Pacific Laparoscopy Bariatric Center

Initial consult was with Dr. Ndidi Azikiwe and Dr. Robert Rabkin. They both seemed to feel that I was a good candidate for the DS. My initial surgery date was with Dr. John Rabkin but I do not know if the updated date is with Dr. John or Dr. Robert.

Attended a group meeting in SF and all three Drs. and most of the office staff were there. GREAT event with a lot of nice people. Dramatically different than other support groups I've attended previously. Where the topic of what you can/can't eat appears to be the norm at most meetings, here it was never really a topic. The meeting was structured, but informal enough to make it fun.

My first impression of Dr Rabkin was that he was very professional and also had a kind bedside manner. He proved to be a very competent surgeon.

The best person in the office is Myra; she is an excellent PA. She is attentive and responsive.
(I must confess, it is fortunate the other PA left because he was terrible.)

There is an emphasis on aftercare through Myra's accessibility and by way of the group meetings. If you cannot go to those you are in trouble.

The risks were spelled out very clearly.

I rate Dr John Rabkin in the highest possible way for both professional competence and for bedside manner. He is outstanding.

I had my consult in mid-April 2004 and was very impressed with Dr. John. He was very thorough and answered all my questions. I was led to believe I was a good candidate for the DS. He wanted me to have some cardiac testing which I have completed. I have supreme confidence in his surgical skills and especially after meeting him. The aftercare program by this surgical group could not be better or more reassuring knowing there is 24/7 access if necessary. The reputation of Drs. Rabkin speaks for itself and I wanted to have the very BEST and I do.

Very professional and personable surgeon!
Pacific Laparoscopy is not only among the top in WLS practices, they really stress the after surgery support and follow-up care!

Dr. John Rabkin is an awesome person, not only is he intelligent, but an very down to earth person. I found him very caring, warm and yet extremely personable. His knowledge and dedication along with experience with the DS Procedure is what led me to travel acrosss states to have him perform my surgery. What truly touched me, was the empathy he has for his patients, along with the understanding of the inner obese person.

This same caring and personal interest is found in his office staff as well. Never have I been in a Dr.'s office and everyone is so personable, having a wonderful personality and being so helpful. It is such a wonderful feeling when you receive help and care because the staff wants to, and it's demonstrated that it's not just a job with a paycheck. Everyone is sincerely helpful and so nice. I am still amazed by everyone, including Dr. Rabkin and his assistant Myra. Myra is awesome. I think the requirement for this office when hiring is looking at the person and their overall outlook for the patient. It's definitely not just a job to this staff....

What I liked best about Dr. Rabkin (John) is that he always talked to you with eye to eye contact. He was to the point and yet very personable. His genuine care of the obese is extremely touching. It is my thought he does this JOB, as a surgeon, not for the money that is earned; but for the ability to change people's lives.

Dr. Rabkin and his staff have an awesome pre-op and post-op care. Pre-op, there are many things you need to do to get ready for the surgery. Post-op, there is a lot of after care. They genuinely care about you, and your health; many follow-ups. That tells me, they are very concerned and want to know exactly if everything is going well for you. Not only that, but; they have support staff on call 24 hours a day. Whatever the need may be. If you feel funny or think that something isn't quite right--they expect you to call them immediately. Just knowing that I have a Dr. that I can call 24 hrs a day, 365 days out of the year is a statement within it's self.

Dr. Rabkin, not only describes all the risks of the surgery, but he explains all the weight loss surgeries in the world today, the benefits of them, the pro's & con
's and the risk of each of them. He tells you the best one for you and your condition. Dr. Rabkin is just awesome.

I would highly recommend him to anyone thinking of having weight loss surgery. He is the BEST of the BEST.

Everyone wants a negative feeling or comment---I CAN'T GIVE ONE, IF I DON'T HAVE ONE.

I first met Dr. John Rabkin in October 2002 to discuss the liver lesions that I have. He was very friendly, easy to talk to, down to earth, confident, patient, understanding and answered all my questions without trying to rush out of the office (which has happened with many other doctors in the past). I met Dr. John Rabkin again in February 2004 for a consult visit for surgery. Impression never changed, he was still as nice as ever. During this visit I was introduced to Dr. Robert Rabkin, who seemed very nice (must run in the family...ha). I didn't have a chance to talk with him, so I can't really form an opinion. The staff was awesome as well, very helpful, kind and lots of smiles. So far my experience has been wonderful with Dr. Rabkin and staff and would highly recommend them to anyone considering surgery. I didn't have a negative experience....honest! Kudos all the way!!!!

I first met Dr. Rabkin I thought he was just delightful very charming and personal. I told him I would be having surgery with him and I had already spoke with an Anesthesiologist who would be doing the anesthesia, he ask if I had a date for surgery yet I tod him no, not even an appt with him yet but I wanted to make sure I had everything lined up when the time was ready. My impression changed only for the better I couldn't believe how nice and concerned he was as a physician and person. The office staff at Pacific Laparoscopy is incredible! When I first made my appt. and spoke with the office they were very helpful. I don't think there is anything that I didn't like about either of the Dr Rabkin's I spoke with both. I think they both appreicate it when a patient has done there homework and comes prepared, they will answer any and all questions with out rushing you. The PA's in the office are great also. The follow-up is great and you never fell like you are left in the dark about anything going on with your care. They always encourage you to attend the group meeting because there is a wealth of knowledge. All the risk and benefits of the surgery were explained very well. I would rate the office staff at a 10
and the Dr's & PA's at 10+. The surgical competence and the bedside manner were both excellent, never did I feel like I needed to question there ability to take me under the knife. lol

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.

Very kind, truly compassionate and very skilled. Confident without arrogance.

I think by far the best surgeon in the field. The practice is dedicated to helping Post Op Patients well after their surgery. They truly care. When I was in the hospital I saw Dr. Rabkin several times a day, he was kind, confident and always reassuring. I had to be in the hospital for well over a week due to some minor complications and they were phenomenal. I was an out of state patient, but I never felt I lacked support.