Elmer Valin Bariatric Surgeon M.D.

I've only met Dr. Valin (so far) in an auditorium setting for an informational presentation. He's obviously very experienced and actually has a sense of humor. I've met with Debbie, his wife and the RN in the office. She's very nice and personable and answered all my questions. My appointment with her was in early August, and she's indicated I could probably have surgery as early as September!

The staff are all knowledgable and kind, I am completely satisfied, I am already telling everyone about Dr Valin. I feel very well informed about the surgerg,and after care program. I really look forward to the support groups esp. the FLEX program offered.

Dr. Valin and his staff really enjoy making such a positive difference in peoples lives. Their demeanor is cheerful, professional and approachable. UPDATE:
Dr. Valin, Debby, Jess, the whole office is wonderful. They always remember who you are and constantly are trying to make sure your appointments fit your schedule/need. Enough praise can not be said for these folks. But I can send a big THANK YOU!

One of the best in his field, no doubt in my mind. I can not say enough about him or his staff. I was throughly educated and have yet to experience any complications.

Dr. Valin and his support staff, including his wife, Debbie were excellent. I recieved excellent care at the Hospital of St.Rapheal. Dr. Valin's offie is both personable and professional

I think Dr. Valin is a wonderful surgeon! His wife Debby is the RN for the office which I think is great. Dr. Valin, Debby and the entire staff are incredible! I do have some off the wall questions at times and they don't make me feel strange about it. Dr. Valin also did my Mother's surgery and when he came out to let me know how she was, he asked how I was doing. I thought that was very kind and thoughtful of him! I wouldn't want to have surgery again if I couldn't have Dr. Valin!

My first impression of Dr. Valin was a good one. I liked is "tell you how it is" attitude. He is very professional.
His office staff is always very nice when I'm in the office or on the phone. They quickly try to get answers to questions.
If I had to say anything negative about Dr. Valin, I couldn't. All my dealings with him and his office have been positive ones.
I would reccomend Dr. Valin to others who are considering WLS.
Dr. Valin's strong point in my opinion is his surgical competence, but he does have a good bedside manner as well.

He seemed very young and for some reason that made me more at ease, as this is a fairly new procedure to the US. Knowing he has performed over 200 of them made me feel at east. Dr. Valin's office staff was very helpful, courteous, I never had a hard time over anything. There isn't anything I disliked about Dr. Valin or his staff. Myhusband and I met with Dr. Valin last week and discussed the surgery, what to expect for surgery, after surgery and pretty much for the restof my life. He took the time to answer all of our questions and concerns. I even joked with him that I ws going to be spendging the weekend with him to make sure he got enough rest. I already know from other peoples experiences that he is extremely competent, but what was just as important to me was how he took the time to speak to us one on one and asnwer any question we had. I can't wait for tomorrow! 5/17/04!

When you first meet him you are a part of a group of hopefuls so it is hard to get a really good impression. He seemed very knowledgable and that was reassuring.

I continued to feel reassured by his knowledge and expertise. He is however a very quiet man.

HIs wife who is the nurse in his office is an absolute gem of a woman and treats everyone very well. She was very helpful in juggling my appointments since I had to come such a large distance.

The thing that I like least was how quiet he was. I would have liked him to be more of a conversationalist. Wanted to have him talk to me more.

He and everyone in his office emphasize the importance of the support meetings and follow up care after the surgery.

Through his initial information meetings and follow in office visits he make it very clear that you need to be aware of all of the risks of the surgery amd makes sure thath he knows you are aware.

Overall I have been very happy with my experienceand feel very confident about his surgical competence. All of his PA's were very nice as well but he always seemed so busy and rushed when he visited.

Very busy.

I saw he was high in demand.

The Nutritionist and Psycologist are very helpful. Head nurse appeared a little overworked. Frontdesk person seemed somewhat new/not sure some of the time, but everyone is nice and hospitable.

Appears to really care about patients.

He conversations are very limited to..."You have any questions" and "Everything is going to be fine".

You have to go through a whole series of support groups which spends much of the time talking about aftercare.

Reassured me I was in good hands.

Thusfar I really have no complaints.

Surigical competence would probably be my choice. As stated earlier he's a very busy doctor. High in demand BUT on the day I was preparing to leave the hospital he inquired how I felt emotionally....and he really had conforting words to share w/ me.