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

He is a soft spoken, calm person with a dry sense of humour. He is NOT pretencious at all!
His staff is full of caring and upbeat people, and when they say they will do something they have done it, and quickly.
Dr Rabkin has an extensive pre AND post op care program. Monthly support meetings and ongoing education as well as follow up visits thru out your life are an important part of his practise. I have meet dozens of the patients he has worked on over many years, and not one of then hasd ever had a negative thing to say about him as a surgeon or doctor. A few of then don't get his brand of subtle humour, but feel he is sensitive and caring, none the less.
Dr Rabkin makes clear the assorted riskes of this surgery and actually goes one step further. All of his patients must go thru a 2 hour educational session with a surgical nurse that explains ALL the assorted versions of Weight Loss Surgery. After that you take a test, to prove you were listening ;) Then you get to see the Doctor. I am extreamly happy with my experience thus far, and have every expectation of maintaining that high opinion of him throughout and beyond my surgery.
The one thing that has been problimatic is the insurance and fees. Dr Rabkin has a retainer of 3k that covers the pre and post op care. I have an insurance deductible of 2k and after that am 100% covered. At this point it's not clear what i actually will have to pay, and i wish it was not quite so obcsure, but I have submitted my question about that and expect to know shortly what the situation is.
Dr Rabkin has a very informative and well presented web page about his pracitse at
http://www.pacificsurgery.com/index.htm
Dr Rabkin is one of the few surgeons in the world who routinely does the Ds laparoscopically.

I was referred to Dr. Robert Rabkin by my
primary doctor, Andrew Kerr. My impression of
Dr. Rabkin was that he was knowledable, patient, willing to spend whatever time it took to answer all of my questions. His
Ventura office staff was great, unfortunately
he now only does the surgery in San Francisco. Janice, his insurance specialist
was great in doing what paperwork it took to
get my approval. I had done alot of research
before I went to Dr. Rabkin, so I know alot
about the procedure, the risks, and the differences in the various options in procedures. I have used this web site, Dr.
Rabkins website, and any others I could find
to read and reread any and all the info I could find on WLS.
I am so excited about my surgery. It has taken me 8 months since my first visit to
Dr. Kerr to have a date. So my advice is be
patient and persistant. Set your mind to it
and it will happen.

dr. rabkin is a soft-spoken, compassionate person, and a very talented technician. he spent quite a lot of time with me at our first meeting, and has been, for the most part, a pleasure to deal with.
because he is such a great surgeon, and is in demand, he is not responsive to patients with financial concerns. he is not a preferred provider with most insurance companies, and is not interested in becoming one. i understand he is requiring a substantial up-front fee now, in addition to what insurance may provide. if one can afford him, he is definitely worth it. i don't think i could receive better care.
his nurse, delphine, is wonderful to deal with. all post-ops have her cellphone number, so we can reach her any time with our problems and concerns.
dr. rabkins bedside manner could use a little warming up, in my opinion. he easily loses patience with nursing care issues and shows his frustration. your mileage may vary.

Dr. Rabkin is truly a "Gentleman". I had been told that, but I really believe it now after having my first appointment with him. I've received news that he is combining his Ventura and San Francisco office and will only be doing surgery out of San Francisco. I wasn't too happy about that, but am willing to go to San Francisco to have the surgery done by this "Gentleman". I've only dealt with his staff in Ventura. Carrie, the Clinical Coordinator, EXCELLENT!!! Janice, Insurance, WONDERFUL! God Bless her for all her hard work with these insurance companies and everyone else in the office...very sweet and pleasant to deal with!

Dr. Rabkin was/is my surgeon in San Francisco. He was very attentive and kind. Especially post-op. He took all my concerns seriously. He returned calls right away. I would choose Dr. Rabkin all over again. And I am extremely happy with his procedure, Gastric Bypass with Duodenal Switch. I highly recommend Dr. Rabkin!