Elmer Valin Bariatric Surgeon M.D.

My first impression was that he was very quiet. There was no "warm and fuzzy" feeling. What I realized during my pre-op and post-op was that "warm and fuzzy" didn't mean a thing. He made me feel very confident and safe. His staff so far seems to be the same. Their aftercare program and staff availability are great. I give him an A+. Bedside manner AND surgical competence would both be nice, but I'll take the competence anyday!

Dr Valin is very professional but caring. His pesonality is best described as reserved but he does smile and ocassionally even laughs. He is very pleasant to deal with before and after surgery. His surgical team was terrific throughtout my hospital stay. I felt very reassured that i was in good hands. I saw Dr Valin personally every day in the hospital as well as the surgical team.

Dr. Valin is a wonderful surgeon, I felt very comfortable with him right away. He had great recommendations and the process through the initial meeting to op time was flawless. His staff is friendly and informative.

Dr Valin was quiet, professional and straight forward when I first met him a stark contrast with his out going wife I had met previously. He warms over time and is open to any question or concern. Dr Valin clearly screens his patients for those not really ready and I appreciate that. He is straight forward about the risks involved and yet exudes a typical surgeons confidence

Dr. valin is a very nice person, so far i met him twice. once for the ultrasound and the second time for the endoscopy. his office and staff are all great and i am blessed to have found such a great well known doctor. i give him from my first two impression a solid 9.0.

I have not met Dr Valin yet, nor ever even seen him. I hear this is not uncommon at this stage. His own brother told me he is the "phantom Dr hahhaa"

The office staff seems to be very nice and easy to talk to so far. Debbie is amazing and very helpful.

No likes/dislikes at this time as I have not met him yet.

Get used to seeing/dealing with Debbie as she will be your main contact for at least a while in beginning..possibly more.

We have not discussed aftercare in detail yet but I know from others they are very focused on aftercare.

I would prefer a Dr to have both good bedside manner and surgical competence, but if I had to pick one, I'd say surgical competence.

EVERYTHING FROM THE STAFF, TO DR. VALIN, WAS A WONDERFUL AND POSITIVE EXPERIENCE. I WOULD DO THIS AGAIN IN A HEART BEAT AND I NEVER KNEW HOW MUCH PEOPLE REALLY DO CARE.MY INPRESSION OF HIM AND HIS STAFF ONLY STRENGTHEND OVER TIME.
NOTHING!
HE IS EXCELLENT, KIND, AND CARING!
HE AND HIS STAFF, EXTREMELY EMPHASIZES AFTERCARE.
I RATE HIM AS A 10, AND BOTH ARE GREAT

I have met my surgeon for the first time, although I feel like it is the second. His twin brother is a heart doctor and I went to him for my EKG and stress. I think they are both wonderful. Very caring, great sense o humor and very authortive. Dr Valin's wife and co-worker Debbie is awesome! She makes no bones about what she expects out of you and in return she tells you what to expect of them and the surgery. She makes sure all questions are answered and you fully understand. She is very compassionate about the WLS and the fight of the overweight person trying to be healthy. Their office staff is equally as caring. I was very inpressed with Chris Lodi and Diana Rosa. They treat you as an individual and listen to you. You are not grouped in any way shape or form. Other than support that is, they offer excellent aftercare programs and make sure that you know of them, and encourage you to take part. All in all they have made this a wonderful journny and I am looking forward to a continued relationship with everyone.

Dr. Valin is a soft spoken man that is very professional, yet caring. His office staff is incredible. Everyone there is so supportive and have always treated me with respect and dignity. Anytime I called with a question, someone assisted me and I was never forgotten. Even now after the surgery I still know that I have them there and that is very reassuring to me.

I have not met Dr. Valin yet. I have met with the office RN, the Nutritionist and the phychologist. Dr. Valin just moved to a new office and is just getting settled in. So far I have no complaints. I know the office is working overtime to get patient with Blue Cross Blue Shield in before year-end as that insurance company is supposedly not going to cover WLS anymore. There is a support group that meets every month and there is an additional small group that the phychologist meets with in a special aftercare program designed specifically for WLS patients that is available for a nominall charge. I intend to join that group after my surgery. The program explores the emotional and phychological aspects of eating. I also intend to keep meeting with a nutritionist as well.