Drs. Abkin, Bertha, and Iannace of Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeons of Morris, lead a practice dedicated to minimally invasive weight loss surgery and medical weight loss management. Geographically, their local and regional coverage of New Jersey is unmatched in the state.
What differentiates their work from others is an approach that is not just about surgery and healing wounds, but also about thorough preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care. Weight loss surgery cannot be looked at as a standard surgery. It’s a life-changing procedure. The relationships the physicians develop with patients are much longer term and much more intense. Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeons of Morris were voted “Top Docs” by New Jersey Monthly Magazine three years in a row. (2007, 2008, 2009)
Their practice, opened in 2001, is recognized as a Center of Excellence, as sanctioned by the American College of Surgeons and the Surgical Review Corporation of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Innovative treatments, such as endoscopic procedures (ROSE), single incision surgery, and participation in industry clinical trials for new obesity treatments are a foundation of the commitment exhibited at ALSOM. The doctors are also directors of bariatric care at Saint Peter’s Hospital in New Brunswick, Saint Clare’s Hospital, Dover, and Holy Name Hospital in Teaneck. Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeons also perform Bariatric Surgery at Morristown Memorial Hospital, Hackensack University Medical Center, and Florham Park Surgery Center.
Each patient works with a team to customize a treatment plan. Initial appointments include nutritional, psychological and medical evaluations to determine which type of surgery will be most effective. Physicians, behavior councilors, nutritionists, exercise physiologists, nurses and certified coaches all work together to provide a post-operative, personalized program of care that maximizes patient success. Learn more about how our support groups focus on optimizing weight loss and ongoing continued wellness.
Alexander D. Abkin, M.D., FACS (Co-Director)
Dr. Alexander Abkin is a board certified general surgeon and experienced bariatric surgeon, having performed over 4,500 bariatric procedures in the past 11 years. He performs several types of bariatric surgery procedures, including the Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RNYGB), Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding (LAGB), Sleeve Gastrectomy, ROSE Procedure, and Single Site Laparoscopic Surgery for Gastric Banding and Gastric Bypass. Dr. Abkin exclusively performs bariatric surgery 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 2007. In addition, he is one of 30 people selected in the country to proctor and train on the use of it. In 2009, he was the first surgeon in New Jersey and the East Coast to utilize the single site approach for both Gastric Banding and Gastric Bypass Surgery.
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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. He has completed over 4,500 bariatric procedures in the past 11 years. He performs several types of bariatric surgery procedures, including Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RNYGB), Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding (LAGB), Sleeve Gastrectomy, ROSE Procedure, Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS) and Vertical Banded Gastroplasty (VBG). Dr. Bertha exclusively performs bariatric surgery 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.
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Vincent A. Iannace, M.D.
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 the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RNYGB), Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding (LAGB), Sleeve Gastrectomy, ROSE Procedure, Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS), Capella Procedure 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.