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

My first impression of Dr. Balliro was that he seemed to be a pretty busy man. Since I've only just had a visit with him my opinion really didnt change a lot after I left his office. He was indeed very "to the point" and "matter-of-fact" when discussing my situation which I had heard he had a tendency to be. He also had an answer for every question that I posed to him which impressed me. There was no "maybe its this..maybe its that" from him. He was quick to answer and very sure with each of his responses. I am looking forward to having him perform my surgery as I got the impression he knows exactly what he is doing and knows how to do it perfectly. I dont like rating anyone since I am sure there are other physicians out there that are just as professionally qualified as Dr. Balliro and to rate one over another wouldnt be very polite. So I will just say that this doctor seems to be one of the best in his field and that suits me fine. As for the comparison in competence and personality..well..of course BOTH are great but after my surgery, I will have to live with the results of his competence, I will NOT have to live with his personality. So, in my opinion, his ability to perform this procedure accurately and safely is by far more important than his willingness and ability to make pleasant chit chat with me. If there was any ONE thing that I found made me uncomfortable about my initial visit with Dr. Balliro, I suppose it would have to be his diagnosing me with something that I had yet to be tested for. But then again, he IS the doctor..not I.

I finally met Dr. Balliro - I thought he was great! I think I've made the right decision by choosing this Dr.

My first appointment with Dr. Balliro was on 1/11/03. I was pleasantly surprised by Dr. Balliro. I found him to be very to the point. He is very fast paced. I think this may lead some to believe that he has no bedside manner. If you have questions he will answer. If you are looking for someone fuzzy and cuddly. He may not be the right one for you. But when I left his office I knew that I had made a VERY WISE decision. I think Dr. Balliro will be the best. The office was very busy. The staff was as nice as any office I have been in. In fact, I thought that as busy as they were, they were very friendly.

It took a took a little over two weeks for the office to get all of the paperwork to the insurance company. But the staff did such an excellent job that it flew through on the first submittal.

Thank you Dr. B and Staff.

the doc is very layed back,met him on first visit,said he would do surgery,saw him for a minute prior to surgery and two minutes in hospital after surgery.Iam two months post op and yet to see him again,The surgery worked so I guess he is ok,Iam alive!!The dietician is the only one I see when I go in for follow up.had surgery on 11/27/02, Today 02/08/03 Iam 60lbs thinner!!!

My first impression of Dr. Balliro was favorable, although I had to wait for over 3 hours past my appointment time to see him. He is very personable, with a dry wit, which put me right at ease. He was very forthright about answering any questions me or my husband put to him.

His nurse, Tara, is great also. Extremely compassionate and caring. His receptionist and others who answer the phone, however, don't overwhelm you with kindness or helpfulness.

Dr. Balliro has a staff nutritionist who is friendly and caring and helpful. Of course, to use her services, there is an additional charge, but I feel it's worth it.

I feel Dr. Balliro is the best. I have several friends who used him for their surgeries and we all feel the same way. The only negative is that he also has a practice in Arizona (or some western state) so he is not "full time" in the Tallahassee area.

As to bedside manner, again, he is very witty and has a dry sense of humor, which is right up my alley. I thought he was great, but all may not agree.

I was extremely impressed with Dr. Balliro throughout the entire process. His office staff was great.

Awsome reputation and very hands on Dr, but displayed little to no bedside mannor. He is very good at what he does but you better know your information and do your research, because I was left completely on my own after discharge from the surgery except for emergency numbers which I had to use several times.

Jan 11th 2003
Today was my first vist with Balliro. Balliro seems to be a pretty good surgeon. He was straight and to the point about my weight issues. I liked that most about Balliro. I will up date you as time goes on.

I was really impressed with Dr. Balliro. I do agree with most people regarding his mannerism. He is strictly business and did not "candy" coat anything. I appreciate that approach though. Dr. Balliro did my sister's surgery almost 2 years ago and she also liked him. He does highly recommend following up for a year with a dietiician he has on his staff. He feels the complete success rate with a dietician is worth the extra money to pay for this. My sister agreed with that also as she used the dietician. He took a lot of time with my husband and I answering questions. He was point blank and honest no matter the questions which were anything fron how many procedures he had performed and if he had lost any of his patients. He would not be my surgeon if I did not feel he was very competent in his field. He told me and my husband to call him with any questions and he would do his best to answer them. I feel I have made and informed decision.

I live in a small town near Jackson, Wyoming, where I work. Dr. Balliro divides his time between Florida and Wyoming. I feel fortunate that I have such an experienced surgeon so close at hand (he has performed 1700+ surgeries). I don't know that I would have made the decision to proceed with the surgery otherwise.

I have only met Dr. Balliro once, but I found him to be very informative and helpful. He answered all my questions. He had a dry sense of humor, which I liked. I told him that I can be an obsessive-compulsive, and he answered, "So am I, but that's not a bad thing for a surgeon to be."

I am a tall woman with a large build, and I appreciated his comment that I might look a bit scrawny if my weight goes below 200!!!

I don't know how his bedside manner will be--but 2 1/2 weeks before surgery, I am more concerned with his surgical competence!!!