James Balliro Bariatric Surgeon M.D.,F.A.C.S.

My first impression of Dr. Balliro was similar to my uncle, who is a physician. Very busy man but is very casual and relaxed.

I felt nervous at first because I had anticipated the visit for so long. This feeling soon passed as Dr. Balliro spoke regarding the procedure. I believe that Dr. Balliro genuinely cares about his patients. He knows his stuff. He cuts to the chase and does not "sugar coat" anything. I like that! I feel safe knowing that he will do my procedure.

His office staff (Chris and Maureen were the only two I met) were WONDERFUL. Chris is an angel and helps you in any way that she can. She helps with the insurance procedures and takes the time to answer your questions. I briefly met Maureen, she is the dietician, she seems very warm and friendly.

The only advice that I have right now is to be prepared when you meet Dr. Balliro. Do your research, have your questions ready - don't waste your or his time. This is a serious endeavor and should be treated as such.

My surgeon was great. He answered all my questions and was willing to what ever I need to make this a good experience. His staff was helpful ans informative. I recommed that you read everything you can about the proceedure you are going to have read other peoples stories. Look for info on post operative patients to see what to expect afterwards. I would highly recommed this surgeon and his staff. One of his nurses had this procedure a few years ago.

I wasn't very pleased with the dietician in his office. My understanding she is an independant provider. I felt she was useless and I wished I would of kept the $300.00 I paid in advance to see her at each of my check up visits. I expected more guidance from her on what to eat ect, than I received. She gave me general info that I had gotten from reading materials.

I met with Dr. Balliro for the first time on May 31. He came across as a very competent surgeon. His office staff was busy but very nice to me. I had no complaints. I had already ordered the book that he requests that you buy and have found it to be a great tool. Overall very pleased with his office so far.

Dr Balliro is a great surgeon and his staf is awesome. Everyone is so very caring and supportive. He is a very god doctor and if I had to do it all over again, I would pick him. He is great and very personable. He works with a nutritionist,Lynn,that is excellenet and aways so very pleasant to deal with. She makes sre that you are being taken care o in everyway.

The 1st impression I had of Dr. balliro was short & to the point.....

Met with Dr. Balliro, he was very straight forwarded and answered every question I had. His office staff is wonderful(very helpful). I did not find him cold as I've read previously. He was very open with both me and my husband and made us both feel very comfortable about my decision to have surgery.

I had heard he didn't have much of a 'bed-side manner". But he seemed fine to me, very very talented in this type of surgery based on what I have read about him. He answered all my questions and provided alot of other info as well. I have been told by others that as long as you follow his instructions their should not be any problems with the surgery. I have only had one meeting with him so far. I hope to talk to him again in a few weeks.

His office staff seems to be very knowledgable about the procedure and the insurance as well.

He and his staff have stressed the importance of aftercare and wanted to ensure I was aware of following instructions and coming for check-ups. I think he has a WLS support group which I am trying to find out about now. He addressed all of the risks but I had already knows about them since I have done extensive internet research on him and the surgery in general. So far, I would rate him as excellent. I think both are very important but if I had to pick I would definately say it is the surgical competence.

First impression was personable, confident and genuine interest in me and my health. Office staff has been fine so far. Heard that he didn't have good bedside manner but I didn't find that at all. He encourages nutritionist for post-op. Addressed risks and personalized exam to my problem areas. Overall, I like him and feel good about him doing my surgery.

I really can't say I disliked any part of first appointment, my appt time was 11:30 am and there were 5 people in front of me upon arrival, so I wasn't called in until 12:30 pm. But as Dr. B. spent as much time as I needed to answer all concerns, I don't have a problem with that.

Dr. Balliro is strickly business. He did take time to answer any questions, but did not volunteer alot of information. Although he has written a booklet that you have to purchase and are required to read, he also suggest you purchase the book, "Guide to Obesity Surgery." Both books are good and very informative, but I still like for a Doctor to explain things himself. He apparently knows exactly what he is doing and that's the main thing. I chose him mostly because of many other patients recommending him and found out he has done hundreds of surgeries. His office staff has been very nice, but they are like any other, always do your homework and follow up on everything.

Dr.Balliro seems to be a really good surgeon but he is really all about business no smiles and jokes so far his staff is really nice but not very organized I am awaiting a surgery date Iam waiting to see how long it takes. my insurance had made an approval it was a communication problem with them and his staff my tenative was feb. but now it is march thank god he is a good surgeon but his office staff doesn't really reflect his abilities. the initial pamphlet that he sends out with paperwork is very informative and just starting you will have a good idea about what to expect from this surgery. In my opinion surgical competence and a great bedside manner goes hand&hand but of course competence of the surgery is a must and Dr. Balliro seems to really know his stuff.