JFK Medical Center Hospital

At the age of 36 I came to the realization that I had to do something about my climbing weight and my miserable health. I was diagnosed with diabetes last year and started medication immediately. I had arthritis in my knees/ankles, SEVERE sleep apnea, shortness of breath going upstairs, fluid retention in my ankles, back pain and I woke up each morning miserable and wiped out. I had done Weight Watchers MANY times and would lose weight but could never keep it off. I was feeling desperate and hopeless.

I never thought I would go down the surgery path. I knew about the band, bypass etc but never thought it was for me until a friend started to talk to me about her interest in it. I went to a seminar with her and I realized that this could actually help ME. I knew it was not a quick fix or a "cure-all" but I hoped it would give me a fresh start, the discipline I needed and a good start to changing my life and health for the better.

Once I knew my insurance would cover it, I sought out 5 of the top bariatric surgeons in the area. I researched them carefully as well as the different procedures. I scrutinized the surgeons but also their office staff, nutritionists and and aftercare. Due to an intestinal history, no other surgeon would even consider bypass until I met Dr. Abkin. When I first met him, I knew he was an amazing surgeon with an excellent reputation. I wanted to know how he was as a person and how he would relate to me. I will admit that he came across as a bit cocky when we first met. He said he was confident but I did not hesitate to tell him I thought otherwise. I called him cocky and then proceeded to tell him that I wanted to know about his bed-side manner and how he relates to his patients. His expression, tone and attitude immediately softened when I told him how much this meant to me and that I needed him to be there for me throughout this journey.I demanded he see me as a person with family and friends...not just another stomach to staple. I asked to be treated like his sister. He assured me that I was going to be well taken care of and that he would see me through this. He had successfully performed bypass surgery on others with my history and assured me it was possible and would be successful. He was thorough in his explanation and I was appreciative of his honesty and his skills. He was warm and reassuring when I left. I knew in my heart he was the one. I knew he could/would change my life forever!

The staff was very kind, patient and supportive during the months prior to my surgery. Each time I called, my questions were addressed and answered quickly. Heather was a godsend dealing with my insurance. She bent over backwards making calls and taking care of questions and calls from them. Her tireless effort meant the world to me and when she called to tell me I was cleared and we were set, I wept. Thank you Heather for getting me there!

On August 22 I had my gastric bypass at St. Claires in Dover. I saw Dr. Abkin before the surgery and his warm smile and reassuring pat on the shoulder put me at ease. He assured me he would take good care of me. And that he did! The surgery went very well and I came home from the hospital DIABETES FREE! I have had to call the office with concerns and the nurse was kind and reassuring. I was seen by Dr. Bertha and was appreciative of his care and concern. When I developed a fever and had to call late at night, Dr. Ianacce was so nice and patient. He put me right at ease. l was losing quickly and was feeling better each day. My ankle swelling disappeared immediately. My back doesn't hurt anymore, my arthritis is not effecting me and I can walk farther and longer without losing my breath. It's amazing!

As of today, October 8th...I have lost 45 lbs. I have a long way to go but I am thrilled by the start I have had and the fact that I FEEL BETTER!!

Dr. Abkin...thank you for being such an amazing surgeon and for caring so much to see me through this. I am happy to go on this journey with you and I look forward to sharing my progress with you!!

I first met Dr. Abkin while attending an evening seminar at the doctors' office. I went to the seminar, with many questions and a general fear of not knowing what to expect. I can honestly say that after I left that seminar, I was more determined than ever to have my procedure! The staff there was very helpful and answered any question or directed you to someone who could. This is the first major procedure I've had done, so it really made my decision to go ahead with the surgery an easy one. Anyone considering having surgery knows that the last thing you want to do, is get caught up with the red tape of handling the paperwork that goes along with this type of procedure, you have enough on your plate, so to speak. But that process is the least of your worries. The staff there works very well together, and for the most part, have a good handle on whatever it is, that you need, before you can continue to the next phase of your transformation. Everything is layed out for you to understand that this process can only be as successful, as you want it to be. There are help groups and chat rooms that specifically deal with any type question that you may have, whether questions before surgery, or after. I am one year removed from having Lap-Band surgery. I am happy to say that I have lost about 70 lbs. I feel great, and Dr. Abkin is the main reason why! He definitely put me on the right track, and I would recommend him to anyone that is considering weight loss surgery.

I want to thank Dr. Abkin and the great people in his office who helped me to pull the trigger and go forward with the surgery. I have wanted to do this for quite some time.... but was afraid. Dr. Abkin was so kind and caring and was willing to listen to each of my questions and answered them so I was able to feel comfortable. I knew this was the right thing... and I am very proud of myself for doing it! Thank You SO MUCH Dr. Abkin... you are a very very special person!

First, I must say that Dr. Abkin has CHANGED my life. I am 51 years old and have had both knees replaced, suffer from high blood pressure and sleep apnea. I was on a road to an early death if I continued on the path I was taking. I researched WLS for months online and finally found Dr. Abkin. He came highly reccommended by both my general practioner and my cardiologist. Beginning with the first phone call I made to his office, I always felt that I was someone special. His entire staff is very professional,knowledgeable and friendly. Dr. Abkin himself is a SHINING star!!! :) Heather in the insurance department makes sure all the "T's" are crossed and that everything is in order so that you know where you stand as far as any insurance problems/questions. I had my surgery 2 weeks ago and feel WONDERFUL!!! I chose the Realize Lapband. I have lost a total of 24 lbs to date due to Dr. Abkin give me a TERRIFIC "TOOL" to use!!
This is not a quick fix....you must use the "TOOL" to the best of your ability....I would highly reccommend Dr. Abkin....He truly is a "MIRACLE WORKER"....I sincerely Thank You Dr. Abkin....you are my friend for life :)

It's been a long weekend with Huricane Irene.... I have to say one good thing that came out of this was due to my success on my weight loss journey I was MUCH MOME PREPARED to handle the cleanup of my property after the storm! Thank You Dr. Abkin for making my life better. I am able to move and do things for myself.... even if it means cleaning up the damage from the water in the basement. If this happened last year... I wouldn't have been able to do it!

Deciding to have surgery and the fact I was able to LOOSE 80 pounds has made a Huge Difference in my Life! Thanks to Dr Abkin for caring about me... and helping me to do the right thing. A special thanks to his office staff for guiding me through the hoops the insurance company throws in front of us. You are changing lives and I'm honored to be one of your success stories!

Everyone had a Birthday. I am fortunate enough to have a RE-BIRTHDAY, Aug. 15th, 2011. I say that because that was the day I had Gastric Bypass Surgery. You see, at age 63 I got sick and tired of being sick and tired.

Sick of suffering from Hypertension, High Colesterol; Type II Diabetes; Polycythemia; and tired of suffering from sleep apnea. Knowing that as I aged, the symptoms of my ailments were likely to become life threatening; I turned to the Bariatric Medicine and Weight Loss Clinic at Morristown Memorial. In the past I have been successful with weightloss, but have always managed to gain it back once I was no longer focused on my program. Under the care of Dr. Rothkopf and with nutritional counseling I again was able to successfully lose weight, but realized the sands of the hourglass were working against me. As a result, I asked Dr Rothkopf if I was a candidate for gastric bypass. His answer was a resounding YES!

After reviewing a list of surgeons provided and conducting searches on the internet I chose Dr. Alexander Abkin to perform my surgery. I met with Dr. Abkin in middle of June and was assigned an August 15th surgery date, subject to securing the required approval from my insurance carrier.

I spent the next month securing letters of necessity and/or surgical clearances from the doctors who have kept me going for the past 30 years. As the surgery approached I leaned heavily on the support of family and friends.

“Cutting to the chase,” as my partner would say, the surgery was completed without a hitch. The schedule was kept almost to the minute and the pre-op and post-op care was excellent. I am now five days post op. I am pain free and drug free. As theorized, the operation itself and the hormonal changes wrought by it have resulted in the abatement of my Type II Diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea. I have already lost 8 pounds and am concentrating on adjusting to life after bypass.

I thank all of you for your kind words and wishes. I am painfully aware that the operation is not a Magic bullet. And that, given my past history, I must remain diligent, committed and guard against back sliding. God willing and with the love and support of my family and friends I know I will be successful.

Lech l’shalom, Gary

Ok, this is the same thing as going into a restaurant and ordering chopped steak rather than the filet mignon. When considering a surgeon for any reason, you always have to take into account that you are putting your well-being in someone else's hands. Why would you not do extensive research and put yourself into the most competent hands you can find? Dr. Abkin and his entire staff at Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeons are the gold star of this procedure. This is what they do. They are competent, from surgeon to nurse to secretarial staff. They couple this competence with kindness and compassion. This journey of mine has been awesome~ thank you Dr. Abkin and group for all youve done for me!

It has been one year since my Realize band surgery, and I have lost almost 70 pounds! I love Dr. Abkin's approach to his patients. He is non-judgmental about patients' weight problems. I do believe he has seen it all. He is kind and considerate, and he has given me great advice over the past year. I have had two band adjustments, and each time I have come close to fainting. He helps me through the procedure, each time reassuring me that what I am experiencing is normal. He does everything I can to make sure I am as comfortable as possible. Dr. Abkin is my hero, because he has changed my life for the better. This was BY FAR the best decision I've ever made.

Thank you very much Dr. Abkin. I am a different person now with your help. As always I find you very resourceful and honest. Your straight forward answers and medical options make lots of difference in staying focus in the journey of weight lost. I lost 110 pounds from my Gastric Bypass.
I would highly recommend Dr. Abkin's group to anyone who is thinking about having weight loss surgery.
He is very honest and he will work with you from the beginning to the end. I had my surgery more than 3 years ago and he treats me with care and concern and attention, not simply as a patient in for a follow up but as a unique patient.

Again thank you for all the accommodation you have rendered to me.

Nini Kassim

Dr Abkin did my lap band in 2007, and in 2011 did the removal of my (slipped) band and conversion to VSG. I have to say, throughout the whole process, Dr Abkin was wonderful. He's considerate, gives you all the facts, and encourages you to make your own informed choices. He also has a great bedside manner and a sense of humor.
In 2007 I did not have a great time of it with the staff in his office. I must say, in 4 years they greatly improved their process and the friendliness of the staff. They attended to all the details so well this time around. I was quite pleasantly surprised.
The surgery itself went smoothly. I felt prepared for what it was like afterward by him and his staff. Time well tell how successful the VSG is for me. I was extremely happy with my band until it slipped. I hope I am as happy with my VSG. So far, so good.