Surgical Specialist

(228) 284-1580

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Secondary Number: (228) 265-5945

Open Closed

Openning Hours

• Monday: 07:30 AM - 05:00 PM
• Tuesday: 07:30 AM - 05:00 PM
• Wednesday: 07:30 AM - 05:00 PM
• Thursday: 07:30 AM - 05:00 PM
• Friday: 07:30 AM - 05:00 PM

www.whyweight.com

Dr. Donald Balder is a surgeon with over 20 years of professional experience. He founded the Mississippi Institute of Weight Loss Surgery in September 2016, with two locations in Mississippi and another location in Louisiana: Gulfport, Hattiesburg, and Slidell. After completing his undergrad at the University of Illinois, Dr. Balder continued his studies there, earning his medical degree before completing his surgery residency at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. He holds board certification in general surgery and has state licensure in Louisiana, Mississippi, and South Carolina. During his time in the Carolinas, Dr. Balder became a weight loss pioneer, establishing several minimally invasive surgery and weight loss programs at McLeod Regional Medical Center and the Carolinas Hospital System from 1997 to 2004. He performed the first laparoscopic gastric bypass procedure in South Carolina, as well as the first series of incision-less weight loss surgeries, and the first single incision laparoscopic surgery. Dr. Balder has amassed numerous accolades during his career, including designation as an American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons Center of Excellence Surgeon by the Surgical Review Corporation, and several Center of Distinction Awards from Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Health Care, and Aetna. Dedicated to helping patients live their best life, Dr. Balder sticks by his vision: offering and delivering the best, high-quality, compassionate, patient-focused care in the Southeast.  What is bariatric surgery? Bariatric surgery refers to any surgery that restricts the amount of food you can hold in your stomach, making you feel full quickly. Some bariatric procedures also work by reducing how many nutrients you absorb. Dr. Balder performs one of several types of bariatric surgery: Gastric Bypass During a gastric bypass, Dr. Balder will create a small pouch in your stomach by dividing the stomach into two portions. This small pouch is connected to a lower portion of your small intestine, bypassing part of the digestive process. Gastric Sleeve Similar to a gastric bypass, Dr. Balder removes a significant portion of the stomach, leaving behind a small “sleeve” shaped stomach. Your stomach is otherwise left connected as usual, and he doesn't change how your digestive system works. Gastric Band A gastric band is a reversible procedure that allows Dr. Balder to adjust the amount of food that enters the stomach. Unlike the sleeve and bypass, no cutting of the stomach is necessary. Instead, he places an inflatable band around the stomach, creating a small artificial pouch that helps you feel full quickly. Duodenal Switch During a duodenal switch procedure, Dr. Balder creates a pouch in your stomach, very similar to the sleeve procedure. He then directly connects this pouch to the last segment of the small intestine, causing food to bypass the duodenum and travel directly to the distal small intestine. Is bariatric surgery safe? Bariatric surgery is a relatively safe procedure when performed by a qualified surgeon thanks to advances in medical technology, such as the laparoscope. As a major surgical procedure, some standard risks and complications may occur, including: Bleeding Ulcers Infections Reactions to medication or anesthesia Depending on your body, diet, and the type of surgery you receive, you may need to take supplements to bolster the nutrients you receive in your diet. In rare circumstances, more severe complications can occur, such as heart attack or serious bleeding. Dr. Balder will observe you for several days after the procedure to monitor for complications and ensure you’re in good shape. If you think bariatric surgery is what you need to return to a healthy lifestyle, give the offices of Dr. Balder a call to schedule a consultation or book your appointment.