"I went to the new patient orientation on July 29, 2004 and found it to be very informative and helpfull. The Advanced Laporascopic Associates practice requires that everyone considering WLS, attend this seminar. Dr. Alexander D. Abkin, Dr. Bertha and Dr. Pupkova, the entire team were in attendance and all were very knowledgeable in the field of WLS.
Dr. Abkin won me over before he opened his mouth... with his warm sparkling eyes and beautiful smile. When he spoke he was very candid and honest. It was very evident that he is a knowledgable, skillful and experienced surgeon, who understands how the obese person is affected both psychcologically and physically. I love his witt, which I find to be an ice breaker and to have a very calming effect on his audience.
During the Q & A session the surgeons took the time to answer all questions, in a professional and yet down to earth manner. I feel that no one was rushed and no questions that were asked were unanswered.
At the orientation, we were informed of the "Program for Life" and aftercare was very much stressed. I was able make my appointments for the surgical consultation, psych eval, and nutritional eval at this time... one after the other for the following Thursday. I left this seminar feeling like someone really cared, was compassionate and wanted to help me to live instead of just exist as I had been doing for the last 2 years.
On the day of my surgical consultation, Dr. Abkin just confirmed that that I had made the right choice of whom I would entrust with my life. I worked in the medical field and I was very satisfied and impressed with his being blatantly honest but also very respectful and compassionate. I was a very high surgical risk and he advised me of this, which was very responsible on his part. He was also very perceptive and calming while still being frank. He listened to what I had to say and took time to answer any questions that my husband and I asked him. We felt as if we had known him for years. He spoke about the surgery being a tool and the commitment I would need to make for the surgery to work. My husband and I left his office feeling comfortable with my decision, both to have surgery and in selecting Dr. Abkin as my surgeon.
I was very impressed with Josephine who handles the insurance. she is very knowledgeable in reference to insurance companies and how to handle them. She is also very friendly and has a calming effect. Sid and Linda were also very nice and very helpful. I have nothing but praise for everyone in this practice.
My husband and I attended the pre-op class. I feel they gave me all the information I needed for pre op and post op. Very thorough nutritional information was provided by the nutritionist and a booklet was given to us. Dr. Abkin also attended this class and again answered all questions and gave us more information on pre and post op.
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