Elmer Valin Bariatric Surgeon M.D.

I called Dr. Valin's office on 7/16 fully expecting to get an appointment for a month from now. His assistant, Cecile took some info on me and asked if she could call me back later that afternoon between 4 and 6 pm. Six pm came and went without any phone call. I thought that they got backed up and would call me the next day. At about 6:45 pm Cecile called and asked if I could make it to the office the next afternoon! Wow! Two thoughts went through my mind, 1 -they stay that late in the office and, 2 - how much more lucky could I be to get an appointment that soon. I jumped on the opportunity.
Two pm Tuesday 7/17 my husband and I found Dr. Valin's office and friendly Cecile. Since we only got there at 2pm, there was paperwork to fill out and we were not introduced to Dr. Valin until about 3 pm. He was friendly and open with us. He asked me what I knew about the surgery and he cleared up some of the misunderstandings I had regarding the procedure itself. He was very clear about risks, aftercare, cause and effects of maintaining or not maintaining diet after surgery. He gave me a folder that outlines much of the processes a patient must go through before surgery is allowed. Phone #'s of the nutrionist and social workers for further assessment and dates for suport meetings. He explained what I will need to do before the surgery, the tests that I will have to go through and asked if I had any questions. Honestly, I only had a few more. He had answered many of my questions throughout his discussion and assessment of me. He seems a good man, concerned with the work he is doing and he seems to want to make absolutely sure that any surgical candidate has a best shot at success. I liked him.

I like this doctor. He is informative, pleasant to talk to, thorough in his presentation, frank with pros, possible complications, and cons. His office is not fancy but his staff are kind and pleasant. Cecile has dealt well with my frequent calls and questions. Was even a shoulder to lean on when I started to stress about my insurance. There is a support group for pre-ops and 3 new ones starting specifically for post-ops. They are being run by the nutritionalist and the 2 psy evaluators that this doctor uses.

My first impression of Dr Valin was positive since I heard so much about him. He is very kind and sincerly seeks to help his patients.
He is also very knowlegible about this procedure.

My initial consultation is schedule for next saturday, so I haven't met the surgeon yet. I made my appointment with him partly because of the positive comments I've read about him on this site.
8-4-01 I had my first consultation visit with Dr. Valin today. He was kind, considerate, informative, compassionate, understanding and young. He seems to be on top of the field of WLS. So far, A+...

Dr. Valin was very compassionate and very
helpful. He made my husband and myself feel very at ease. I do not have a surgery date yet but am going thru all of the steps. Dr. Valin spent over an hour with us explaining everything and also answering all of my questions. I look forward to my second appointment which hopefully might be next week.

Ok.....well I met with Dr. Valin on July 11, 2001. I had already gone to see another Dr. in Mass. because a friend had had the surgery done in Mass. Well me being the type who has to know everything decided to get the opinion of another Dr. even if my insurance wouldn't pay for it, so I went to Dr. Valin. Well, I am so glad I did. It was the best thing I ever did in my life!!!! He was so so informative......I could tell by his conversation with me that he really cared. That he wanted to help me. I cant explain. I left there feeling like I was walking on a cloud. I didnt get that feeling with my first Dr. As a matter of fact......I felt like I was just a blank face in a long line. So I was so thrilled to meet Dr. Valin.
If I had to say anything negative ..and I even hate to say this, was I was a little taken back as I entered his office....An older building in need of repair. Especially since my first Dr. had a beautiful office. But "ANY" feelings I had in thinking I had made a mistake coming to that office soon disappeared. The staff was so helpful and kind. Cecile was an absolute doll. And when I got to speak to Dr. Valin, I felt so at ease. He answered all my questions. And was so patient in explaining everything.And telling me how important aftercare was.
His information packet is so informative. I read it over and over in the last week. He even has a web site that lets you read about and get in touch with other patients he had helped. And I did! I called several, and I was so encouraged.
So far if I had to rate Dr. Valin I would give him a 9 out of 10. (No one is perfect)
But he sure was close!
I'll fill you in after surgery on my whole experience. I feel so positive Dr. Valin will prove to be a 10!

Meeting with Dr. E. Valin was easier than I expected. I was "crushed" when my prior surgeon cancelled my final appt. with him (after my husband and I BOTH had to take the day off to meet with him and I lost over $100 in pay for the day). I also had heard that my surgery would be running close to the holidays (Thanksgiving) and with a family that would be the worst time for this to take place. I called Dr. Valin 4/17 (when I found out my appt. on 4/18 was cancelled with my former surgeon) and he got me in the next day on 4/18!!!

7/16: In reading my profile you will see the complications I had as a result of surgery. I knew there was a chance of a leak but never imagined it could happen to me. With any surgery requiring sutures or staples, there is always a chance of the staple/suture line not sealing completely. The only difference with this surgery is that it's on the inside and I had to wait for my insides to heal before eating and drinking again. I had a few months of emotional "ups and downs" and through it all Dr. Valin gave me the best care. I would HIGHLY recommend Dr. Valin for anyone that would like to have this surgery done. I spoke to MANY of his patients and we all seem to feel the same way about him. He's a young, brilliant surgeon that truly cares about his patients!

July 16 - I had my surgery with Dr. Valin on July 5. Everything went great with the surgery I have no leaking. Dr. Valin was great while I was in the hospital,stoppping by even on the weekends , answering any questions and making me feel better. I was only in the hospital four days. I felt nauseaous the whole time in the hospital and even when I came home for the first week. The staff at St. Raphaels were great but they are understaffed. I had no problems with them but I could see other things going on.

I stayed on liquids for a few days at home and then went to jello and a few other things.
Saw Dr. Valin on Friday the 13th. He removed the rest of my staples and took the drain out. That had been a real pain in the neck. No one had told me anything about that before. I am on pureed foods for the week and then start regular food. So, far I haven't had trouble keeping anything down.

I do not have to go back to Dr. Valin until August 13. He said I should lose about 20 lbs. by then.
I really like him.

I liked Dr. Valen very much. His secretary, Cecile is extremely helpful. Dr. Valen when through what to expect from the surgery and explained the procedure thoroughly. He gives each patient a notebook full of information, including the diet we will have to follow immediately aftersurgery and later.

My first impression of Dr. Valin was young, smart, knows WLS surgery. The second time I met with him, he impressed me as very knowledable about WLS and also very patient and caring. A friend and myself peppered him with questions, he answered each one honestly, with a great deal of expertise and never rushed us. He treated us with respect and a great deal of professionalism. My hospital experience with Dr. Valin only confirmed what I had recently come to believe about him. He saw me twice a day, he was very caring and warm before I went into surgery, and answered my every question. He took care of my every medical need in the hospital. Thank you Dr. Valin.

Cecile runs his office,she's right on top of everything and was very patient with my daily calls. She's very busy and takes time for us all. Cecile was instrumental in getting insurance clearance for me and always fitting me in. I'm grateful Cecile.

Dr. Valin spoke of the risks with me as well as Mark Gaynor, the psychologist I saw on Dr. Valin's team. I made sure I read and reread everything I could find. I got great advise from Lori in West Hartford, she said something like don't be scared, just be aware. I was rolled into surgery knowing I was aware. Thanks Lori!

Dr. Valin's strength is surgical competence with bedside manner coming in second. I think that's the perfect combination for a great surgeon. I would rate him an 8.