer any question fully regarding the insurance, as well as the surgery in great detail. I can't emphaize the professional and caring aspects of Dr. Valin. Dr. Valin is such a perfecionistit is really unbelievable in this day and age. I owe so, much to this man, he has given my daughter a life. for me he has given me hope for a healty future. I am off my diabetic medicine and my high blood pressure med's. He really is devoted to his work.

My first impression of Dr. Valin was
he seemed to be very young. But after talking with him and reading up on him I knew I had chosen the right doctor.

The office staff was wonderful. Everyone
that work there are very helpful and they always have a pleasant smile on their face.

I really cant say if there was anything I didn't like about Dr. Valin. Through out all my visits he has been patient and answered all my questions. I don't fill rushed when I visit even though I know he's a very busy Dr.

I think if you pick Dr. Valin, you have made a great choice. He puts a big emphasize on aftercare. St. Rapheal's have a great aftercare program.

Dr. Valin told me about all the risks before having my surgery done. On a scale of 1 to 10, I'll give him a 10. He's great!

My first impression of Dr Valin was that I he's not much older than I am. But - that was for only a second. He was able to explain everything to me. I never felt rushed or that he didn't give me enough time to ask questions. His office staff was very nice, Debbie is so on the ball it is unbelievable. She makes you feel so at ease with your decision, I really cannot say that I have ever said - Am I making the right choice. I know that Dr Valin is a wonderful Dr. I'm sure that I won't have any problems as Debbie and the staff are very professional and treat everyone with respect.

My whole experience with Dr. Valin, Debbie and his office staff has been wonderful. They are helpful, professional, and all very caring people. They have all made me feel very at ease and comfortable. I can't honestly say one negative thing about them!!

he was very direct and intelligent
no
nice but not too efficient
nothing
he is an excellent DR.
a tremendous amount
yes
let me know the chances and risks up front
10
both

Dr Valin is very nice. A bit on the quiet side, but very professional. His office staff is wonderful. Dr. Valin and his staff are very concered about your aftercare.
He is a FANTASTIC doctor, and has taken the time to really explain things to myself as well as a second time to my husband.
His surgial competence is outstanding.

My first impression of Dr.Valin was he was a very nice man.His office staff are very helpfull.I am very happy with my choice of Dr's.Dr.Valin is the best.

Doctor Valin was straight forward and to the point, which I respected. He was also very caring. His office staff is great. Very happy with their service. I would suggest him to others (and I have, to family members).

My first impression of Dr. Valin was that he was patient and thorough. He did my first hernia surgery a few years ago. I did not know at that time that he was also doing Bariatric surgery. When I found out, I immediately opted to have him as my surgeon. His staff is simply marvelous. They are busy, but I've never felt rushed on any of my visits.
He does several more tests than are normally called for during/after the surgery to ensure that all has went well. highly recommend him to anyone seeking open RNY.