JFK Medical Center Hospital

I met Dr. Abkin, Dr. Bertha and their staff of Professionals for the first time at a seminar held on 3/25/04. Dr. Abkin is well spoken and has a good sense of humor. He has a calming effect on a person The next day I called to make an appointment and the very nice woman I spoke to, Catherine scheduled an appointment for me on 4/1/04 with Dr. Abkin. I was given a surgical date of 4/27/04. I was happy to not have a lengthly wait. His Office is quite busy but I found it to be well structured and organized. Everyone of the staff I met has been very pleasant, each time I return there they were nicer then the time before. The surgery was explained in detail, what to expect before, during and after. What the benefits and the risks could be for having gastric by-pass surgery. I can't think of another time I was given such thorough information before a surgical proceedure. The after care program has been very structured, and when I needed to speak to someone after I got home, my calls was returned promptly. I thank my Endocrinologist Dr. Coyne, for referring me to Dr. Abkin and Bertha. I think they are very competent and have an excellent reputation. Many patients I have met of Dr. Abkins express the same feelings as myself. They have an excellent record for their surgical proceedures and plenty of experience. As for Dr. Abkin's bedside manner, he has been very open and honest, he did it in such a way that left me feeling that he really cares ahout his patients.

My first impression of Dr. Abkin was that he was very reserved and very serious. After seeing him again for my consultation he was very relaxed and positive and informative. The office staff was fine. He is a very skilled surgeon and I my research tells me that he has all of the necessary skills to see me through my surgery.

I was referred to Dr Abkin by my cardiologist in Feb 2004. When I called for an appt the next day the secretary informed me that I had to attend the gastric bypass seminar and the next one wasn't until March. I went to the seminar and was very impressed with all the information they gave about the surgery. I made an appt w/ Dr Abkin the same night, and amazingling enough, it was for one week later 3/18/04. First impression of the office, busy, from reading the other profiles on this site I was forwarned so I pretty much knew what to expect. My appt was during the preop appts so it was alittle crazy when I got there. I had to wait about 20 minutes before I even signed in, which did not bother me, I was just happy I was finally there. Finally saw the dr after about an hour and 1/2 and I really liked him, he seemed very friendly, compassionate and explained everything thoroughly. I would definately recommend him again. My surgery is scheduled for 5/17/04, the day after my 30th birthday. That is my gift to myself.

I went to the open meeting about the surgery at Morristown Hospital back in 2003. Where I saw Dr. Abkin for the first time he was the lead Doctor in the group to talk and answer most of the question. to be honest the only one to stand out in my mind. So when I decided that the surgery was something I need to do for my health and well being. I called to make an appointment, they asked what doctor I would like to see. the only name I could remember a year later was Dr. Abkin and it was the only name I needed. He made me feel at ease and very relaxed with everything from before surgery to after.

First met Dr. Abkin 2/26/04. Had a preop meeting with him 3/18/04. I have confidence in his ability.

My first impression of Dr.Abkin is a very concerned by the book Dr. He is a very compassionate person. He is very confident in what he does. I would have to say his partner on the other hand Dr. Bertha has NO bedside manner and NO compassion what so ever. I had him when Dr. Abkin went on vacation. I was told to go to the ER when I had some unexplained pain which mind you my husband and I drove 2hrs away to their ER to only have Dr. Bertha annoyed that he even had to deal with me. He made me feel like a piece of crap, but beside me never ever dealing with Dr. Bertha again I STRONGLY recommend Dr. Abkin if you can. This is my experience only with Dr. Bertha and if you feel confident with his feedback page from other patients then go for it. Dr. Abkin strongly emphasizes aftercare though there is really not a structured aftercare program. He answered all my questions and concerns without rushing me out that is mainly why you wait awhile to see him for your appointment. So be patient. I feel I made a very wise decsision picking him as my surgeon my 5 incisions on my belly after 4 weeks are looking great and I finially am starting to feel like this was the best decision I ever made in my life. This is what everyone who had the surgery already, always says and you in the beginning think its the worst decision. Well it won't be the worst that's for sure. I hope I helped someone out and wish you success with a great Dr. and a great new life!

My first encounter with Dr. Abkin was at a forum at Morristown Memorial hospital, when I was still deciding to have the surgery, it was Sept 2003. My primary care physician recommended Dr. Abkin. My first impression was how busy he seemed to be. Everyone crowded around him asking questions, and I couldn't get to talk to him. I left the seminar thinking I would never get an appointment to see him. By the end of October 2003, I was granted an appointment with the great doctor. Again, my impression was how busy he is. He saw me briefly, asked a few questions, made a few jokes (which put me at ease), and sent me to the staff member who handles insurance. The next day I was given a date for surgery
Jan 19, 2004.
So, from Oct to Jan,I gained about 10 lbs, ate all the wrong foods, then showed up for my preop meeting feeling very nervous about surgery. Dr. Abkin came in and reassured us, and we were told what to expect. The day of surgery I was in a room for 2 hours waiting for my surgery. The anesthesiologist came in, asked me a few questions, and off I went. I was a bit upset that Dr. Abkin didn't come to see me before the surgey. That is the most negative comment I have. I would have liked to see him before he put the knife to me! Well, there was a complication, they couldn't get me to breathe after surgery, and if it wasn't for the quick reaction of Dr. Abkin, then I wouldn't be here today. I had to have an emergency tracheotomy. When I was in intensive care Dr. Abkin came to visit me, and he reassured me that I would be fine. He came the next night also to check up on me. I had to stay in the hospital for 6 days. After that I didn't see him again till my one week followup in his office. He took out the staples as I cried with joy at his talent and competence. I know there are risks in this surgery, but it is good to know Dr. Abkin can handle whatever is thrown his way.
Overall, if anyone if having the surgery, and can be patient enough to wait for an appointment, choose the best-
Dr. Alexander Abkin.

Dr. Abkin is a very kind, knowledgeable and caring man. He is there to answer any questions you may have and his staff is always pleasant to deal with.

I have an appointment to meet with Dr. Abkin Jan 8th. I've already completed the Psych eval. and saw the nutritionalist, along with my blood work. I've heard only the best things about Dr. Abkin, and I am looking forward to meeting with him, and getting a date for surgery. I will let you know how the meeting with him goes, but so far, his staff has been wonderful!!! They explain everything in detail... you are left with NO questions, and they take your welfare VERY seriously! Aftercare is a BIG deal! I am fully aware of all the risks involved with the surgery, and the psychologist even goes over with you, ways to deal with life after surgery. Staff was pleasant, informative, personable, and had a great sense of humor! I am really looking forward to having this procedure done!!!

I met with my Surgeon,(Dr. Abkin) and he was really pleasant, and informative! I feel really comfortable having this surgery by him. Now, I am really anxious, and really excited!!! Jan 29th, I am going for my pre-op class. That's where they go over everything again with you, and they tell you about surgery, what to do before hand and what to expect afterwards. Then they answer any questions you have. I know Feb 9th is going to sneak up on me really quickly!!!

I first saw Dr. Abkin at a weight loss surgery seminar that you are required to attend before you can even schedule an appointment to see him. The seminar was 11/11/03 and my first appointment with him was scheduled for 1/8/04. Not too long of a wait. In the meantime, I scheduled all my tests and evaluations. When I arrived at his office, his staff was very courteous and Dr. Abkin himself is very pleasant. Here I am making a life changing decision and he is as pleasant as can be and very informative. He STRESSES the fact that you must really stick to your after care plan. Having travelled 2 hours to get to him, he made it a point that he would like me to continue to see him for my after surgery care. He covered the fact that there are risks involved. I felt comfortable leaving there. At this point I am waiting for insurance approval and I have a surgery date of 3/08/04. According to the ladies in his office, my insurance carrier is not a major problem. But who knows!