El Camino Hospital Hospital

My first impression of Dr. Feng was that he was very informative about the different types of surgeries.
My consult with him went very well and I was pleased with everything about him, he really put a lot of emphasis on my lifestyle changes post op, eating habits, exercising.
Dr. Feng called me at home a couple of days before surgery just to see how I was feeling, I could not have felt any more confident with my choice of surgeon.
The office staff and other surgeons at Laparoscopic Associates of San Francisco is great and I would rate them on a scale of 1 to 10 a 11.

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 drove 3 1/2 hours to see Dr. Foster, because I had heard of her outstanding reputation. I also had read from some that she can be tough. I did not think that at all. She was super friendly and oh so thorough, explaining the benefits, risks and lifestle changes needed for success with the surgery. I really liked her and know that she is very skilled at what she does. She requires I lose 20 lbs before surgery, which is reasonable. I felt so comfortable with her and when she looked at my dieting history, she said it is typical of most of her patients. I felt releif and a sense that she understands the dilemna of obesity and all of it's problems. That I am not a weak person with no self control or a loser for allowing myself to get so big. She was very supportive and compassionate! Her staff was so friendly too! Everyone took the time to sit down and explain the next step. I felt extremely informed and that I am in the best hands.

He's a genius and also kind.

The staff was wonderful during my stay at the hospital. I just wish that they left me alone at night so that I could get some sleep. Haha.

The staff was excellent, the only complaint that I had was regarding the blood cuffs it seemed as if all of them had some type of damage.

I haven't met him yet

My first impression of Dr. Foster was very positive. My insurance company picked a winner.She was very competant,took the time to explain the risks, benifits, requirments and answer all my questions.When i first met her she was at Stanford then went into private pratice, I was lucky enough to be able to follow her after they reached a agrement with my insurance company. Nothing has changed over time. I always look forward to seeing her even though I have to take a half day off and travel 40 miles. The office staff has always been very nice, there is plenty of parking and right off the freeway[kind of] I think the worst thing[or best depending on your point of view] is how she made me quit smoking and lose my ten percent. I lost, I gained,it was fustrating for a while but through her support and help I got through it. I think that furture patients would be very happy with her,she is supportive, competant, but firm[Pretty also, for the guys]. As for aftercare she gave the information in a timely manner I suppose[I would of prefered to get everything at once but I supposed thier is a reason] She stressed the need to do the right things and emphasized the need to not do the wrong things. I found she kept me focused and on track. The risks where explained to me in detail, but not hounded on[a good thing] On the subject of rating, on a scale of one to ten I rate her a fifteen. If I sound like a commercial for her,I don't mean to, but, I had a wonderful experiance, no problems, and great result. some of that is do to me, but I think most of it is do to her. As for the last question which is better,Surgical competence or bedside manner, Um lets see, I would rather have a jerk who lets me wake up instead of a nice person who does not. Wouldn't you? LOL.Lucky for me I had both.In closing all I can say is research your doctor whoever it maybe throughly and go with your gut and heart. If it don't feel right move on. I did not have a computer back then but I had a cousin that had it done by Dr.Foster who did researched her and I quote "She is the best you will get anywhere around here[the greater bay area]. If anyone has further questions about her that has not been answered here feel free to E-Mail me and I will respond as quick as possible. Thank you Steve