Donald A. Balder Bariatric Surgeon M.D.

My surgeon was Dr.Donald Baulder. In the past month, August 2004, Dr. Baulder and his partner Dr. Anderson have moved from Florence, SC to Conway SC. I first attended my orientation meeting in March 2004. Dr. Anderson led the intructional session and I was impressed to start with that the actual surgeon would take his time to talk about the surgery and answer questions. I met Dr. Baulder for the first time in March 2004. He seemed nice. He was younger that most surgeons, but he seemed knowledgable. The office staff at both offices were very helpful, especially the assistant, Sue. I did most of the research for this surgery myself and brought it to the attention of my family doctor. He signed the necessary papers and here I am today. Dr. Baulder addressed most of the things I had researched, but I urge anyone considering this surgery to research online and become aware of the whole aspect before they decide about gastric bypass. I have seen Dr. Baulder several times after my surgery and they are always keeping up with your progress. Everytime I have seen Dr. Baulder after my surgery, he has said, "You look good. Keep it up." I think that is very important. My mother and some of the nurses didn't like his bedside manner and my mom told me he thought he was the "king". I told her I would rather him be my competent, over-cautious, skilled, knowledgable, caring, talented king for one day rather than to have someone who didn't expect excellence from themselves and the others around them. Lives, especially your own, are nothing to be lax about. I wanted a surgeon who was at the top of his profession and that is what I got. I urge anyone considering this surgery to also make sure they research their surgeon. All surgeons are not acceptable. Make sure you are comfortable putting your life in that persons' hands. I definitely refer Dr. Baulder or Anderson to anyone thinking about have the bypass procedure done.

Dr.Balder my first impression was OH MY GOD so young.But as he started talking to me and explaining to me about gastic bypass,All he did was confirm what I had researched.I felt PEACE and I knew he was the one for me.His nurse Angie is a total sweetheart,and works very hard.I have been treated well by his staff.Now that I am Post-Op I am thankful for Dr.Balder he did a wonderful job he is a very intellgent and careful surgeon.He was very nice to me.I have nothing to say about Dr.Balder or his staff that is negative.I would highly and truefully recommend him to anyone who is looking into WLS.Well it is now 4 years later and Dr.Balder is the most wonderful Dr. around he did my TT and has been a God sent to my life.He is AWSOME!!! I can't bring to say enough wonderful things about him and his work.

My first impression was "Man he is Hot!!" He was very informative and wanted to evaluate me to see if I was a good candidate for surgery. Turns out I was, and my surgery went well. I had it 10/12/04. I had heard terrible things about him and his bedside manner, but to me he was very kind post-op while I was in the hospital. His bedside manner was very kind and concerned. He always came to check on me as he was suppose to do. I would rate Dr. Balder on a scale of 1-10 a definate 10. He is a very knowledgeable, concerned, and talented surgeon. I am glad I made the choice of Dr. Balder. I would recommend him to anyone. The office staff are very nice and can answer alot of your questions right over the phone. Sue R. is the bariatric coordinator in their office. She is a very knowledgeable woman. Since she too has had the surgery she can help with lots of aftercare questions. SHe helped me with everything frm food to vitamins. She is GREAT!!!

My first impression of Dr. Balder was how young he was. After talking to him I quickly learned how concerned he was in helping people needing this type surgery. My impression only got better with time. I was blessed by finding such a kind and talented surgeon. He is a straigh shooter who tells you in great detail the risks involved and what to expect and not to expect. He spends as much time as needed to meet your needs, unlike many doctors. He has a staff that are as caring as he. I rate him 11 on a scale of 1 to 10. Although I had heard his bedside manner was lacking I found that to be completely untrue in my case. His bedside manner along with his surgical competence was fantastic. Highly recommend him.

Dr. Balder is a professional, knowledgeable,and skilled surgeon. I would recommend him and his staff to anyone who is persuing gastric bypass surgery.

My first impression was a very good one.
My husband and I met with Dr. Balder and he proceeded to answer all our questions.
Dr. Balder was in Florence at the time of my surgery and his nurses were very nice there.
Front desk people left alittle to be desired,
but since moving to Conway, I think the staff is nicer and alot more people-oriented.

I followed the diet plan that Dr. Balder and Dr. Anderson's office had and have continued to follow. I am two years post op and feel
wonderful....

I love the aftercare Dr. Balders office has provided me. But, I do still have a fairly strict diet of very, very little carbs and almost no sugar.

To me, a competent surgeon is more important than a great bedside manner. Dr. Balder provided me with great care both in the hospital and afterward.

He was pleasant at first but the day after surgery my overall feelings changed. I was very nauseated, throwing up, running a fever. Dr. Balder stood by the door & became very defensive when my husband & myself asked questions regarding why I was feeling this way. I am a very quiet person by nature & my answers to his questions were of few words. He belittled me because I didn't talk much & "rolled his eyes" as he left the room. When I had any complaints or the need to discuss problems I was experiencing I found he became very defensive & void of compassion. I went to him earlier this year with a pain in my abdomen which formed a knot about the size of my fist. I suspected it might be a hernia. He became rude & defensive, replied he couldn't feel anything, that bariatric surgery wasn't a miracle cure for the obese & the only thing he could do was exploritory surgery. I became so disheartened with his attitude that I never returned to his office again. With regards to what I have written I am making no statements as to what other people may experience or feel. These are my personal expressions from my own experience with him.

I liked Dr. Balder right away. He was very nice looking, friendly and very helpful with any questions I had for him. I think if you are considering WLS and live in South Carolina you should check him and his partner Dr. Anderson out. They are in Conway, S.C. (they moved there practice there in August from Florence, S.C.).
Dr. Balder and his staff are just awesome. His Asst. Sue will help you with anything on nutrition and vitamins you need to know after WLS. They also go over everything with you before the surgery so you are aware of anything that can go wrong and why you need the protein and vitamins and what they do for you post-op. I couldn't of asked for a better doctor or staff and I recommend them to anyone!!!

Dr. Balder is very direct and to the point. ALthough some said his bedside manner was not the best, I found him funny and almost charming. Maybe I met him on a good day. He obviously has a great concern of obesity and the problems that result and enjoys being able to perform this type of surgery for people. His mortality rate is almost none. He has had one patient expire in the past 3 years and she was older with several severe comorbidities. I truly like him a lot.

As with so many my first impression of Dr Balder was that he was rather young, but that was never really a concern of mine going forward with the surgery.

In some ways he fits the bill of the typical surgeon I think: brief, not too personal, full or medical lingo, but professional. I've never felt anything but trust for him, and he has always seemed professional and to the point.

He doesn't exactly have the best bedside manner, but I'd rather take professional and excellent surgeon skills over bedside manner. You will have to be a bit "pushy" and ask questions because he tends not to explain to much and he uses medical terms all the time. So you have to listen carefully and be ready to ask questions.

Judging by my surgery so far, he did do an excellent job!

I would certainly recommend him!