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June 2024 by Gwendolyn Vastine
Dr. Balette came highly recommended by a former patient. From the appointment setters to the front desk to the nurses to Dr. Balette himself, all inspired confidence. Dr. Balette is awesome! He took time to answer all my questions and allayed all my fears. He helped me believe in myself. WIthout reservation, I highly recommend Dr. Balette.
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June 2024 by Janet Perez
Dr. Balette is awesome! I will definitely recommend my family and friends to him in a heart beat!
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May 2024 by Kandy Barber
I love how Dr Ballette makes you feel like you can ask any question and is always there for you!! The team at his office is amazing and I'm so glad my friend referred me!! Best decision I ever made!!!
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April 2024 by Liberty Penttila
Dr Balette is awesome! He is no nonsense, factual and his method of doing my gastric sleeve surgery left me with zero gas pains! Highly recommend
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March 2024 by Peggy Gill
Was very professional at helping my husband with his Hernia. Very kind and explained to him what was wrong and how he would handle the surgery . Made it very comfortable for him to face the surgery.
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January 2024 by Lexie Griffiths
I loved working with Dr Balette and his team. It was easy to contact staff with any questions or concerns. In my appointments, Dr Balette was very calm, professional, and knowledgeable. In every appointment he was present and, as a patient, I felt heard and seen. His demeanor put me at ease and I felt confident in moving forward.
Both pre-op and post-op has been a wonderful experience and I feel very supported.
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January 2024 by Brandi De Leon
Everyone was very kinds, caring, and honest about the process. I have already recommended Dr. Balette to a friend.
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December 2023 by Monica C
They are so on top of everything for bariatric surgery they walk you through all the steps. Dr Ballete is so kind and knowledgeable.
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December 2023 by Justin Corbin
Very professional, informative, and helpful.
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December 2023 by Cheryl Dragna
He is professional and encouraging To his patients. He gives you the tools to do what’s needed and helps you get started. I have lost 24 lbs in 13 days since the surgery.
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December 2023 by Corey Delagraentiss
Dr Balette is a good balance between your odd uncle who tells silly jokes and your favorite college professor. He is kind but also swift to business. He is surrounded by great support staff and creates an environment of security and trust. Highly recommend.
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November 2023 by RF Finch
Dr. Balette is wonderful. He is professional, courteous, and down to earth. He tells you what it is, not what you want to hear. He addresses challenges head on and direct. His staff is wonderful as well.
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November 2023 by Hope Dallmeyer
Great experience with a great Doctor! He and his staff are very helpful and supportive.
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September 2023 by Carla Seal
Patients who undergo Bariatric Surgery require the support of their loved ones and trustworthy medical professionals like Dr. Balette. He provides thorough explanations of the different surgical procedure options and helps patients make the best decision. Furthermore, his team of nurses and nutritionists are always there to answer any questions or address any concerns. My surgery was successful, leading to a 42-pounds weight loss so far, improved health, and increased energy. I am very happy with the results I am seeing, and I am extremely grateful for the excellent care given by Dr. Balette and his team throughout the entire journey.
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September 2023 by Paul Schellberg
My wife (Elizabeth) had bariatric surgery in January. Both of us have had significant issues with our weight throughout our lives and were looking for a way to gain control over a demon that haunted us all our lives. After my wife had recovered from her procedure, I decided to talk to Dr Howard to find out if I was a successful candidate for this procedure. Dr. Howard took excellent care of Elizabeth and his bedside manner made him easily approachable for this task. My first meeting went well and I found out that because I have sleep apnea and a high BMI I am an excellent candidate and that my insurance will pay for this procedure.
I also found out a sobering fact…
Bariatric Surgery Is kind of like a get out of jail free card. You can use it once but each time afterwards you will get diminishing returns. In short, don’t waste your time getting this surgery if you are not ready to really work on your weight as you can stretch your stomach right back out and once again, finding yourself swimming in your own obesity. Losing the weight is not free, there is still effort here, but if you are willing to do what Dr. Howard and the Dietician tells you, you will enjoy success, not to mention a much healthier life.
I had a lot to do before the surgery, I had to see my General Practitioner, a Phycologist, get an upper GI, and general work to be ready for the surgery, for three days prior to surgery I was on a liquid diet only and the day before I was not allowed to eat past midnight. This is to shrink your liver and make the surgery simpler for the Surgeon.
The morning of the surgery a Calvary of Nurses who were all kind and caring got me ready for surgery, the anesthesiologist was excellent, and Dr. Howard showed up a bit before hand and not only checked and double checked everything but gave me some much-needed support.
I woke up from surgery and felt like a truck had hit me, which I assume was normal, I was very groggy but hopefully not obnoxious as those hours were a bit of a blur for me. The next 12 hours were all about trying to urinate and most importantly walk as much as you can. Dr. Howard fills up your stomach with air to facilitate the surgery and the only way to work it out is to walk as much as you can as often as you can, that and an occasional toot did me wonders, ok it was more than occasional.
After meeting Micheal, the Dietician, learning about what to eat and when, and gaining the ability to walk well I was discharged the next day around 2pm. I went home and crashed for the rest of the day and got up in morning and began to try to walk as much as possible.
I hope you like protein drinks… I am drinking a couple a day, even now, three weeks after my procedure, Protein is key for this whole endeavor but when you chat with your dietician you can broach that subject. Last week I was told I could eat anything that I can smush with a fork. You will be shocked how wonderful it is to chew even mashed potatoes.
Dr. Howard is an excellent surgeon, my scars are minimal, he cares about my comfort, his staff is exceptional. This is a big step having your stomach shrunken but remember that you are also losing a lot of the nerves that tell you to be hungry all the time.
I am a big guy, even today after losing 30lbs 3 weeks after surgery. Before the surgery I could eat a 32-ounce steak without even worrying about it, this morning I had ½ a cup of mashed potatoes and was full as could be. The funny thing is right now I am not hungry all the time and even with the lower calorie intake I have a ton more energy. This surgery is not for everyone but there is support out there!
