JFK Medical Center Hospital

I like the setup Drs. Bertha and Abkin have; they have an excellent support system - pre meetings, post meetings, nutritionists, psychologists.

Dr. Abkin is wonderful - basically just a nice guy. He never made me feel rushed, or that a question I was asking was foolish. And he has a terrific nurse in Mary Meola.

I did have a problem with one of his staff members, though, who didn't return phone calls very well and who kept losing paperwork I had sent her. I hate to say this, though, because I don't want to say anything negative about Dr. Abkin. But my surgery was on a Monday, and when I still didn't know about my insurance acceptance on Friday at 4:00, I did freak out a little!

I have researched weight loss surgery over a year before I decided I must to proceed to live. I was most impressed with the comprehensive program at Morristown Memorial, Morristown NJ. They offer obesity conference meetings the second tuesday of each month, for post-op, pre-op, or those considering. Many surgeons incliding Dr. Abkin attend these meetings, along with guest speakers. Since I have yet to have the surgery I have no comments about the actual procedure. I can say without a doubt, this particular program was most enlightning for myself and my family.

I recently met Dr. Abkin for the first time. As of this writing (10/01), Dr. A has performed over 200 of these procedures. I have to trust he knows what he is doing. He is otherwise personable and pleasant.

The surgeon which i used was Dr. Abkin I went through the Obesity Clinic In Morristown Memorial Hospital. He is a fine surgeon and is very thorough. He has a great bedside manner and seems to be a perfectionist (a admiriable quality in a surgeon)Our first consolution went very well I was advised of all the risks and benifits of the surgery in realistic terms.In fact I had to sign papers that i understood what I was getting into.

When using the Obesity clinic you have a very structured aftercare program.

I met with Dr. Abkin today and liked him very much. I was originally going in to see him about a lap band surgery -- he said he would do it if I wanted, but that for me the GP would be more effective. Staff has been very nice and very helpful. Dr. was open and patient.

I have seen Dr Abkin today 3/7/02. He was very kind and helpful with the quesitons. He is very patient and has a great bed side manner. I was very impressed with the staff at the Obesity Center in Morristown Memorial Hospital in the Anderson Bldg B. I would recommend Dr Abkin to any person who is interesed in this procedure.

To all who are considering this operation,
Dr. Abkin and his staff are wonderful. The Dr. himself is very personable and he looks at you while you are talking to him which I find very soothing.
His office staff is very knowledgeable about this operation and at least 2 of the women who work with him have had similiar operations.
The "Obesity Center" which is part of the hospital is convenient.
Their care and explanations of the procedures and aftercare are very very informative. Any questions are answered easily.
He talked about the risks of surgery and explained what the results of a bad surgery could be, which was a little upsetting.
I cannot be happier that he is my Doctor.
Since bedside manor is a very big part of dealing with people I feel it is very important but having a Doctor who has both is wonderful.
After surgery and during my stay in the hospital (the nursing staff was wonderful).
The nurse from Morristown Memorial called me today, Thursday to find out how I was and if there were anything that could have done for me that was not done during my stay.

Dr Abkin takes time to answer any and all quetions (and I always have many) you have. He is present at all of the monthly meetings held at Morristown Memorial Hospital. The staff at the hospital is very caring and supportive. Mary the registered nurse and WLS patient helped to establish the program at Morristown. Everyone involved is very knowledgable and forthcoming with information.

Support groups are held monthly, immediatly before the monthly introduction meetings. At the monthly meetings Support Groups are highly recommended. On going counselling is offered on a 1 to 1 basis as well.

Mary leads the monthly meetings and is very careful to explain all risks involved. Mary states "WLS is not Magic, it is a tool". No smoke and mirrors. Patients are dealt with with respect and understanding. We fit in the chairs!

I am thrilled that this wonderful program is offered in my state. It is my feeling that similiar programs should be offered in EVERY state.

I was very impressed with Dr. Abkin. He spent nearly 45 minutes answering my questions and going over my medical history.

Mary Meola, the nurse in charge of the obesity center, is EXCELLENT. She is knowledgeable and efficient. She had bypass surgery so it feels good to know that when she is explaining some aspect of the surgery or aftercare that she speaks not only professionally but from personal experience as well.

After my consultation, I was told to call in 7 to 10 working days to schedule a surgery date. I was expecting a long wait but to my surprise I was offered a date in April. However, since I am a student at Rutgers and NJIT I have to wait until after I graduate. My surgery date is 5/21/2002.

My first impression of Dr.Abkin was I hope I will be able to understand him.Well all was well he was a great Dr. and he tolk the time to talk and listen to me and my husband.His staff was also the same.
What I like most about Dr.Abkins program is the sopport group meetings they offer.