Robert Rabkin Bariatric Surgeon M.D.,F.A.C.S.

Dr. Robert Rabkin is a very caring and devoted surgeon. My entire experience with him personally was and continues to be outstanding. At times his office can be frustrating, especially after the first year post op. Dr. Rabkin and his staff strongly emphasis aftercare and also extensive classes pre op to ensure patients are well advised of risks, how they are going to feel after surgery, changes in habits, etc. He also has you go through a Psych evaluation prior to surgery to determine if emotionally you are prepared to handle what lies ahead. I was SO very well prepared for my surgery by his staff. His monthly meeting for pre and post op patients are the best and were so beneficial prior to surgery and for the first year after surgery. Overall I would rate Dr. Rabkin and his program as one of the best. His surgical competence and bedside manner are outstanding. Again he is a very devoted, kind, caring and concerned surgeon. I thank him for taking such great care of me and for giving me the opportunity to get my life back.

What was your first impression of him/her?

Actually I met with Dr. John Rabkin. Wow what can I say besides he has a great bedside manner, is extremely compassionate, his expertise in the field shows, and he has a cute smile too ;)

How would you describe his/her office staff?

I came on a day that the office was having a change of plans so my consult was a bit backwards..but none the less information and complete. I have a close friend who had surgery with Dr. Robert Rabkin and I have gotten to know the office staff. They love what they do, honestly care about the patients they help, and are there anytime you really need them. Im happy!

How much does he/she emphasize aftercare?
They insist on compliance and follow up!

How did he/she address the risks of surgery?
The concerns and questions I asked where discussed with my honestly and openly. As a registered nurse, I can see a snowjob coming. I did not get that impression with Dr. John. Even with the odd questions he took all the time he needed to, to explain to me thoroughly the information I needed.

How would you rate him/her overall?

Pre-operatively, on a scale of 1-10..a definate 11. That impression may change post operatively but I would be suprised.

Which is better, surgical competence, bedside
manner, or both great?
BOTH! Have you checked his creditials? Wow..and like I said..even not trying to charm me, oops LOL
http://www.pacificsurgery.com
Check them out!

Katharine


I'm Post op now, and my opinion of these doctors has grown to one of love and respect. They are fablous people and compassionate caregivers. I would recommend them to anyone considering surgery. They are truly dedicated to the improved health of their patients.

Dr. Rabkin is a very skilled and talented surgeon. My surgery went very well and I was up and walking the very next day. I have gone from 313 to 180 lbs and am successfully maintaining the weight loss even 6 years after surgery.

My pre-op experience was very positive. The doctor was attentive and professional. On the night before my surgery I was even able to get in contact with one of his nurses when I panicked because I couldn't manage to drink the entire 3 liters of laxative. She was very understanding and reassuring.

I did find though that Dr Rabkin seemed rather impersonal post-op. His visits during my hospital stay were few and brief. The following week, my father went with me for a post-op checkup and Dr. Rabkin barely spoke with me at all. He directed nearly all of his comments to my father. It felt like he didn't even notice that I was in the room. I don't know if this was due to his view of me as an obese person or as a woman. But I felt quite demened by his nonchalance.

Another thing that sort of irked me was that I felt neglected by the staff after the surgery. Granted, I live overseas. But I do have e-mail. I'm sure that people who live nearby and can attend the support meetings have had a much better experience.

Despite than these two (very minor) problems, I would warmly recommend Dr Rabkin for this procedure. It's really the créme de la créme of WLS. I feel confident that I made the best choice of both procedure and clinic. Everthing went as well as I could have hoped for.

Great docter.. my email is [email protected]
or im ketchup in the chatroom

ask me any thing you want =) I can't put it all here.. but the aftercare is probally best anywhere.. and his stats are awsome.. and did great job with me even with slight comps =D

Dr. Rabkin seemed to be a quiet, self assured man wanting to help.
My impression did not change.
His office staff was professional, friendly and willing to go the extra mile to help.
I was concerned because Dr. Rabkins hands shake. Discussed this with the OR nurse and she said this was not a problem with the surgery.
I am absoultely happy with the surgery and the results of the surgery.
After care is a part of the original fee so it goes without saying that you will go to aftercare.
Yes it is outlined in the book that is given to you upon surgery.
The risks of surgery are outlined in the book as well as a form that needs to be read and signed regarding the risks. The md also discusses on your pre op visits.
He was A+++++
I really have only seen Dr. Rabkin 2 times. His surgical competence is well known, bedside manner was great so I would have to say both were great. I have met with his PA on all my follow up visits and she is great

My Surgeon was Dr. John Rabkin, brother of Robert. Dr. John was wonderful, warm, friendly, and professional. I felt that I was in the very best of hands.

Drs. Rabkin have a structured aftercare program. I've very happy with the care.

I'm 5 months post-op and have had ZERO complications. My scars are very small and are fading quickly.

Date of surgery 10/8/03 and at
5 months out - I've lost over 50 lbs.


Only one negative point in my entire experience - Rabkins fees are high. Although I tried to negotiate a discount for paying 100% cash up front, they were not cooperative. Despite that - I would still do it again in a heart-beat!

Dr. Robert and Dr. John have the best record and the most experience. As a post-op, they and their staff are like family to me.

They are always available to answer questions via phone or e-mail and have great bedside manners.

I couldn't ask for a better experience or better results from surgery.

Dr. Rabkin is consistently caring. His staff are very helpful and welcoming. His program for pre-op and post-op education and care are superb. I'd rate him 10 out of 10.

My first impression of the entire staff was impaired by my own personal issues. The office did seem to run a bit inefficiently and slowwwwww. That is a price I am willing to pay for top notch surgeons though.

However, as I have come further into this process I have come to know more about them and love them in each of their own ways. Everyone in the office is very personable. They try to address you by name and are very courteous despite the fact that they are all swamped. Dr. Robert is magnetic. He has won me over with his eye contact, truly a lost art in my opinion. He looks at you while communicating with eyes that seems to express his genuine desire to help you.

Dr. John is equally as personable. He saw me for my pre-op appt and made me feel right at home, listened to and cared about as well.

I guess because I know my surgeon will be Dr. Robert I have a personal fondness for him. This is truly a class act operation. I feel blessed to have been guided to their doors. I feel like I am in the best of hands and am deeply cared for, to boot.

Pacific Laparoscopy heavily emphasizes aftercare and I believe have attempted to build such a community among patients that everyone seems to feel like a family. So aftercare just feels like family reunions I think, or so I have felt from their group meetings so far.

Can I say anymore?

I was orginally going to another surgeon and a different procedure, but now have my appointment with Dr. J. Rabkin and my surgery date is 10/3/03. I am having the DS procedure at St. Mary's in San Fransico. His office staff are very polite and accomodating expecially for out of state patients. They are very organized. I will post my comments about the physican after I actually see him.
All the web postings about this surgeon and office are all very very positive and he has quite a following. His reputation is excellent, and his outcomes with his surgery are great.
His web site is the best I have seen.

10/17/03
Dr. John Rabkin is a very warm, gentle person. He is very comfortable to be around, and I felt immediate connection when I first met him. He is down to earth, and personable. You can tell he is very sincere about his patients, and wants to really make a difference in their life. I had no doubts he was the best surgeon for me, and confident he would do a perfect surgery. I was right.
His office is very friendly, and helpful.
He travels to Texas from CA couple times a year for support group meetings here and I think that speaks alot about him.
He leaves you with a feeling you could call him for anything. And he has a great aftercar followup for out of state patients.
I rate him a 20 on a scale of 1-10.