"Update 04/23/07: Still love Dr. Abkin but am TERRIBLY bummed that he no longer accepts my insurance. He has been dropping out of insurance plans left and right lately so make sure you check to see if he accepts yours! I may have to look for another surgeon now. I will have to see. I do have out of network benefits but I am not sure I want to pay 20% of another complication like I had in Feb '07.rnrnDr. Abkin: My first impression of him was that there is just something about him that makes you like him. He is very friendly, has a good sense of humor, knows his stuff. As an added bonus, after a while you also realize how devastatingly handsome he is (I understand this is not at all relevant but, hey, I thought some of you might like to know...). I went to see him for the first time in June of 2005. I did not go to see him again until December of 2005 and I pretty much assumed that he would not remember me from Eve. But he actually did which impressed me. I also assumed he would not remember me when I went for my one month post-op appointment (if you have ever gone to his office, you would know what I mean...HERDS of people go in and out of there all day...how could he remember everyone?!). Not only did he remember me, but he commented that it felt like more than a month since he had seen me (which it was...it was 6 weeks). So, again, that impressed me. And his blue eyes REALLY impressed me but, okay, enough about that. I think he is a fantastic, highly gifted doctor. I am saying that because I am currently a 2-month post-op with nary a complication. How would I describe his office staff? Hmm...well, let me point out the highlights. The guy that takes your vitals (blood pressure, pulse, weight) is named Nino. He is awesome...always courteous and upbeat. The lady who submitted my insurance is Kathleen. At first I have to admit I hated her (because she submitted my forms almost a week later than she said she would). However, AFTER that I thought she was wonderful. She was NEVER rude to me the 7,245 times I called her before I got approved. So...snaps to Nino and Kathleen. Now...the front-desk staff? I am not too impressed but I think that is because they are SO SWAMPED (again...see herd comment above). They are probably really great but just have zero personality from being frantic all day (that is my guess, anyhow). Overall, I give Dr. Abkin and his staff two thumbs up. I am so glad I chose him and would recommend him to anyone seeking WLS.rn"
