Our New Jersey Bariatric Surgeons

 Alexander D. Abkin, M.D., FACS (Co-Director)

Dr. Alexander Abkin is a board certified general surgeon and experienced bariatric surgeon, having performed over 6,000 bariatric procedures in the past 10 years. He performs several types of bariatric surgery procedures, including Gastric Bypass Surgery, Lap Band Surgery, Realize Band Surgery, Sleeve Gastrectomy, ROSE Procedure, Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS), and Vertical Banded Gastroplasty (VBG). Dr. Abkin performs most bariatric procedures laparoscopically, averaging 8 to 10 procedures per week.

Dr. Abkin received his medical training at First Leningrad Medical University in St. Petersburg, Russia, where he received his M.D. in 1986. He completed his residency at Morristown Memorial Hospital. Dr. Abkin also has specialized training in laparoscopic and bariatric surgical techniques, completed under the guidance of Dr. Philip Schauer in Pittsburgh. He is a member of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery , the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons, and the American Medical Association. He is also a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS).

Dr. Abkin was the first person in the North East to implement the REALIZE™ Band procedure. In addition, he is one of 30 people selected in the country to proctor and train on the use of it.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

 Nicholas A. Bertha, DO, FACS (Co-Director)

Dr. Nicholas Bertha is a board-certified surgeon with special training and expertise in advanced laparoscopy, bariatrics and endoluminal surgery. In 10 years, he has completed over 6,000 weight loss procedures. He performs several types of bariatric surgery procedures, including Gastric Bypass Surgery, Lap Band Surgery, Realize Band Surgery, Sleeve Gastrectomy, ROSE Procedure, Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS), and Vertical Banded Gastroplasty (VBG). Dr. Bertha specializes in performing bariatric procedures laparoscopically, averaging 8 to 10 procedures per week.

After earning his Doctor of Osteopathy from the University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey, Dr. Bertha completed his general surgery residency at Morristown Memorial Hospital, where he received the Society of Laparoscopic Surgeons’ Resident Achievement Award. His postgraduate activities include clinical research. He has been site co-investigator in the Laparoscopic Gastric Band Treatment Study Group for the Bioenterics Corporation and site co-investigator in the Laparoscopic Gastric Pacemaker Study Group for Transneuronix Incorporated. He is an investigator for Allergan Inc. currently 3 clinical trials; the APEX Trial, Low BMI Treatment Trial, and the BIB intragastric Balloon Trial. He is one of 4 surgeons in NJ currently offering the ROSE endoluminal procedure for post bypass patients who have regained weight. He has undertaken multiple training courses in laparoscopic, bariatric and endoluminal surgical techniques by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, NY, USGI and Ethicon, Inc.

Dr. Bertha is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, a member of the Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons, and a surgical preceptor for Allergan, Covidien and Ethicon Endosurgery, manufacturers of surgical products.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

 Vincent A. Iannace, MD, FACS

Vincent A. Iannace, M.D. is a board-certified surgeon with fellowship training and expertise in advanced laparoscopy and bariatrics. After earning his medical degree from Stony Brook University, he completed his general surgery residency at Brown University. He later completed an advanced fellowship in bariatric surgery at Hackensack University Medical Center. He performs several types of bariatric procedures including Gastric Bypass Surgery, Lap Band Surgery, Realize Band Surgery, Sleeve Gastrectomy, ROSE Procedure, Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS), and Vertical Banded Gastroplasty (VBG).

Dr. Iannace has co-authored many medical papers relating to advancement of the science of bariatric surgery. His current interest focuses on investigating the effect of weight loss surgery on metabolic syndrome, and he recently presented the topic at Medical Grand Rounds at Holy Name Hospital. He is also interested in revisional bariatric surgery, having recently completed training in endoscopic techniques (ROSE Procedure).

Dr. Iannace is an active member of the American Society for Metabolic Surgery (ASMBS), and has performed over 1,000 bariatric surgeries.