Pacific Laparoscopy Bariatric Center

Good physician. Not the best hospital( St. Mary's).

I had been looking into shedding my excess weight for about eight years and finally had enough with just dieting and not getting anywhere. At the time I was 340 lbs. and had been fluctuating up and down from that mark by about 20 lbs. Dietitians, ephedrine, starvation diets all never worked for me. Finally I approached the idea of surgery and it's pros & cons. The one thing that I wanted to do during the whole process was to get informed, so when I met John, I was very impressed with how thorough he was in answering my questions. He made it a point to run through every little question that I had for him and made sure that I understood. He even went over the statistics of and the risks of anesthesia with me, which is what had given me the greatest apprehension about the whole process. After a date for the surgery was set, I still had doubts, but his gentle reassurance and my resolve got me to the OR.

The surgery went swimmingly I'm told (I was asleep for it) and I awoke in the hospital for the post-care. If there are any complaints that I have, this is where they would be found. There were some small oversights that I feel could have been improved upon by John communicating to hospital staff the special circumstances of larger patients and their specific needs. As I have been told at the monthly group support meetings, some of the suggestions that I had mentioned (whined about) have been addressed and people that I have referred to Dr. Rabkin have never seemed to have those issues. Also, I am a San Diegan, and it's quite hard to get up to San Francisco for follow up visits in person, so after a little bit of prodding, I got them to allow me to do them over the phone as long as I get them all pertinent info.

One of the things that I like most about John and his practice is the after care that is available. He keeps himself or somebody on his staff on-call 24/7 in case something comes up. Luckily for me, I didn't have any complications other than me accidentally ripping off the stitching tape and screaming like a little girl about 3 days after surgery. It was also helpful that his staff sets up group support meetings. This more than anything was helpful because normally I wouldn't call my doctor if I have a cramp in my side, but I'll readily discuss it with other people that have been in my shoes. The group members and staff that attends regularly are also not shy about any related topics as well and there is never any embarrassment about asking a room of relative strangers about your bowel function.

In summary, I was 340 lbs. and am now 190 after six and one-half years and couldn't be more satisfied with my choice of surgeon, his staff, the quality of care that I received and the quality of life that I enjoy now because of it.

Terrible.

That is about the BEST word that I can write to explain the experience that my Wife, and our family had with Dr. Rabkin.

With that said, let me explain the story in brief detail.

Dr. Rabkin is a perfectly nice guy. He has the best intentions, and pre-surgery has fantastic goals that "you" will achieve. Those goals are unrealistic for most people that require such surgery.

My wife had traditional RNY twice in the past 6 years. For one reason or another, those did not work very well and she gained back most of the weight. She ate well, for the most part, and had a decent exercize routine - but - she gained it back. She seemed perfectly fine to me. And to be honest, I liked her at the weight she was. It's not to say that I don't like her weight now, but I didn't have an issue with it. I liked it.

In comes Dr. Rabkin.

He had a seminar on Duodenal Switch(to drum up business, like he does every month) and my wife was sold. She gave his office a $10,000 advance so they could even get started early. Dr Rabkin jumped at the opportunity and within a month or so she was on the operating table.

In that time I also met with the dr to ask about his mortality rates, his experience, what to expect. And I was sold as well. "She will be about 175 pounds within two years" was what we were told. She was about 350ish at the time.

All the records were sent over to his ofice from the other surgeon, but with specific questions that I asked I could tell that he had not fully reviewed them. We also asked if she should get an X-ray, CT, or an MRI to see what the previous surgeon had done. He assured us it wasn't necessary, and we rolled with it.

The surgery....

Supposedly it went well... It was a "little different" than he had expected. (probably should have gotten an MRI), but she seemed OK.

Then, the leak....

Well here is where it goes a little bad. There is a leak. A rather big leak. Seems that if you have had surgery before, according to Dr Rabkin "Scar tissue doesn't hold sutures very well". Hmmm, it might have been nice to know that, seeing that most previous surgeries cause scar tissue.

Long story short... after it goes REALLY BAD....

After about 6 Months, in and out of ICU, emergency rooms, other surgeries from other doctors at other hospitals, and about $25k in home health care aides my wife has been back at work for a week. She can only work part time, because of the trouble she has.... But she is finally feeling better on most days. And within the year she will probably be back to a normal life. No thanks to Dr Rabkin.

I don't think she has even met, or spoken with him in months. He always puts his PA Maria to do the dirty work. You'd think after putting our family through hell, we might get an apology of some sort. But no, nothing.

Well, we did get back $8,500 of the $10k we originally gave him to get a jump start on surgery.... That's something I guess.

Many people had mentioned that Dr. Rabkin was the best. Several people I know who had bariatric surgery with him and my professional psychologist (who works with Dr. Rabkin regularly) all said that you could be in no better hands. Knowing that so many people trusted him, made me feel very comfortable, and I kept going back to that whenever I felt unsure. I probably would have been a lot more uneasy had his reputation not preceded him.

Dr. Rabkin himself is wonderful. He is very friendly and I think really cares about his patients and wants them to do well. My procedure went off without a hitch and I'm recovering well. I also appreciate Dr. Rabkin's while I'm in there I might as well poke around approach. He took biopsies of my liver and removed my gallbladder during surgery after feeling some suspect lumps. Everything was fine, but if it hadn't been, I'd be thanking Dr. Rabkin for more than weight loss right now.

Dr. Rabkin is super busy, so you won't spend a ton of time with him, and when you do it is very deliberate. This didn't bother me however, because he spent enough time with us to answer all of our questions and was very nice. He also is available during the monthly meetings PACLAP hosts, so you can speak to him in a more relaxed setting. He answers the many (often redundant) questions nervous would be patients have patiently and with a smile. Many surgeons don't roll that way. I also saw Dr. Rabkin twice after my surgery and he called me my second day home to make sure all was well. That's a pretty awesome doctor in my mind.

Dr. Rabkin's staff is stellar. Maria, his assistant, is very responsive to questions and friendly. My memory is cloudy, but I think she visited me a few times post surgery as well. During my first follow up she very casually told me to call her if I had any problems. I liked that. It made me feel like I could call her without worrying that I was overreacting.

Some medical practices are like bad landlords. They only want you to call when the roof is falling in. PACLAP is best-in-class. Not only are they a Center of Excellence, they have a great day-to-day operation going on.

The office staff, I had direct contact with Ernesto and Matt, are friendly and great about answering all those logistic questions you have to answer. Matt will do his best to get something out of your insurance company, and Ernesto has filled out last minute paper work I didn't know I needed within hours. They are both great and make the stressful time before and after your surgery easier because you don't have to worry as much about all the other stuff. The nurse who weighs you and takes all you signs is also very sweet.

I wouldn't have gone anywhere else for my surgery.

There are only a few things that could improve at PACLAP, and these are minimal.

1. The informational videos/presentations/materials are kind of confusing. I think that is because they were originally created for the duodenal switch and adapted for the sleeve. As a patient, I would have liked to have been able to read them without thinking, okay, so this is for the duodenal switch not me.
2. This is the designer/communicator in me. The videos/presentations are not great quality and could be condensed to communicate the messages quicker and clearer. PACLAPs website represents the professional, best-in-class medical practice that they are. These materials don't carry that brand across.

Otherwise wonderful place, wonderful people and wonderful results so far!

Also, the St. Mary's nursing staff was great!

When I came across Dr. John Rabkin for my surgery the DS, I was so blessed to meet such a wonderful person. I had been threw so many office's a nd hospital programs to try other surgeons for about 5+ years and never could understand why I didn't just go with one of them until I met Dr. Rabkin and his amazing staff. Friendly, always willing to help and just over all the best is how he made me feel. The office was always there for me to call and they would take my issue or concern onto their own hands and deal with it for me. It was such a relife to have someone else want to help me instead of making me do all the work AND pay all the money. I couldn't ask for more from the Dr. or his staff. On surgery day Dr. Rabkin was the most amazing man, he stood by my side made sure I wasen't scared. He made sure he answered any and ALL questions and concerns that I might have had all the way up to the table :) He was always there. I didn't feel at all like he was doing this for me just to make a buck or two. Which is how other surgeons had made me feel. He made me feel like I was his family, his number one priority. Almost like a daughter. If I was ever able to repay Dr. Rabkin for his skill in what he did for me. I would do anything. I recommend him 100% and not just because he was my surgeon because to this day 1 year out, he still see's me and treats me like I am #1 to him and again like his family. Not to mention he had amazing numbers :)

Dr Rabkin is one of the most kind and understanding doctors I have had the pleasure of meeting. My daughter and I are both having procedures done by Dr Rabkin.
The staff have all been supportive and informative and assertive in there help and efforts with our journey.
A good staff is the window of the practice. A surgeon can have excellent competence however if the staff does not share in that competence, teamwork and genuine compassion in the efforts of the practice it will show.
I appreciate all efforts and look forward to a wonderful experience in the years ahead from my decision to have this surgery.

Dr. Rabkin is intelligent, compassionate, capable, thorough, knowledgable, talented, and consistently demonstrates high integrity.

He has assembled a staff that shines: Ernesto and AnnaLynn are always friendly, happy to help in any way, and both have excellent follow through; Matt handled my education in insurance paperwork; Maria started after my 1st visit but came up to speed especially quickly and is always there to assist, nudge, evaluate and educate, earning my trust and confidence very quickly.

While in hospital Dr. Rabkin and Maria came by many times including all throughout the holiday weekend; not once did they convey any distress over being with me (working), I only experienced the utmost in concern for my well being.

Maria has handled my post-operative care, only calling in Dr Rabkin one time for a 2nd opinion. I believe this is the same for most people so you may miss seeing Dr. Rabkin once you are on the mend.

This aftercare is also thorough and goes on for a varied amount of time as part of the package; a few months for Kaiser patients, up to 18 months for some others. They took care of me until I was completely healed.

Monthly support group meetings are held in many different locations and welcome people from other surgeons, and those considering surgery as well.

I can only report positive things about Dr. Rabkin, his staff and affiliated hospital.
The process, with his office, towards DS was educational, medically thorough, and nurturing. I felt fully informed in my decision to commit to the DS after attending the seminar and talking to the staff and watching their videos. I was asked to do some presurgery medical tests to insure that I could easily tolerate the procedure. The staff is warm and reassuring. The follow up is terrific,and the month support group meetings invaluable. I give him a 10 out of 10 on all points.

I met Dr. Rabkin at the April support meeting in Chicago in April. I was very impressed with him and his post-op patients. He seems down to earth and takes the time to explain your procedure and answer your questions.

I am early in the pre-op phase as my surgery was just scheduled today for August 25th. I knew that I needed a surgeon who has a lot of experience in revisions and Dr. Rabkin does. I've researched my revision from the RNY to DS and am peaceful with my decision.

All I can say is that it is definitely worth the travel from Chicago to San Francisco. The office staff have been so helpful and supportive as well.

Now I am jumping through the loops for getting my surgery approved by my insurance company. If not, I am going to be a self-pay. That's how much I want this revision.

My first impression of Dr. Rabkin was warmth. He has an excellent patient rapport, and he truly listens when you ask him questions. Over time, this impression has been strengthened immensely as I went through the surgical process. Dr. Rabkin has always been patient with my many questions, informative, reassuring, and so knowledgeable. He is approachable, never once giving me the impression of arrogance or distance that some doctors can give.

The staff at PacLap is also excellent, everyone is so helpful and patient. Ernesto, Alexander & Dana were all so supportive and helpful in getting all of my insurance information in order, my testing & labwork done, and my patient education information in order.

Dr. Rabkin provides a "red binder" with very good information regarding the DS; from what I understand that is not the case with all doctors performing this procedure. The patient education was fantastic. I was very well-researched before walking into his office, but they provided sufficient information even for someone who hadn't done the research beforehand.

The aftercare program is structured, the follow up appointments are included in the surgeon's fee, and there is an excellent support group both at the practice and at several locations nationally. Also, there is a thriving online group with regular bulletins and updates for patients. The staff is very approachable for information and questions, and ALWAYS get back to you with answers.

Overall, I would rate this surgeon 11 on a scale of 1-10. I mean that from the bottom of my heart. His surgical competence is sublime, I would rate him one of the best (if not the best) surgeons performing the duodenal switch. And his bedside manner is comparable to his surgical skill.

Thank you for giving me back my health, Dr. Rabkin!