Alexander Abkin Bariatric Surgeon MD, FACS, FASMBS

Dr.Abkin was actually the second doctor I went with.My insurance initially sent me to a closer doctor but midway through the process, my employer changed companies and I had to start the process over again.
At first, I was not happy about being told I had to go to a seminar before meeting with Dr.Abkin because I had already started this process and “knew it all.” Well-it truly ended up being worthwhile. The doctors from his practice spoke, their insurance specialist discussed the different policies, and they had patients giving testimonial from different stages of the experience (the good, the bad, and the challenging- no sugarcoating).
At first, it was a bit overwhelming all the "requirement" hoop I had to jump through for my new insurance but Dr.Abkin's practice is paired up with nutritionists, mental health practices, and had a team there to help streamline all those requirements. I really felt completely comfortable with Dr.Abkin- he was the first in NJ to work with the REALIZE band and ALL he does is bariatric surgeries- which really put me at ease. You are expected to go to classes to walk you through the process and they do offer free support groups.
My only concern was, initially, I did feel like the practice was a bit large and I was a number they were just rotating through… because of having to take the classes and the seminar. However, looking back I realized how else would they be able to educate me on life after surgery- and frankly – they could just band me and throw me out there to fend for myself. I changed my mind about the ‘herding the masses’ when the receptionist knew my name as soon as I walked in and on the day of my surgery Dr.Abkin and I discussed an issue with my insurance - he told me he would follow up. I was actually surprised that he not only followed up with my insurance, but my husband’s as well, even contacting my husband’s employer to find out about my secondary coverage. He personally looked into the issues and helped me to figure out a way to resolve it. Taking those extra steps proved he truly cared about my success even after the surgery. I seriously cannot rave enough about Dr.Abkin’s practice because not only was he wonderful, but so was his staff.
The BIG negative – which I fault the insurance – is the process can be cumbersome and at times overwhelming. You, as the patient, do have to stay on top of everything- which not my strength. .there were times I did panic about whether the insurance was going to cover it or not after all those hoops, but every challenge was so worth it. With my insurance, there were out-of-pocket expenses, but I was warned of them up front. It came out to about $400 so just be warned- make sure your doctor walks you through that. One woman I talked to did go after her insurance (specifically for the mental health requirement because that was almost $300- and she got the insurance to cover it. She told me if they require it, they should pay for it then…and hers did. I did not try. )
I am almost a month out and am already down 28 pounds! If you are considering Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeons of Morris in New Jersey- you will really be pleased. Their support goes beyond the surgery- they have a strong network of people to help you with everyday life. I think the most important thing I learned was that the band is a tool, not a solution. They equip you with more than just one tool to help you flourishing in your new life! If you want to ask me more, please feel free to post to me  I am more than happy to help!

I would like to thank Dr. Abkin and his staff for helping me through my weight loss journey. I first met Dr. Abkin at a new patient seminar Dec. 12 2009 in Florham Park. The seminar was very informative and discussed the risks and benefits of different weight loss procedures in great detail. After learning of my options, I knew lap band was the right procedure for me. After the seminar, I was able to schedule my behavioral, nutritional, and initial consultations. It was very convenient, and they practically held my hand from the very start!

My initial consultation with Dr. Abkin was on 02/11/10. I am so happy I found him. He is very knowledgeable and answered all of my questions without making me feel rushed. His surgical competence was very impressive! He genuinely cares about my concerns and my health. After discussing my options, he was very honest with what to expect after surgery. He did not seem to try and "sell me" with one procedure or the other, instead he really wanted me to make an informed decision so I can be successful after surgery. We both agreed that Gastric Banding surgery was the best choice for me.

I met with Stephanie, the insurance specialist after my consult, who was also very knowledgeable and knew exactly what was needed to get pre authorization for my surgery from my insurance company. They told me that I didn't have to do anything, and they would obtain all of the necessary information from my primary care physician. Like I said before, they held my hand the whole way and made this process very easy for me. I was approved and scheduled for surgery within 3 weeks of meeting him. I can't believe how efficient his staff is! This was one of the best practices that I have been to.

I finally had my surgery on 3-16-10 at Florham Park Surgical Center. Dr. Abkin has a great bedside manner, and was friendly, caring, and confident on the day of my surgery. After surgery, he let me know everything went well, and asked if I had any questions or concerns for him. After answering my questions, he told me to follow up in his office in 3 week(s) for a checkup.

I am now 3 weeks out from surgery and I am feeling great! I had my post op appointment and I am down 16 lbs. My recovery was very fast, and the pain was minimal. Nothing like I expected. Thank you Dr.Abkin and everyone in your staff for helping me through my journey so far. I would highly recommend Dr. Abkin to anyone considering weight loss surgery. as his practice is hands down the best in New Jersey!

I went to two other surgeons before I found Dr. Abkin and I am so glad that I did!! I had done my research knew what I wanted and I was there and I felt like those 1st two surgeons just bipassed my questions and really left me feeling unconfortable and demotivated.

After my initial meeting with Dr. Abkin I knew he was the surgeon for me. He asked the right questions, listened to my questions and between him and staff made me feel confortable and well prepared for the surgery.

I had done all pretesting with the other surgeon so I was able to quickly schedule my surgery. Everything went beautifully. So much that I was back at work within a week's time (I have an easy office job, very close to home). I'm ready for my 1st adjustment now and I am confident in my progress and frankly I think its all due to finding the surgeon and team.

Dr. Abkin, Dr. Bertha and all of his staff are in my opinion the best and I am glad to have found them.

Dr. Abkin was very friendly the first time I met him. He even made me laugh a little. After I had my surgery I went for my 2 week check up and had lost a good chunk of weight. He asked me if i was" Trying to break the record." This made me smile cause I was trying extra hard to keep up the work and it was hard but this boosted my confidence and at that point I knew that "I can do this!" The staff is very friendly and very organized. I never had to wait more than 20 minutes for them to call my name in the waiting room. Dr. Abkin is truly one that is able to help those who are overweight and make them feel good about themselves. There are so many tools you can use, support groups, online help, just being at the first seminar gave me the push to have bariatric surgery. Other peoples success stories at the seminar made me realize that I deserve to feel good and healthy. To rate Dr. Abkin and his staff from 1-10, I would have to give them a 10! They have seriously changed my life and I would like to thank them with all of my heart.
- Katlyn Allocco

My first impression of DR. Abkin was that he wasn't just there to do his job and go home. When you go to the hospital you tend to feel like just another chart and that you are in a assembly line. He was very friendly and talkative,laughs with you and sounds sincere.Hes got a good since of humor.He made me feel important. I got the feeling that he really loved his job and wanted to help people.He was very informative during the first visit.The day of surgery he answered all my question didn't rush me and made me feel like there was nothing to worry about.Which was great because i was really nervous.I have no complaints about Dr Abkin and trust me if i don't like a doctor i let everyone know! but he was great and i definitely recommend meeting with him. As for the Staff they are wonderful.The receptionist are so nice and patient even when there really really busy and the phones are going crazy,they still take the time to listen to what you have to say and i love that.The nurses are nice,pretty much everyone that i met with is great, i haven't had 1 bad experience with anyone there.Being big and taking this step is very difficult.When im out in public i know people look laugh and snicker behind my back,but not this place they make you feel like family.So i have no doubts in my mind that you will be completely satisfied with Dr Abkin and his team.. THANKS SO MUCH DR ABKIN AND YOUR STAFF,you have made this transition for me a GOOD one!!

I would like to thank Dr. Abkin and his staff for helping me through my weight loss journey. After learning of my options, I knew Lap Band was the right procedure for me.

My initial consultation with Dr. Abkin was about 7 years ago. I was so happy I found him. He is very knowledgeable and answered all of my questions without making me feel rushed. His surgical competence was very impressive! He genuinely cares about my concerns and my health. After discussing my options, he was very honest with what to expect after surgery. He did not seem to try and "sell me" with one procedure or the other, instead he really wanted me to make an informed decision so I can be successful after surgery. We both agreed that Lap Band surgery was the best choice for me.

I met with the insurance specialist after my consult, who was also very knowledgeable and knew exactly what was needed to get pre authorization for my surgery from my insurance company. They told me that I didn't have to do anything, and they would obtain all of the necessary information from my primary care physician. Like I said before, they held my hand the whole way and made this process very easy for me. I was approved and scheduled for surgery within a few months of meeting him. I can't believe how efficient his staff is! This was one of the best practices that I have been to.

I finally had my surgery on February 22, 2010 at Holy Name Hospital in Teaneck. Dr. Abkin has a great bedside manner, and was friendly, caring, and confident on the day of my surgery. After surgery, he let me know everything went well, and asked if I had any questions or concerns for him. After answering my questions, he told me to follow up in his office in 2 weeks for a checkup.

I am now 3 weeks out from surgery and I am feeling great! I had my post op appointment and I am down 17 lbs. My recovery was very fast, and the pain was minimal. Nothing like I expected. Thank you Dr. Abkin and everyone in your staff for helping me through my journey so far. I would highly recommend Dr. Abkin to anyone considering weight loss surgery. as his practice is hands down the best in New Jersey!

When I first met Dr. Abkin at a seminar in St. Peter's Hospital - he approached my daughter and myself. We were there looking for a solution to her weight problem. After speaking with him I thought about how much it would help me to lose weight too! Being a person who never puts them self first, I realized it was about time I took care of ME so I would be able to take care of everyone else in my life. Dr. Abkin's office made the going through the process of getting approved for surgery almost effortless! He has a great support team that is always willing and able to help anyone. After getting approved for surgery for myself (insurance would not cover my daughter due to her age), I chose to have a Realize Band put in. Surgery was on March 17, 2009 and couldn't have gone smoother! I was in and out! The next day I woke up feeling wonderful and actually washed clothes and went grocery shopping and was back to work in 4 days! I was surprised by how quickly I started to lose weight. It was coming off slow and steady but then it was time for an adjustment; I was no longer losing weight. One of the Dr's met me at the hospital and put in saline and like magic - my appetite disappeared once again! I was doing fine but then started having issues with vomiting. I called Dr. Abkin who showed great concern and met me at St. Claires Hospital. He wasn't quite sure what was going on but took care of me and sent me to a Gastro to be scoped. Fortunately everything was fine! A few weeks later we slowly started adding the saline in. Then in January of this year more was added. At first everything was fine then the vomiting started. Dr. Abkin did not wait any time to get me back in to his office. Later in the day he checked me and told me my band had slipped! ARGH! He then gave me a few options - all of which included band removal. Dr. Abkin was very thorough in his explanations and truly sincere in his wish for helping me attain good health and weight. I went home horrified at the thought of regaining weight! After a few days of soul searching, I called Dr. Abkin's office with my answer - I wanted the band removal and RNY surgery. Dr. Abkin's office once again went to bat for me and got my surgery approved almost immediately! It was AMAZING!!! I went to pre-surgical class on March 3 and had surgery on March 8. On March 8, Dr. Abkin met me in pre-op with his wonderful sense of humor and sincerity intact! He sat with me discussing things and asking if I had any questions. It was very comforting to have him talking to me like a friend before surgery. When I woke up from surgery - the first thing I wanted to do was get up and walk as I knew it would be best for me. The hospital got me up and moving and took great care of me. I was a bit(ok..more than a bit) more sore than Realize Band Surgery but was ready for it! Dr. Abkin made sure the hospital had all the pain meds I needed on board and it wasn't as bad as I had expected. For those who want to know - the internal stuff doesn't hurt - only the incision and muscle cut spots!!! Today I went for my 1 week follow-up and have lost 11 lbs in a bit over a week! Dr. Abkin and his staff were once again in great moods and very supportive; they do their best to make you comfortable. Dr. Abkin spent time with me discussing how I was feeling and making sure everything was fine. Thanks so much to Dr. Abkin for giving me another chance to live my life healthy!!!!!

My first impression of Dr. Abkin was that he was very informative, knowledgable and compationate about how I felt with my weight and the struggles that I have had to acheive any success. I felt very comfortable and not at all nervous with having him perform my sugery. It is very important that a patient feel comfortable and confident in his or her surgeon. The office staff was very friendly and knew what they were doing and took care of you in a timely fashion. They have an excellent program and give you all the support you need taking you from the beginning of your journey to the end and it does not stop there. Support groups meet every month to help you achieve your goals and for you to share your experience with others.They hold classes for anyone who is interested in weight loss surgeryhaving first a dietician come in annd meet with you to go over exactly how to eat in each phase after your sugery. This was very informative to me. After the dietician speaks with you the nurse willcome in to go over the entire procedure and the risks of surgery were addressed in a detailed manner from the beginning of the day you arrive for surgery to what to expect when you get home. Then Dr.Abkin comes in to speak with you to address any concerns you may have. It was explained really well leaving you with all the information you need to know. I would rate Dr. Abkin with a 100. He has great bedside manner, cares about each of his patients and never rushes you out of the office. He is there to listen and is a highly surgically competent doctor. I would recommend anyone to Dr. Abkin to undergo bariatric surgery he is the best suregeon I have ever met.

Dr. Abkin was my surgeon for single incision laparoscopic banding. I was only mildly uncomfortable after surgery and up walking the dog the next day. Two months later I barely have a scar. He's been great through the entire process. He has a wonderful combination of competence and bedside manner. The office staff is nice but busy. The worst part of the process was dealing with insurance issues. I've lost 25 pounds in 2 months and it's been a comfortable journey so far.

I had heard of the lap band from TV but it was my experience with a previous patient of Dr. Abkins that pushed me forward in the process. I chose Dr. Abkin based on his experience and his reputation. I was not disappointed. When I first met with him he was very informative about the operation and answered all of my questions. When I was finally in the hospital ready to have the surgery I found myself actually crying on the operating table, scared I had never had surgery before. Dr. Abkin saw the tears and completely comforted me and put my mind at ease. He then also remembered that when I went for my follow up. He is very positive and encouraging. I had the surgery on Jan. 22, 2010 and I have already lost 22Lbs. and I feel great! If you are considering weight loss surgery he is the one to turn to. Thank you Dr. Abkin, I look forward to contining on my trail to better health.