Elmer Valin Bariatric Surgeon M.D.

My first impression of Dr. Valin when on 4/19/01 was the same as the majority of the people's first impression of him, "He is very young". When talking with Dr. Valin, one of the things I liked was he wanted to know how much research and information I knew about the WLS. I feel that this is an important question to ask, to me, it let the doctor know how serious the person is about the surgery, and how to proceed though the next level. He also went into further detail regarding the surgery, and gave names and numbers of people to contact, as well as booklet containing information. I have not made a definite decision yet regarding the surgery but I will say, after being weighed yesterday, I am leaning more towards the yes side for the surgey

I really like Dr Valin. He is very kind and compassionate. It is so nice to find someone who believes in the surgery like he does. For once in my life I met someone who doesn't think that I am the way that I am because I stuff my face all day. We discussed in great detail what the surgery will be like. Since I want as few risks for complications as possible, I decided to go with the open procedure. This is going to be the beginning,not the end, of a new life for me!

My husband, who is also planning to have surgery, and I have our 2nd appointment with Dr. Valin this week. I expect to get a better impression after that. However, my first impression is this: very knowledgeable; took a great deal of time with us, even though he had an office-full; like that he has Sat, hours; liked that he asked us questions about what we heard/knew already; liked his referrals, especially Mark Gaynor, who had surgery more than a year ago. Great to hear his persepctive; Office staff is very helpful; Surprised at the rundown office, does not reflect the Dr. Valin's level of professionalism.; I am in frequent contact, thanks to WLS, with one of his patients that just had surgery. She is happy with his care.

I met with Dr. Valin in late February. He is very young, but then again, when you've just turned 50, most people seem young. He answered all of my questions, gave me a detailed description with visuals as to what the surgery entailed. I have since met with the nutritionist and had my psychological evaluation. Now I begin the 3 to 5 day diet - have my urine tested for ketones - and then call the Dr.'s office to schedule the balance of my tests. He did address the risks of surgery, but I know that the risks of being obese outweigh (no pun intended) the risk of this surgery. I would rate him an 8 overall, but don't have any other surgeon(s) with whom to compare him. Dr. Valin had a great bedside manner, his staff was very helpful and pleasant. Aftercare was not emphasized as much as I had hoped. After surgery visits were detailed, but I know that I will need support after surgery, either by way of a support group or individual counseling.

Dr. Valin is very knowledgeable of the procedures. His office staff is also very
nice, the office itself was a bit surprising.
He is very sympathetic to obesity and very
willing to hurry things to get it done.

I saw Dr Valin for the first time the other day. He seemed very nice and was willing to inform. I will find out more as time goes on

I first met Dr. Valin when I joined my husband to his first appt. I was immediately impressed with what he had to say and booked my 1st appt the following week. His staff is real nice, but you have to stay ontop of things. When I had my appt I asked several questions and he had all in depth answers for me. Dr. Valin has a great bedside manner and will always give you his time. It is nine weeks after surgery and I feel great. Thank You so much Dr. V. And about that bedside manner, you were there every day and even when calls were made after hours.

I have my first appointment with Dr. Valin on 5/19/01.

5-2-01 6 weeks post op and had my 6 week checkup yesterday. down 67 lb and 80 to go.DR valin did a wonderful job operating on me.My goal for surgery was to be insulin free and now I am!any weight loss beyond this point is just (gravy)from here on in.I am one of the very lucky people in that I haven't had any problems from surgery.I tolorate every food that i try and I have full energy levels +.Cooking is still fun and my food costs have gone way down.My wife says she is benifiting from the healthy cooking and my HIGHER ENERGY LEVEL.LOL just for clairification she gets more house work out of me now!I some times have doubts about this surgery but I do understand and am greatful for the results of my diabetes being in remission.If you are thinking of having RNY then DR valin would be my recomendation for skill as a surgeon and his caring for his patients.It is unusual to find a DR that will spend the time nessary to answer ALL of your questions and go out of his way to make sure you are ok,before and after surgery.You can contact me at 1-860-886-0999 feel free to call. PAUL LAMBERT

First appointment is on 4/28.