Major Services
Gastric Bypass Surgery
Gastric Bypass is a separation of the stomach into a small pouch and a bypassed, non-functioning remnant, lowering absorption.
Sleeve Gastrectomy
The Sleeve Gastrectomy consists of removing the side of the stomach, while retaining a sleeve for normal digestion.
Lap-Band® Surgery
In Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding (LAP-BAND® surgery) a band is secured around part of the stomach, restricting food intake.
Revision Surgery
Revision bariatric surgery is an additional weight loss surgery to convert one bariatric procedure to another.
Our Statistics
Years in Business
Years Voted SJ Magazine Top Doc
Successful Surgeries
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14 months post surgery, I am more active and willing to try new things like roller coasters, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, and skiing (which I have never done). Bariatric surgery changed my life.
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I have Dr. Balsama to thank for the new me. To anyone thinking about surgery, do your research, prepare for lifestyle change, and make an appointment! You won’t be sorry. There’s no pressure, just compassion.
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From the start of my journey to present, Dr. Balsama and his team have been attentive, caring, respectful, and encouraging. The gifts he gave me were life-changing. Thank you! Dr. Balsama.
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Dr. Balsama’s sister was my vet and always talked about how her brother loved his patients, saying he took great pride in their lives after surgery. The rest is history. Now I’m doing 5Ks and exercising daily.
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Dr. Balsama and his staff are wonderful, easy to contact and available for my needs and concerns. I go out of my way to do things and put myself out there. My surgery has made me believe life can be good again.
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Dr. Balsama is a great doctor who really listens to my concerns. Three years later, I still see him at support meetings and he continues to take my questions. I have thanked him many times for saving my life.
Things to Know
It really depends on your insurance company. Some insurance companies ask for your historical weights, others want you to be involved with nutritional counseling for a few months before surgery is approved. The easiest way to figure this out is to call your insurance company and ask for their criteria.
This varies depending on the type of surgery performed. Average weight loss for Gastric Bypass patients is 70% of the patient’s excess body weight in the first year (ex: 70 pounds if someone starts at 100 pounds overweight). Lap Sleeve Gastrectomy produces results that are close to this (60-70% of excess body weight in the first year, on average), and Lap-Band surgery is considerably lower (40-50% of excess body weight in the first year).
We ask patients to do a two week pre-op diet for two reasons. First, it allows the patient to become comfortable with the diet they will need to adopt after surgery. Secondly, it shrinks the liver to allow for an easier surgery. Most patients lose 15-40 pounds on this diet prior to surgery! (This does not affect insurance coverage for the surgery. Don’t worry!)
A Note from Dr. Balsama
I’ve been lucky enough to have served a great number of patients in the South Jersey area. They have inspired me and continue to create success stories. They have made my job and my life very enjoyable, and I hope to continue to showcase their accomplishments and my pride in them!
Dr. Louis Balsama D.O.
