John Rabkin

"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."

Ronald Bale

"Dr. Bales completed and sent his report one week after our consultation. He seemed very sincere and wanted to speak with my psychiatrist, who also wanted to speak with him. Dr. Bales offered to explain WLS in depth with my psychiatrist. I took the MMPI and I was in consultation with Dr. B. for a long time. He was thorough, kind and very professional. He was familiar with ObesityHelp.com."

Gregory Yu

"As an internist, Dr. Yu is excellent. He's a fine diagnostician. However, he is opposed to WLS. He said he'd write my authorization request because I was "demanding" that he do it. No surprise, I was denied on first request."
About Me
La Cañada Flintridge, CA
Location
19.6
BMI
DS
Surgery
08/03/2004
Surgery Date
Sep 07, 2003
Member Since

Before & After
rollover to see after photo
O, What shall I wear today? November 2005
128lbs
The simple pleasures: A great dog and a velvet outfit
128lbs

Friends 79

Latest Blog 3
My WLS and PS Journey
Current DS Research
RnY vs DS Research

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