JFK Medical Center Hospital

UPDATE 5/31/2010:
After 12 weeks I have lost a total of 76lbs! (321 down to 245).
I haven't felt this good in 20 years when I was 22 years old, honestly.
1 additional update on a piece of the negative feedback: Dr. Abkin read my feedback prior to my first return visit after surgery. We spoke after my visit on the repetitive nature of the data he collects during office visits. The doctor was as frustrated by it as I was! The reason for the repetition is the fact that he has committed to having an accredited office and, as such, is required to have multiple forms for the same data. he also said that he has been working for over a year on an electronic input system so he only needs to worry about the data input once.
Just the fact that he read and addressed the feedback I left him shows what kind of a person he is; he is very dedicated to the patients and it shows.

POSITIVE:
Dr. Abkin was referred to me by a friend who had the surgery a year prior to me. During this year I had spoken with 4 other surgeons and Dr. Abkin, by far, is the most professional and curtious of them.
His attention to my concerns surpassed my expectations as I was expecting like a revolving door type atmosphere when dealing with him.
10 days after surgery my incisions were excellent and healing well. I had to have a drain tube for my stomach cavity in for the week and now that too is healing nicely as well, after removal.
10 days in and I have lost 25 pounds (321 to 296)!!

NEGATIVE:
His office staff were unpersonable. This is important to people who have the stigma associated with obesity. Also, the repetitive multiple questionaire's frustrated the hell out of me...every time I went to the office. The office should work on a single input system for the office so repetitive questions are eliminated.
The only other negative's about the experience has to do with the insurance company and its requirements but that is a story for another website.
Good luck to everyone and thank you Dr. Abkin!

I'd like to give credit where Credit is Due! That would be Dr. Abkin for helping me turn my life around! He is a great doctor and when i first met him at seminar i knew he was the guy for me. He seemed very kind and easy to talk to and seemed to actually care about his patients.

I was in for my followup today and everything was fine other than a couple small vitamin levels which we'll get under control. Sure outweighs the reports I used to get from my doctors! and this doc laughs and smiles which is cool.

Thank You Dr. Abkin and your whole staff for beig there for us and helping us!

I first Met Dr. Abkin almost 3 years ago. Thanks to him my life has really change! Not only have I been able to loose the excess weight... but I've gain my health back along with my Self Confidence and my ability to get up and do things! Thank You Doctor Abkin. I recently came in to see him for my annual visit. I'm impressed that they care enough after the surgery is healed that they actually want us to continue to come in and see them and have our blood work done annually. Makes sense... but i give his office credit for making sure we do so. They say its important to check our vitamin levels after having the Bypass Surgery and make sure that we are taking our Supplements. I try to do the best I can do so that... but knowing that my doctor is really going to check helps to keep me honest!

Dr. Abkin tells you like it is.... so I get a good laugh when I see him. He's easy to talk to and remembers "EVERYTHING". I'd like to thank him for giving me back my health and my Life!

Dr. Abkin and his staff were some of the most professional, caring, helpful, and competent medical professionals that I have ever had the pleasure of dealing with. From the staff's ability to guide me through the precertification process to Dr. Abkin's extraordinary surgical skills, it was a great and virtually pain-free experience. I have already lost 20 lbs, three weeks since my surgery and I know with Dr. Abkin's support, I will continue to progress to my ideal weight.

I had gastric bypass surgery on April 12th and could not be happier. I qualified for the single incision as opposed to the 5 and feel that my recovery and pain management was positive because of it. Dr. Abkin and his group in Florham Park, NJ are outstanding. The entire evaluation process, classes and pre and post surgery preparation/aftercare and follow up exceeded my expectations. I would rate Dr. Abkin a 5 out of 5 and would recommend his practice to anyone considering gastric bypass surgery. Grateful.

I just want to Thank Dr. Abkin and his Staff for everything they've done for me. Dr. Abkin is an awesome guy. I first Met Dr. Abkin over a year ago at a Seminar at St. Peter's Hospital. I was very impressed with their seminar and their "Team Approach" to help the patients through this life change.

I first considered Bypass Surgery but then changed my mind and decided to get the Realize Band. My surgery was smooth sailing.. no problems and very little pain.

Initially I lost about 60 pounds, but then I started to gain weight. After my annual followup with Dr. Abkin I was able to refocus myself.

This is just a tool and we still need to put the right foods in there. Now I'm refocused on myself and I'm already down another 10 pounds. Thanks to Dr. Abkin and his staff for all their encouragment and support.

The support groups are there to keep us focused and now that i'm back to basics that tool is working all over again!

I would like to thank Dr. Abkin and his staff for putting up with me and helping me through my weight loss journey! I first met Dr. Abkin at Bayone Medical Center.

My initial consultation with Dr. Abkin was less than 2 months ago. He is very knowledgeable and answered every question i had prepared for him. We both agreed that Lap Band Surgery was the best choice for me.

His Insurance specialist was awesome. I was able to get my consultations scheduled and done very quickly and thanks to Dr. Abkin's staff i was scheduled for surgery within one month. I can't believe how efficient his staff is!

My surgery was on April 14, 2010 at st. Peter's Hospital. Dr. Abkin has a great bedside manner, and was friendly, caring and confident on the day of my surgery. He was there after surgery to answer any questions or concerns I may have had.

I am now 2 weeks out from surgery and feeling great! I have already lost 10 pounds. Recovery was easy and discomfort was minimal. I am very thankful for having the pleasure of meeting Dr. Abkin and having the assistance of his staff to get me started on my new life! I would highly recommend Dr. Abkin to anyone considering Weight Loss Surgery.

I'd like to Thank Dr Abkin and his staff for helping me through this awesome journey. I Met Dr. Abkin at St. Peter's Hospital New Brunswick at a New Patient Seminar. The seminar was very information and discussed the risks and benefits of the different weight loss procedures. after the seminar i Knew the REALIZE BAND was right for me.

My initial consult with Dr. Abkin was in Feb. of 2010. He is very knowledgeable and answered all my questions without making me feel rushed. His Surgical competence was very impressive! He genuinely cares about his patients.

I met with their insurance specialist after my consult, who was very knowledgeable and knew exactly what my insurance company would be looking for to get this approved. I was approved and scheduled for surgery within 1 month of meeting with him. I can't believe how efficient his staff is!

I finally had my surgery in April of 2010 at St. Peter's Hospital. Dr. Abkin has a great bedside manner and was friendly, caring and confident on the day of my surgery.

I am now 3 weeks out from my surgery and down 14 pounds and feeling great! My recovery was fast and pain was minimal. Nothing like I expected. Thank you Dr. Abkin and everyone in your staff for helping me through my journey so far. I would highly recommend Dr. Abkin to anyone considering weight loss surgery.

I had such a great experience with Dr. Abkin! The first time I met him was at my initial office visit. He really took the time to discuss my options with me and he answered all my questions. Trust me, I brought a list with me! I was so scared about having the surgery. I have three children and I really feared I would die on the table. He told me all the risks and I think he even pointed out the risks I would have if I didn't do something about my weight. He never made me feel like he was rushed for time and he really seemed to care for me as an individual. My impression of him has not changed. He still takes time with me and never rushes through my office visits. He answers all my questions and he shares in the joy of my success! I had the gastric bypass surgery 14 months ago. Since then I have lost 134 pounds! I even brought in my before picture to show him and he told me he remembered what I looked like before. That really impressed me! I have been faithful with my follow up visits as well. I saw Dr. Abkin for the first visit and then for the next two I saw someone else. I forget her title. She was nice and helpful but I really wished I could have seen Dr. Abkin for every visit. You kind of build a connection with your surgeon. The office staff is nice and helpful for the most part. My only complaint there was that one time I called them to see if I could take a certain over the counter medication and they told me to call my primary care doctor. The problem is my primary care doctor does not always know what I am able to take so that was a little frustrating. I know there are support groups that meet once a month. I have not been to these meetings because I live 30+ minutes away from where they are available. I'm sure there are support groups in my area but I have not sought one out. My family and friends have been highly supportive and I have been very lucky in that aspect. I have had no problems since surgery. I have done my part with following the new way of eating and getting exercise. Dr. Abkin does stress aftercare and making sure you are following the program. I felt very confident having Dr. Abkin as my surgeon. If you are ready for surgery and ready to do your part Dr. Abkin will give you the tool to help make you successful! I thanked him for giving me my life back! He thanked me for letting him be a part of my journey! My personal experience has been wonderful!

I would like to thank Dr. Abkin and his staff for helping me through my weight loss journey. I had Surgery in Jan. and had some issues with band being to tight. Dr. Abkin was great and did a revision in March 11,09. I'm so happy I Pressed on... so far I'm doing great. It's been 4 weeks I'm down 35 pounds and enjoying my NEW LIFE!

I first met Dr. Abkin at a new patient seminar in July of 2009. The seminar was very informative and discussed the risks and benefits of different weight loss procedures in great detail. After learning of my options, I knew Lap Band was the right procedure for me. After the seminar, I was able to schedule my behavioral, nutritional, and initial consultations. It was very convenient, and they practically held my hand from the very start!

My initial consultation with Dr. Abkin was on 07/25/09. I am so happy I found him. He is very knowledgeable and answered all of my questions without making me feel rushed. His surgical competence was very impressive! He genuinely cares about my concerns and my health. After discussing my options, he was very honest with what to expect after surgery. He did not seem to try and "sell me" with one procedure or the other, instead he really wanted me to make an informed decision so I can be successful after surgery. We both agreed that Lap Band surgery was the best choice for me.

I met with the insurance specialist after my consult, who was also very knowledgeable and knew exactly what was needed to get authorization for my surgery from my insurance company. They told me that I didn't have to do anything, and they would obtain all of the necessary information from my primary care physician. I can't believe how efficient his staff is!

Thank you Dr. Abkin and everyone in your staff for helping me through my journey so far. I would highly recommend Dr. Abkin to anyone considering weight loss surgery. as his practice is hands down the best in New Jersey!