El Camino Hospital Hospital

Dr Rabkin is one of the most kind and understanding doctors I have had the pleasure of meeting. My daughter and I are both having procedures done by Dr Rabkin.
The staff have all been supportive and informative and assertive in there help and efforts with our journey.
A good staff is the window of the practice. A surgeon can have excellent competence however if the staff does not share in that competence, teamwork and genuine compassion in the efforts of the practice it will show.
I appreciate all efforts and look forward to a wonderful experience in the years ahead from my decision to have this surgery.

They have nurses's aides on all 3 shifts. Trust me, that's a great thing! You not only have a nurse looking out for you, you have an aide too. And that lady that runs the program, Janet, OMG, you cannot ask for better.

Here's my story-- every word is true-- I got turned down by another Dr. because the ding dong psychologist on his team told him I would turn into an alcoholic. I don't even drink. That whole situation broke my heart.

So I got on OH, researched hospitals and chose El Camino because it has great reviews and is "center of excellence", which is real important to my insurance company.

So then, we were sitting around at work one night, 3 in the morning, and I told my co-workers I found the hospital but no surgeon. So one of my co-workers said "we can fix that". She called up El Camino at 3 in the morning, asked to speak to the floor that takes care of WLS patients. Nurse answers the phone and she says to her-- "My friend is thinking of having gastric bypass. If it were you, which doctor would you want?" The nurses working that night all said PAMELA FOSTER. "There you go-- there's your surgeon. "

OMG, she's great. I really lucked up when I got this GEM. And now, I am so happy that ding dong and company turned me down.

I'm 10 days post-op lap gastric bypass and have had no problems. I haven't needed to call Dr. Foster for anything but I know in my heart I could call her in the middle of the night if I needed her. That right there says a lot, I think. She really does care about me and wants me to succeed and be healthy.

She took her time with me. First visit, I think, was about an hour. She is very informative, explains everything and encourages questions.

I researched her on the net, OH, you know-- I snooped around and found out as much as I possibly could about her. All was positive. When I got on that operating table that morning, I knew I was in very good hands.

Literally, I do believe this woman has saved my life. I am so fortunate to have her.

That office staff is wonderful too. Yvette is her co-ordinator. When I call, I usually get to talk to her. On the rare occasion that I have to leave a message, she calls me right back. That's very important to me too. You know? Especially if something comes up that has me scared or worried. Knowing I won't be put off is very important.



I posted the above just after my surgery in October 2010. My heaviest weight, I guestimate was 420. I am now 216 and still losing. I have had NO problems. You have no idea how happy I am and how grateful I am to Dr. Foster and her staff for giving me my life back.

I went to my FIRST appointment with him on Monday (10/25/10). IMPRESSED doesn't cover how what I felt. Unbeknowst to me, he had read my ENTIRE medical file PRIOR to out appontment. Now you have to know how imcreditble this is....Dr. Fang is the only one of two bariatric surgeons at the Palo Alto Medical Group! In fact, I was rescheduled twice! Yet he still had time to read and understand MY medical history!...OMG! The program is structured with definate direction and expectation of bothe me the patient, the staff, and Dr. Fang. By the way... Jennifer, Dr. Feng's LVN is AWESOME

From the first time I called Dr. Zare office, my mind went from nervous, to at ease. The person who answered my call was such a sweetheart to me. i had told him all about what had happened before with my insurance, and the other surgeon I was pursuing before Dr. Zare, and he was very willing to listen to me, and put my mind at ease as much as he possibly could! He has made all of the insurance, paper work, and getting my appointments set up so quick, and easy for me. He has always been there to answer any questions while I was waiting for my approval, and even was willing to come in on a weekend to get me my pre opt protein meal replacements. For that, and everything else, I truly thank him! As for Dr. Zare, He called me the day after I called his office asking questions. He answered all of the many things I asked him, and brought me into my first visit with him only four days latter! He has been very throe with explaining everything that goes into the surgery, as well as having a exceptional power point presentation, that covered all of his education, and degrees, and even showed us exactly what it looks like when they do the different types of WLS. He went over all of the history of all of the many things that have been done from the very first time they started doing WLS in the 1950's, until today, and how far they have come, and what has been learned over time. He spent all of his morning with me, offering to answer any questions I may have. He is a very intelligent, caring, kind man, and I feel so blessed and safe knowing he will be the one to do this for me! I would recommend him to anyone who was interested in looking into WLS! So far, I couldn't be happier!

Dr. Zare was kind and respectful from our first meeting. He explained the surgery to me in conversation, with pictures and researched facts which was very reassuring. His assistant, Ben, was extremely helpful from the very beginning and is very knowledgeable of the journey of each patient. Ben is encouraging and made sure my questions were answered.

I had my surgery at Good Samaritan Hospital and the bariatric nurses helped me to remain calm and answered all of my questions. Since they work with Dr. Zare's patients on a regular basis, I felt like I was in capable hands.

Post surgery, whenever I had a question or concern, I would call Ben, who made sure that Dr. Zare called me back. Every question and concern was addressed with care and concern.

I am very happy with my results. Dr. Zare and his staff made the process so easy and smooth. I appreciate their guidance and support along the way.

All I can say is Wow! Very impressive surgeon, and did a great job on my revision (original surgery was Duodenal Switch) and hernia surgery.

Hard to find a surgeon that takes so much time to explain the exact procedure to his patient with ease. He really helps to make you feel comfortable and you will know he is the right doctor for you right away.

He even takes the time to call you on the phone to handle any questions or problems you might be having pre or post op. Rare these days!

A++++

Thanks Doctor Wetter!

I have been in the medical field for the last 25 years. For the last 10 years I have researched the gastric bypass and have seen different surgeons for this procedure, not really feeling comfortble with these different surgeons. I had put off having the surgery. I talked to my primary care doctor, who had referred me to the most wonderful doctor Marc Zare. During my first appointment, i watched a video and then had a consultation with Dr. Zare who explained everything in detail for me and took the time to answer all my questions (which there was a lot of), and I never felt rushed like he had was in hurry to finish the appointment as some doctors make you feel. Well I had my surgery on 09/14/2010. Two days before my surgery which was a Sunday, Dr.Zare had called me at home to make sure I was ok. Boy, I couldn't believe that a doctor would take time out of his weekend to make sure everything was ok!!!!!! After the surgery, he had went to talk to my family and explained everything to them (which my family was totally impressed) and answered any questions that they may have had. During my 2 day hospital stay, Dr. Zare came in a couple times a day just to make sure everything was ok with me and did I have any questions. I had such a wonderful eperience with Dr. Zare that I highly recommend him to anyone that is thinking of having this life changing surgery. I can now say that Dr. Marc Zare is truly my angel and has changed my life in the most wonderful way. His office staff name Ben is also awesome, you can call him with any question that you may have and he never makes you feel like he's to busy to help you. He made sure that all my disabilities forms were filled out properly and got my claims processed extra fast.. I cannot express in words all the gratitude that I have for Dr. Zare for how he has changed my life. He will forever be my angel in my heart for saving my life.

Dr. Zare makes a great first impression - very patient and knowledgeable. I knew I'd be in good hands. Office staff was also very kind and professional.

Risks of surgery were thoroughly covered. Pre-op steps (nutritionist, psych eval, etc.) were very thorough but manageable.

In hospital, excellent bedside manner. I felt very at ease and well taken care of.

Very thorough after-care, sometimes calling just to see how I'm doing and to ask if I have any questions or have experienced any issues I'd like to talk about. Overall I'd definitely rate Dr. Zare a 10 out of 10 and can't recommend him highly enough.

Very positive, very enthusiastic, very knowledgeable. He was open, explained the pro's and con's. The morning of surgery he was upbeat, optimitic and energetic.

I recomend him to anyone seeking surgery.