"My first impression: I met him for the first time at a seminar. I thought he was well informed and to the point. I also felt that I could trust him--which is an issue with me--trust him to the point of getting to the next step, a consultation.rnDuring the consultation he told me I would have to lose more weight (I had already lost 106 lbs) and due to certain health issues I would probably have to have a minor procedure done to avoid a complication and also that I needed basically all my doctors to give me the green light to set a date. I was disappointed because I think my expectations might have been too high but I realized that Dr. Abkin was looking out for my best interests. Because of that, I trusted him more and respected him. He isn't a bs artist and would't be bullied.rnHis office staff is very helpful and kind. They seem to anticipate my requests before they even come out. They are professional, but not detached. They're warm and I felt able to let my guard down.rnThere was nothing I didn't like about Dr. Abkin--maybe I wish he had his own nutritionists and metabolic doctors on staff so I could go to the one office rather than having to make multiple appointments.rnFuture patients should know that he is trustworthy and worth looking into. His reputation and track record are impeccable. On a personal note, I have always been distrustful of doctors and avoided them most of my life because I felt I was being judged and because they were cold and humorless. Dr. Abkin has a sense of humor and is disarming which allowed me to relax which is key because I have anxiety issues.rnHe does emphasize aftercare and has a structured aftercare program called The Program.rnHe addressed the risks of surgery by telling me the plain truth and urging me to register on this website as well as ClarityMD for more infor.rnOn a scale of 1-5, I would rate him a five (highest)rnSurgical competence or bedside manner, which is better. I guess it's a matter of degrees, but I would have to say both are equally important as long as it's understood I wouldn't let an idiot with a bad rep do my surgery even if he had a sparkling personality.rn"
