• Name: Rosalind G.
  • Username: Readerroz
  • Location: La Canada, CA, USA
  • Member Since: 9/7/2003
  • BMI: 19.6
  • Post Op
  • Surgery Type: Duodenal Switch (08/03/04)
  • Surgeon: John Rabkin, M.D.
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Before & After

 
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Goals

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Surgeon Testimonial

John Rabkin, M.D.
I attended two of Dr. Rabkin's seminar-support group meetings. Both were led by Program Director, Barbara Metcalf, RN. Dr. Rabkin explained medical issues, elaborated on the benefit of the DS over the RnY, and clearly discussed the risk vs benefit for the MO. He pointed out that the risk of death is the same as for other surgeries performed on the MO. It's not the surgery, it's being MO, but it's WLS that gets the bad reputation. He does both DS and RnY, but only the RnY when an insurer won't pay for the DS.

He has performed an evolving series of weight loss surgeries since the 70s,and has published in peer review journals. He has trained with the best and is now in the forefront. He is completing the longest range study of post-op WLS patients that has been reported. This 10 year study has the potential to help the MO on many levels.

The seminars were rich in information; financial details, medical follow-up, risk vs benefit, availability of local housing for immediate post-op recovery, and aftercare information were all carefully explained. The handouts had just about everything a person would need to be informed.

The "Post-ops" were inspiring. Pacific Laparoscopy (Dr. Rabkin's office) produces a calendar every year with B&A photos of his patients. I looked through two year's worth and some of the people were at the seminar. Everyone was great about sharing their experiences. I remain in awe of the revelation of who exists behind the mask of obesity.

Other than Barbara, I've only spoken by phone with office staff and they were all friendly. One week after my initial consult at the Ventura, CA satellite office, the authorization request was mailed by Dr. Rabkin's staff.

Dr. Rabkin offers a unique arrangement with a local hospital for "cash" patients that has agreed to cap all expenses relating to surgery at $75,000. While this sounds like a lot of money, in the event of complications, we all know how very expensive hospital care is so to have a cap is a blessing.

So far, I've found nothing negative to report.
Member Interests
  • Books & Literature - My entire family loves to read.
  • Family & Friends - My children are the focus of my life. My friends are a blessing.
  • Travel - I love to travel, especially to the developing world.
  • Dogs - We have a beautiful 3 yr old Golden Retriever, Sadie.
  • Writing - I have worked as a journalist, now I write fiction/nonfiction
  • Movies - I could go to the movies every night if they are thought provoking.
  • Music - A home without classical music is like a day without color.
  • Christianity - After my husband died, our faith in Jesus saved the family.
  • Reptiles - My 6 yr old has Fluffy, a Bearded Dragon.

Latest Surgery Support Comments

  • Comment by Jeanie A. on 7/29/06 7:23 pm
    Roz, I'm sending feathers your way for Monday. I can't wait to hear about your adventures, so come back to us soon.
  • Comment by ~~~Kaye~~~ G. on 4/6/06 9:13 pm
    Wishing you a speedy recovery all of the way from Canada. Kaye G.
  • Comment by medicgeek10 on 4/6/06 8:29 pm
    Get well soon.. and take care.. congrats.. Medicgeek10 PS thanks for the words of encouragement...
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05/26/2012