El Camino Hospital Hospital

I immediately liked Dr.Foster -she took lots of time with me every time I saw her. She is very smart, knowledgeable and kind. I would say her staff has taken care of just about everything for me and has been very helpful.

I received excellent care while I was at El Camino. The staff was friendly and concerned with and handled all my needs. Highly recommended!

Because of the way Kaiser SSF has their bariatic program set up, I actually only met with Dr. Legha once prior to surgery. However, I found him to be competent, friendly and upfront. For me competency is more important than bedside manner. I was extremely apprhensive about the surgery, but was reassured after speaking to him. The entire bariatric program at Kaiser is wonderful. Everyone that I met seemed very caring, concerned and competent. The case management meetings are wonderful. Although I am not one to always express my feelings openly, I find that the relaxed atmosphere and being around other people who have the same problems and concerns, helped me. I look forward to continuing the meetings. The drive from home is somewhat burdensome, but I feel it has been worth it. Dr. Legha came to see me in the ICU after surgery and assured me and my family that everything went well and the procedure was routine. I saw him two more times after that, while in the hospital, both very brief, however both times he assured me that I was fine and in fact stating that I looked very well. I do think meeting with the surgeon in the beginning of the program would be nice however. Maybe this will change with time.

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.

This hospital is about 1 mile from my home. I was very happy when I found out that Dr Wetter and the practice was expanding to El Camino. I'v had surgery there before -- my daughter was born there, I had a mastectomy there last spring as well as other minor procedures over the years. The staff is wonderful -- helpful and caring. I'm assuming that it will be the same for the WLS.

6/13/04: I've been home now since Friday afternoon -- my surgery was on Wednesday. The nurses as well as the CNA's in the surgical unit were all great -- my only "complaint" were the multiple nighttime wake-ups for vitals. I was encouraged to walk shortly after being brought to my room and that was a huge factor in recovery for me. Was visited by Trude (the bariatric nurse specialist) and Jodie (the bariatric dietician) to make sure everything was going ok. Was also visited by the main dietician group to make sure that my bariatric stage 1/stage 2 diets had been prepared properly. Dr. Foster and Dr. Wetter both saw me while I was still in hospital. I guess you could say I had a very positive experience.

My first impression of Dr. Feng was that we is obviously knowledgeable of the surgical procedures and the risk of each of them. Given that I had already done a lot of research I didn't need all that and I wished he could have not focused on getting through all the information and instead just got to know me as a person. I don't want to be just another case. That said, however, he an expert in the field. The office is absolutely wonderful. I delt with a couple of other offices before making the decision to go with Dr. Feng and his office is by far the best run. That is worth everything, and certainly played a role in my decision.

WHEN I FIRST MET WITH DR PAMALA FOSTER I THOUGHT SHE WAS REAL YOUNG. BUT AFTER TALKING WITH HER I FOUND THE SHE REALLY NEW ALOT ABOUT THE SURGERY. HER STAFF IS ALSO VERY SUPPORTIVE. I HONESTLY CANT SAY ONE BAD THING ABOUT MY VISIT. DR. FOSTER WILL BE VERY SRTICK ON WHAT SHE WANT FROM HER PATIENTS. YOU CAN AVE UP TO 3 TO 4 VISIT BEFORE PR-OP BUT THAT FOR HER TO REALLY SEE HOW SERIOUS YOU ARE FOR SURGERY. SHE HAS A AFTER CARE PROGRAM BUT I'M NOT THAT FAR. SHE GOES INTO DETAIL ABOUT THE RISKS OF SURGERY. DR. FOSTER IS WONDERFUL.

My first impression of Dr. Foster was a very positive one. I could tell by her sense of humor, and her straight forwardness that I had made the right/best choice. I always feel like she's really listening to me, and not brushing me off. She wants to see me suceed, and I am thankful for that.

At first I wasn't thrilled about the pre-op weight loss needed, but I understand and appreciate why she requires it. I know Dr. Foster will take good care of me.

Her staff is very friendly, and are extremely helpful.

Overall I'd rate her a 10+!

THE BESTEST OF THE BEST!!

I'D MARRY THIS MAN -IF POSSIBLE!

HE'S ADORABLE, CUTE... informative, professional, encouraging, REALISTIC, available, personable, approachable, funny, sexy, surgically inclined (HA!), experienced, knowledgable, hugable.....

staff was killer- was declined initially for insurance- they used some creative thinking and we re-submitted -was approved immediately!

he granted me LIFE! he is My Dream Man... cause he facillitaed making my every dream, wish, and hope come true!

Aftercare??? I'm 3 years in a size 8- from a size 24!!!!!

IT'S ALL UP TO YOU! HE DOES THE PLUMBING- YOU STILL MUST DO THE REST! IT'S NOT ROCKET SCIENCE- OR A MIRICLE... IT'S REALITY- ITS SURGERY! keep the stinkin FAT thinkin... and you're gonna be FAT! PRE, POST OR OTHERWISE OP!

Dr. Foster is an amazing doctor who is dedicated to changing peoples lives. She made me feel very comfortable during the whole consult. It is nice to meet a doctor who is so enthusiastic about helping individuals lead healthy lives. Her compassion is truly heartfelt.
She informed me of all the risks involved with the surgery. I left the consult appt. feeling fully informed and excited to begin the journey to a healthier future.