JFK Medical Center Hospital

I liked Dr. Abkin immediately. I felt completely comfortable and knew I found my surgeon. The office staff made me feel at home...like they really cared about me. My life has completely changed after my surgery and I owe it all to Dr. Abkin.

I was a bit insecure first meeting him-- I chose him on reputation alone. I am an ICU nurse, but have never worked with him. (Nurses generally like to stick with who they know). My first office visit went well- I was anxious, of course- waiting to hear that I would not be appropriate for surgery. His office is very busy, however, the staff is great- from the desk to the NP's. Jessica (she does insurance) was phenominal. Dr. Abkin wants to make sure that you really understand the procedure and process. Not only is there an orientation- that you can attend monthly and ask as many questions as you like, there is also a 3 hour preop class that is geared to your procedure and you review the paperwork specific to the hospital where you will have surgery. This is nice-- the first time you see your discharge instructions is before surgery! He was attentive post op, very supportive and encouraging. He has monthy support groups at several hospitals- you could attend weekly....rnThank you Dr. Abkin!!

The whole procedure was new to me. I met with my primary doctor about the gastric bypass surgery in November 2008. My doctor told me that he will refer me to the best of the best. Dr. Alexander Abkin. When I met with Dr. Abkin he was open and honest about the procedure. After our meeting my date was scheduled and I was in the books for surgery. rnOn the day of the surgery, I was wheeled into the waiting area of the operating room. Dr. Abkin took time out, to come over to me, asked me how I was doing then asked me how my wife was doing (she had the procedure the week before!) Then, he asked me if I brought my CPAP machine. I was amazed that he would remember that. He told me everything was going to go fine. rnWhen in the OR, he was talking to me through the whole thing ill I was asleep. I must admit I was not even nervous knowing I was in the best hands. rnAfter the surgery, Dr. Abkin did his follow up making sure I was ok. Then he visited the following day! rnThere is no surprizes. He lets you know everything that is going to happen and what to expect.rnSo if you are looking into this procedure and looking for a doctor who takes personal interest in his patients then Dr. Abkin is the man for the job! I would totally recommend Dr. Abkin to anyone who is thinking of this procedure.

I am 5 years out from my gastric bypass. Thanks to Dr. Abkin I was able to greatly improve the quality of my life and health. I would not be able to live the life I lead now if it had not been for him. Dr. Abkin was supportive and informative from our first meeting. Though his office was busy, he always took time to answer any concerns I had. Fortunately, I never had even a minor complication and was able to be quite sucessful in losing about 120 lbs. The pre-op teaching and continued support/aftercare makes Dr. Abkin a good choice for a surgical procedure in my experience!

I knew just based on his seminar that he was the surgeon for me. First off, the seminar was very organized, most of my questions were answered without me uttering a word. When Dr. Abkin spoke, I knew he was the authority of his field. After the seminar, he sat with me for quite a while and answered all my questions, never making me feel like I was holding him up. rnrnMy main concern leading up to the surgery was the risk of complications during the procedure. Dr. Abkins and his team are very clear as to what complications could arise. The morning of the surgery, I managed to catch a glimpse of him walking around the pre-op room before he came to speak with me, he was so at ease, looking as if this was business as usual. I never worried again. This doesn't mean he lacks bedside manner. He came in to speak with me before being led to the O. R, at that point, his kindness combined with confidence made me ready, and excited to begin my new adventure.rnrnI not only survived the surgery, but I have seemed to thrive. I think it helped knowing that my life was in the best of hands and I truly believe no one could have done this better. Even my after care has been great. He has designed a program (Fit for Life) that helps the patient adjust to the physical and mental changes ensuring a successful future.rnrnIf I had to offer any criticism, its that the office was a bit in transition, so the office staff was a little off when it came to returning calls, or keeping me informed with my health insurance status. Now that they have a beautiful new office, I'm sure that has tightened up.rnrnI really can't say enough about him, I had never had surgery before, now he has set the bar as far as what I expect in a surgeon. He is the best in the business, kind, organized and driven to providing you with the best aftercare. Need I say more?rnrnrnrnrn

Dr. Abkin is Awesome! He helped to give me back a Healthy Lifestyle. I just wanted to thank him and everyone in his office for all that they do for the patients! We really appreaciate it!

After 1 year, and 150 pound lost, what can I say but ... DOCTOR ABKIN, AND ALS, GAVE ME MY LIFE BACK !! .. I can't thank them enough ... Quick synopsis: I researched gastric banding for 3 years before I decided to do it. In all my research, Dr. Abkin’s (and Bertha’s) names were always regarded very highly in the field. What I liked most about Dr. Abkin was his straight-forward honestly. He never talked me into one procedure or the other. He listened, and respected the surgery I wanted. I had my Realize band operation done on January 29th 2008, and was the best thing I ever did. I was back “to normal” within two days. I can truly say Doctor Abkin not only saved my life, but gave it back. .. And the folks at ALS are great too - plus I can't tell you how many \"friends\" I made from ALS and the Support Groups. What other Medical team has the \"Program For Life\" program .. Notice it's Program for LIFE .. These folks are in it for the long haul !! If you have any hesitation concerning Doctor Abkin, or ALS, DON’T !! Paraphrasing those Pizza box saying .. “You’re looked at the rest, now go to the BEST” !!

Dr. Abkin has is a great doctor! He has the best bedside manner of any doctor I've ever met, which with is a huge help when dealing with a life chaning surgery. He is easy to talk to and makes sure you have EVERYTHING you need BEFORE surgery. I would recomend seeing him to anyone who's thinking about wls.

I have only met him once and my first impression was that he was cool and confident. I go for my first consultation on 1/22/09 and will post more at that time.
I have completed my consultation. I met him today and he was so personable with me. The staff was busy however they were respectful. Can't say anything at this time about not liking him. He informed me and I am feeling him when he said if I do the aftercare, follow the way he is going to show me, I will have no risk. I have a pre-surgery class in about three weeks before surgery will post more about this. Over all at this time I put him at 8 even before the surgery. Just adding on to my OP. I have had some problems with loss paperwork that was sent to the office. This was frustrating and not professional to my other doctors. Just glad we are pass this and I am steadfast in what I need.

11/23/2008 I first met him and his staff at a Gastric Bypass seminar, It all sounded great,They were all helpful that night. I went to the office and the staff were just as great and knew what I needed. I did not have to wait long to see the doctor. The doctor was open to hear all my questions and ask me to write any down for my pre op class. So far he gets a 10.....
01/08/2009 I met the doctor and staff at the office. It was all great. I was nervous a bit but left there like wow I am ready. I was told we can do you next week. I started to cry some and said that i need more time and Feb 9 it will be. I was approved by Amerihealth in 5 days...

01/22/09 Last Thursday I had my Pre Op. It was great the staff did a great job going through things from nutrtion, pre admission, post surgery and questions were all answer. Then Dr Abkin came in and was there for our last min questions before our Big Day!