Garth Ballantyne Bariatric Surgeon M.D.,F.A.C.S.

As someone who has always suffered from "white coat syndrome" Dr. Garth Ballantyne made me comfortable from the start. He isn't bad looking (which doesn't hurt!), great smile. The man is academically brilliant. The surgery went smoothly, no complications, and 2+ weeks out I feel wonderful. At this point, I'd recommend Dr B to anyone.

I got in contact with Dr. Ballantyne's office & spoke Jane on Friday, Jan. 17, 2003, who was very helpful & very polite too. When she did not know the answer she would ask Rosemary and Rosemary answered the question. I will update my progress at the end of February when I meet with Dr. Ballantyne.

2/25/03 - Went to a group meeting on 2/24/03 in Dr. Ballantyne's office to discuss the surgery and insurance issues. Dr. Ballantyne works for Hackensack Medical Center and his point of view is that of the hospital. He sent everyone a letter stating that if you are having laparoscopic surgery that Hackensack Medical Center would require you to pay $15,000 out of pocket and then collect from your insurance company but he does accept the insurance's payment for now. The letter went on to say that he would assist if we wanted to do the open surgery. Well at the group meeting on 2/24/03, Dr. Ballantyne stated that was true for both surgeries. Everyone in the room was very upset and asked the doctor about losing patients and was that a concern to him. His answer was "he got paid by the hospital anyway". Everyone at this meeting was very upset with Dr. Ballantyne. Dr. Ballantyne has been doing this surgery for only one year now too. Another set back. So off I go again searching for another doctor.

April 29, 2003 - Received a call from Dr. Ballantyne's office earlier in the month that Hackensack Medical Center has reached an agreement with US Healthcare and is now again accepting insurances. So now I have another initial consult with Dr. Ballantyne (surgeon) Wednesday, April 30th. I will update this more after April 30th.

Finally got to meet with the surgeon on Tuesday morning, April 30th. He gave me my fat precent and weight. Then he told to except approximately a 70% weight loss and he finally said now let's setup a date for the surgery. He's staff set a date of August 7th, 2003 right after my birthday. I am excited now but I am worried too. I have heard of the many problems after the surgery, which worries me but "Ain't no stopping me now!"

6/4/03 - I'm still waiting for the Doctor's office to let me know if the surgery has been approved or not. My spirits are high and have mixed feelings about the surgery. I have never had surgery before in my life so I do not know what to expect. But I will forge forward!!! :-)

The Dr. was very nice..very thorough..gave time to ask questions...have a March 4th surgery date! His office staff are very professional...very nice...more than willing to answer questions even though they are very busy.


He gives you a lot of info about after care and even what your diet willo consist of after the surgery.

He addressed all the pros and cons for surgery and the options available. He discusses the risks involved with each option.

<i>First of all I must let you know about Rosemary and Jane..........they are his secretaries and they are sweet dolls.
Thanks Jane and thanks Rosemary for all your help and everything you two are doing for me to get things rolling.</i>

Ok, Dr. Ballentyne (oh, what a good looking man) he was very professional, he explained everything in detail. My cousin went with me (for support)and she also asked him some questions and he answered them (For free) hehehe. Ok,ok she was only trying to help me in there.

After my consultation, I came out of that room with all my questions answered! I was so happy with him and ready for the surgery.

He is very easy to talk to and helped me feel at ease about choosing this surgery.

Office staff was friendly and helpful with any questions I had.

I will give more information after the sugery.

I met with Dr Ballantyne and Dr Schmidt, they will be performing the surgery together.
I felt very confident with them both.
the staff members are to be commended for thier professionalism and kindness.
I cant say ONE bad thing about anyone at this office.
I would suggest anyone in nj who is interested in the lap gastric bypass to see Dr Ballantyne.