Robert Rabkin Bariatric Surgeon M.D.,F.A.C.S.

Dr. Rabkin's and his entire staff is A-1! These people saved my life. I don't think my impression of him, his brother John or anyone involved with the practice has changed much. They were fantastic, caring people from the beginning, and continue in the same vein to this day. I really admire these people.

If you are serious about permanent weight loss, and improved health and living, YOU MUST CONTACT THESE PEOPLE! Don't settle for less. I have heard it said and seen it written that the RNY procedure is the 'Gold Standard.' If that is true, and I think it is a valuable tool, then the Duodenal Switch procedure performed by Dr. Rabkin is "DOUBLE PLATINUM."

He and his staff are thorough. Their pre-surgery screening and education are superior. They had all the answers and were not at all bothered by any inquiries.

Pre and Post surgery support groups are fabulous, and encouraging. Each time I leave from one of these meetings, my energies are redoubled.

At 534 pounds and a BMI of 65.6, I was at risk to die at any minute. This is not right for a man of 34 years of age at the time. Their evaluation was extensive and well thought out. Because of my severe obesity, and co-morbidities (sleep apnea, family history of diabetes, and hypertension, joint disease, back pain) they were cautious in our game plan, but were dedicated to push me to near the top of the priority list. The fact that I had done extensive research was also to my benefit. My large family support group was also key. They knew I was serious, my family was serious and that this was absolutely necessary and of a timely nature.

This man is THE pioneer in his field. This is the man you want as your surgeon. Reach for the Platinum...don't settle for gold.

I rate him way above the chart. Of course these are my personal comments, and maybe I was lucky to have had ZERO complications. But, I think it is more than luck. It starts with competency. That is Dr. Rabkin.

My best advice is this: When you think you have done enough research, do it again.

Any questions?

I had chosen Dr. Rabkin prior to meeting him based on my research of him. I met him 3 days before my surgery. My first observations were of a quiet man, who's hands shaked slightly. To be honest it made me nervous to think of him performing a lap procedure on me, but I can assure you he is very skilled at his profession and obviously only shakes outside of the OR. He complimented me on my keen knowledge of medical terms. His staff are wonderful! They show compassion for their patients. Barbra Metcalf,RN, who is the director of the bariatric program is the BEST! She is the sweestest and most caring individual. I just wish I could of seen her more, while I was there. She gives you her cell# and doesn't mind a question or concern 24hrs a day. She is truly dedicated and cares for her patients. They are strict on aftercare and provide you with a detailed red binder of instructions. For the lucky patients that live in the SF area, they have ongoing support meetings to attend and an outlined follow-up office visit schedule; not to mention the wonderfully informative and resourceful website: duodenalswitch.com Dr. Rabkin didn't really have to explain the risks to me because I had already done my homework. The only concerns he had was my sinus infection and my newly diagnosed hypothyroidism. Both had to do with the concern for anesthesia. My chest x-ray and blood work proved that I was good to go. I think he is a talented surgeon, especially when he completed my surgery in an 1hr 50mins. The average time for a DS/lap is 2-3hrs. He is highly skilled and was one of the first surgeons to do the DS laparoscopicly. That's why I flew from Ohio to CA for him. I only wanted the best. I think it's good to have both competence and bedside manner, but ultimately the competence is more important.

So far so good. I have been to his lecture given in Ventura, CA once a month at the support group. His nurse Barbara is very nice and Angela in the San Francisco office has been great and easy to talk with. After care is greatly emphasized and I think his program is very established. After I get approved for the DS surgery I will have a better idea but so far have only heard great things about him and his office staff.

I met with Dr. John Rabkin for my consultation, and had the absolute pleasure of having both Dr John Rabkin and Dr Robert Rabkin as my surgeons. I had a few bobbles with the financial aid assistant while trying to get my surgery date as a self-paying patient, but Dr. Robert called me personally and set up a surgery appointment for that VERY week! He was amazingly compassionate, and goes to any and all lengths to take care of his patients. Dr Robert Rabkin was a pioner/developer of the laparascopic duodenal switch procedure, and has performed HUNDREDS of these procedures now. His aftercare program is strong, and his patient support is just a phone call away. He encourages/requires that all patients do attend an aftercare program including support groups, appointments, and diet/excercise programs. His bedside manner is exceptional. I would rate both Rabkins as the ultimate in personal and professional surgical care.

I was very nervous at first but right away the staff and other people in the office put me at ease. I went in and watched a video about all the differant types of surgerys. I liked the DS surgery but the r-ny as I soon found out was the only one covered by my insurance. I went in and had them do the check up thing and was told as many of us are to go and get a ekg due to taking phen phen. Other than that I needed my syc. eval. I left there and when strait to my apt with Dr. Hartman. He was so accomidating and a wonderful person. Well off I went back to Manteca to wait word on from my insurance. My only negitave was rush hour trafic..

Both Dr. Robert Rabkin and Dr. John Rabkin are highly skilled surgeons and I would recommend them without hesitation. Their surgery of choice is the duodenal switch and they are available to anyone, anywhere. They have an active support group, with monthly meetings at different venues throughout California. The staff is very knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. They have a long-term aftercare program.

Mon. Feb 24,'03-Had my initial consultation with Pacific Laparoscopy group. Sarah and Justin at the front desk were friendly and helpful. RN Barbara Metcalf's education session was very informative and straight forward as well as pleasant. I was welcomed and felt no shame in being there. The various weight loss surgery procedures were explained in detail as to advantages and disadvantages, risks, problems, benefits, long term effects, etc. This is a serious undertaking and they want each person to be as clear as possible all along the way -from pre-op through long-term recovery. Dr. Robert Rabkin impressed me as completely confident in his preference of the DS procedure. I'm definately convinced that this is the procedure I want -the "tool" I want to use for my weight loss surgery. The procedure makes anatomical sense, it preserves the most normal functions of the stomach, there is no dumping syndrome, better long term weight loss maintenance...the list goes on.
However, I did leave feeling quite disheartened after being informed that my medical group Brown & Toland and Blue Cross were denying "ALL" DS requests. It's hard enough to struggle with yourself and get to a place where you are asking for the very help you need and now you see that an even bigger struggle is ahead with people who really do not have your best interests at heart. Must close for now...will keep you informed and write more later.....thank you all for being there.....Jane M.

I had my first appointment (consult) with Dr. Rabkin
on Friday 12/20/02. I could tell that he just
relocated to this office as the entire staff
seemed to be getting into a routine. My next visit in Feb '03 was pleasant.
The office staff was very friendly and great at giving driving directions! (Ha-Ha).
Although I had done all my research on Robert Rabkin, I never met him until AFTER the surgery.
I had even requested him by name to do the surgery & thought that I would get to at least speak to him a few days before surgery (during my post-op appt),
however John was the only one ever there at the office. John has excellent bedside manners and really showed compassion for me.

In the beginning I felt like cattle being
herded through a mass process. Group
discussions & Group training, all making the
assumption that we had already made the
decision to go through with this surgery.
Towards the end however, I got to spend
some one on one time with Dr. John Rabkin
(who was very nice!) and his assistant.
Both seemed pleasant and willing to answer
questions and help clarify the process.
Dr. Rabkin helped ease my mind about the
surgery and gave me realistic goals to look
forward to. I also starting going to support group meetings and was surprised to see Dr. Rabkin's nurse (Barbara) driving sometimes 2 hrs just to attend the meeting with us. How awesome is that!

The only thing I felt conflicted about was that Dr. Rabkin's staff
talked about how much they care about the
plight of the obese & everyone should have a
high quality of life, however at the same
time I felt it all came down to money. I
understand that they're just trying to make a
living (like we all are), however there
doesn't seem to be much room to work within
insurance policies. They asked that I pay for
everything myself (out-of-pocket)& then
request reimbursement from my insurance
company. My Insurance company has approved
the surgery said they'll pay 80%, however
Dr. Rabkin's office insists on $8,000 for the surgery up-front and suggested I get a loan.
I don't mind paying for whatever the insurance
doesn't cover, but we're strapped for money
& I feel like my health is not the main
issue, but my wallet is. Going through this
process is hard enough, I wanted someone who
truly cared what I was going through & would work with me.

You get what you pay for though & I wanted the best. The best IS Dr. RABKIN, hands down!!
In the end, if paying that much, up front is what I had to do, I'd do it again.
This can be a life or death procedure & I wouldn't put my life in anyone's hands but
Robert & John Rabkins! Both are highly skilled surgeons & worth every penny.

Dr. Robert Rabkin is a very talented surgeon. He has helped so many people live a higher quality of life, after their surgeries.
My first impression of him was, "he is a busy man". That continues, as he is quite sought after for his abilities. His office staff is dedicated and polite. Sometimes, things get overlooked and you have to advocate for yourself. Otherwise, the staff has been great. I liked least, the fact that he is so busy and waiting to see him during appointments often stretches into a long wait. All good doctors sem to have this in common, in my opinion. He is one of the best and most dedicated bariatric surgeons practicing today. He has a wonderful aftercare program with monthly meetings and patient support groups online, as well as in patients homes etc. Aftercare is stressed from the first visit. He is dedicated to the ds procedure and tries to follow his patients longterm to compile data on how they are doing etc. The risks of surgery were discussed openly at the first office consultation by his nurse. She gave us written materials also and a brief test afterward to make sure the risks were communicated. Overall, I would rate Dr. Robert Rabkin as excellent. He is quite good at his profession and practices with dignity and respect for his morbidly obese patients. Maybe his surgical competence outweighs his bedside manner. But in no way was he ever rude or impatient with me.

The whole staff was amazing and they are so easy to get in touch with day or night! I have had no complications and I doing FANTASTIC!