Jefferson Health is one of the foremost healthcare providers in the Delaware Valley with a network of over 18 hospitals and physician practices. Dr. Louis H. Balsama is partnered with Jefferson Health to provide exceptional bariatric care to the greater Sewell and Stratford areas.
Jefferson Hospital was first established in 1825 as a medical college that has since expanded to encompass much of the South Philadelphia and New Jersey area. It’s now home to the prestigious Sidney Kimmel Medical College that offers a full spectrum of medical training including resident programs, fellowships, and the Thomas Jefferson University College of Nursing.
Dr. Balsama is proud to offer surgical services at Jefferson Surgical Care as a board-certified General Surgeon specializing in bariatric care.
Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass
Gastric bypass surgery is designed to drastically reduce the amount of food that can be held in the stomach, leading to significant weight loss. During surgery, a laparoscope (or small tool with a live camera feed attached) can be used to reroute food through the small intestine, bypassing the lower stomach. With the help of a bariatric specialist, patients can achieve long-term results of 60-80% loss of excess weight. Dr. Balsama specializes in laparoscopic procedures meaning reduced recovery time and very little trauma on the surrounding tissues.
Revision Bariatric Surgery
There are many different reasons to consider bariatric surgery, including dissatisfaction with results or an update to newer, more effective bariatric technology. This might include switching to a LAP-BAND®, gastric sleeve, or other option. Many patients decide they need a revisional procedure because their original surgery did not produce results but aren’t sure what options are available. Dr. Balsama specializes in a variety of bariatric techniques and can help patients develop a more effective approach to their weight loss goals.
Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy
Sleeve gastrectomy can produce some of the most consistent results of all bariatric procedures. During this surgery, a laparoscope is used to remove a large portion of the stomach without bypassing or binding the stomach. This process also reduces the chances of nutritional deficiencies that come with bypassing the lower stomach. Dr. Balsama can also provide ongoing support in patients’ health and fitness journeys after a sleeve gastrectomy.
LINX® Reflux Management System
Sufferers of GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, are typically limited to taking medications daily. These medications have the goal of neutralizing stomach acid or limiting its production in order to prevent flareups. This is called continuous acid suppression therapy, and one alternative is called LINX® Reflux Management System. It’s a small string of magnetic titanium beads that reinforce the weakened stomach sphincter, limiting the ability of acid to reach the esophagus. Dr. Balsama can place LINX in a single minimally invasive procedure, and nearly 90% of patients report GERD relief with consistent, long-lasting results.
About Sewell, NJ
Sewell, NJ was named after United States Senator William Joyce Sewell and is home to the largest operational greensand mine in the world. It’s also home to the Rowan College of South Jersey and Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine, of which Dr. Balsama is a graduate.
