Pacific Laparoscopy Bariatric Center

Dr. Rabkin performed my DS on June 17, 2009. I'd heard about him from two sources - my daughter saw him on a local talk show and sent me to his informative website, and a distant relative, who is a medical professional in the San Francisco Bay Area, recommended him when she heard I was investigating BS.

Dr. Rabkin is a kind, gentle, and understanding human who is also a top notch bariatric surgeon. About 3 weeks after surgery and just before a long weekend, I needed to see him because I was worried that my wound was infected. He did not make me wait until after the holiday, even though most of his staff were already gone. He went out of his way to meet me at the medical office I was familiar with, when he was actually at his other office and had to drive over to see me. This seems like a small detail, but it reflects the lengths he will go to make his patients comfortable. I know he cares about me as a person, not just a body.

His entire office is friendly and approachable. Dana and Barbara answered every single question I had beforehand, and I had a lot. I joined the online mailing list, and have used it to get many of my questions answered by others who have had BS before me. I really feel like part of a community.

My only complaint about the entire surgical experience was due to a nursing oversight at the hospital I was at, St. Mary's. There was one hour where I was locked into my bed with the rails up and the call button box on the floor. I yelled my head off, but evidently no one heard me. Luckily, I did not need any critical help at that time. I addressed my experience with the head of nursing and felt they would make changes so this would not be repeated with other patients. The rest of my stay at St. Mary's was excellent, with good care and special equipment available due to my weight and lack of mobility. The lesson I learned was to keep my cell phone handy - I could have called the nurses station!

Update after surgery: I love the office staff at Dr Rabkins office. I really feel like they are family. They did everything to make my surgery easy for me. I love seeing them at the support group meetings. rn rnDr Rabkin and Dana Benner are the best!!! I am so glad I had the honor of having them perform my surgery. Even my husband who is the biggest worrier in history had complete faith in their abilities. rnrnThis is such an involved and important surgery to get right. I paid out of pocket for Dr Rabkin because I wanted someone experienced and well-known. I had one in-network option for surgery but went with my instincts instead. I couldn't be happier. rnrnI met Dr. Rabkin at my consult and found him to be very easy to talk to and very honest about obesity. I know that he is the best and he is the doctor I want and trust. I look forward to having insurance approval so I can get moving!

After a long time selecting a DR.I went with DR John Rabkin and am so glad I did. I didn't get to meet him until the day of my surgery as I did all consultations over the phone. He came in his scrubs and talked to my husband and I a good 45 minutes. I felt so comfortable with him. I know it would be ok for him to be my surgeon. Afterwards he came in my room once or twice a day. His way of explaining the procedure to us was wonderful.rnDr Rabkin's office staff is GREAT~ We live 3 1/2 hrs from San Francisco and they are all very in tuned with their patients.rnI would highly recommend DR RABKIN to anyone in need of a DS.

Great surgeon.

What can I say? He's the best. He knows his stuff and can talk like a regular person, too. While he's not super touchy-feely, he does have a big heart. And a sly sense of humor. rnrnAftercare and support are very important to him--he wants to know how we're doing. He made sure I knew the risks, answered all of our questions, etc. rnrnHis office, from the front desk to the P.A.s, is fabulous and very responsive. I would recommend him to everyone (and I do!)!rnrnFuture patients should know that these people are serious about helping you save your life. Be compliant and life is good.rn

First impression of him was great. Very easy to talk to, answered all my questions. Dr. Rabkin and his whole staff are very easy to work with. They make you feel very comfortable. Dr. Rabkin is very big on after care, he says he will follow you for life.rnrnI would rate him and his staff a 10 out of 10.rnrnThis is how I felt after my first 3 hour visit to the office and 3 or 4 phone conversations.rnrnI will update as my journey continues.rnrnSurgery Date: September 18, 2008

Dr. Rabkin is a kind, caring surgeon with one of the best pairs of hands in the business. The staff at PacLap are very knowledgeable and friendly. The whole set-up is designed to provide lots of patient support.rnrnPacLap has a terrific after-care program. The cost of the surgery includes the cost of about 5 or 6 follow-up visits that are scheduled for different times after the surgery, to make sure that everything is going well. rnrnYou can't go wrong with this group.

Dr John Rabkin is genuine and truly a unique physician. Who knew that in addition to WLS, he also does liver transplants 2wks a month? Dr John (named so as to not confuse him with brother, Dr Robert Rabkin),caught my attention, initially because of his reputation, then because of his office staff. EVERYONE there is kind accommodating, warm hearted, genuine, friendly, professional, knowledgeable and patient. The PacLap program is very detailed and the direction both before and after surgery is easy to follow as they provide you with an instructional binder long before you have your surgery. I was well informed in terms of risk and aftercare expectations/requirements by Dr Rabkin and each PacLap professional. . .I rate this office and staff as exceptional--beyond reproach.

Consult 3/21/08rnSurgery 4/17/08

Dr. John Rabkin was great. He went over everything with me and answered my questions. His staff was always there to answer questions as well. They helped me through every step of my insurance approval process. Even though I had a minor complication and was in the hospital for 7 days Dr. Rabkin visited almost everday and helped in any way he could.