Subhi Abu-Abid Bariatric Surgeon M.D.

My surgeon was Dr. Subhi Abu-Abid, from the Ichiloc Morbid Obesity Clinic in Tel-Aviv, Israel. The following are MY impressions of the surgery and after-care, and reflect my opinons and what I have heard from fellow-patients. However, don't take my word for it- if you are considering surgery, come and visit the clinic for yourself !
Dr. Subhi has an excellent reputation. He has been very kind and considerate with me, and I was told by a colleague of his that surgery was a textbook case. I did not see him much afterwards, though, except for regular check-ups. Meetings with him were brief, he did not volunteer more information than what I had asked for (but then I came very prepared), but his co-ordinating nurse, Hanna, gives you the full story.
Since Ichilov is a public hospital, you may have to wait several months for a surgery date- some people have waited 6-8 months. The good side of this, is that this surgery is now part of the mandatory coverage by all insurance firms, and you will not have to pay for it at all.
The clinic is also a great place to be in for follow-up. It is run by an angel called Hanna, who is the co-ordinating nurse. You can contact her day or night, and she goes out of her way to help.
The clinic also offers support groups and consultations with dieticians, plastic surgeons, endocrinologisits and anyone else you may need.
The clinic places a great emphasis on after-care and follow-up, and most Israeli insurances pay for them (Tofes 17, for those who know). However, every visit requires a long waiting period for only 10 minutes of doctor visit- sometimes because the doctors are late, and sometimes because there are many others waiting.... So every visit requires at least 4 hours. Be advised !

I was impressed by Dr. Subhi from the beginning. His quiet, professional presentation, as well as his patience with questions was important. He didn't waver or try to skirt around questions. He listend to my opinions and wants. He is very unlike most surgeons I have met, inso far as he doesn't seem to have the know it all ego that many surgeons have.
Future patients need to know that you have to ask questions, as sometimes, he doens't offer as much information as one could wish for, but once asked never hesitates to answer.
After care is offered as standard - appointments at reasonalble intervals and if need, other times. The aftercare is not quite what I wanted, but is there to an extent, such as dietician ect. I would have liked a support group to be offered, but there didn't seem to be as much interest by the patients. Also I live a fair distance and the one group that was offered was very limited and at a very poor time.
His clinic staff is fantastic! Fun, supportive and caring. Someone visited me in the hospital nearly every day and I was in the hospital a month due to post op complications.
He did talk about the complications, however, I had done a great deal of research on my own, so I know most of what he addressed.
I would rate him very highly - a kind, gentle man, with good skills,a man that cares and took very good care of me.
Dr. S's competence is very high. His bedside manner is also good, sometimes needed to grab him as he is a very busy man, but once you have his attention - he is right there.