Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Surgical Care Partner in Mobile, AL
Surgical Association of Mobile has been a leader in advanced and minimally invasive general and bariatric surgery since 1973. Founded by Dr. Lamar Snow, we have served the Mobile, AL community and Gulf Coast region for over 50 years. Our team of five board-certified general surgeons combines over 90 years of surgical expertise to deliver safe and effective care. We specialize in laparoscopic, robotic, and open general surgery, including weight loss procedures like gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and duodenal switch. With over 10,000 weight loss surgeries performed since 1978, we prioritize patient education, disease awareness, and surgical excellence.Our commitment to innovation includes pioneering laparoscopic techniques in Alabama since 1989 and adopting robotic surgery with the daVinci Xi system since 2013. We provide comprehensive care for conditions ranging from hernias and gallbladder disease to complex bariatric needs. Our practice emphasizes personalized patient support through preoperative seminars, aftercare programs, and multidisciplinary collaboration. We maintain affiliations with Mobile Infirmary Medical Center and focus on exceeding surgical care expectations through technical expertise and compassionate service.
Services
Weight Loss Surgery
Gastric Bypass
Gastric Sleeve
Robotic Surgery
Hernia Repair
Gallbladder Surgery
Colon Surgery
Breast Surgery
GERD Treatment
Thyroid Surgery
Details
- Year established: 1973
Highlights and features
- Board-certified surgeons with over 90 combined years of surgical expertise
- Pioneers of laparoscopic surgery in Alabama since 1989
- Over 10,000 weight loss surgeries performed since 1978
- Robotic surgery program utilizing the daVinci Xi system
- Comprehensive patient education through preoperative seminars
What people say
Life-changing transformation
Exceeded expectations
Pain-free living
Professional staff
Improved quality of life
Services
Weight Loss Surgery
Our weight loss surgery program offers multiple procedures including gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and duodenal switch. These minimally invasive surgeries help patients achieve significant, lasting weight loss through restrictive and malabsorptive techniques. Ideal for patients with BMI over 40 or those with weight-related health conditions like diabetes and hypertension, our program combines surgical expertise with comprehensive pre- and post-operative care. Patients receive personalized guidance through our educational seminars to determine the most appropriate procedure for their specific needs and health goals.
Robotic Surgery
We utilize the daVinci Xi Surgical System for advanced robotic-assisted procedures since 2013. This technology enables enhanced precision through 3D visualization and wristed instruments that mimic human movement. Our surgeons perform complex procedures like hernia repair, gallbladder removal, and bariatric surgeries with smaller incisions, reduced pain, and faster recovery times. The robotic platform allows for greater surgical flexibility while maintaining the same safety standards as traditional laparoscopic techniques.
Hernia Repair
Our hernia repair services address abdominal wall defects using both open and minimally invasive techniques. We treat inguinal, umbilical, and complex hernias with surgical mesh reinforcement to prevent recurrence. Patients benefit from our experience in managing both routine and complicated cases, with options for elective repairs and emergency treatment of strangulated hernias. Our approach focuses on restoring normal anatomy while minimizing postoperative discomfort and recovery time.
Gallbladder Surgery
We perform laparoscopic and single-incision gallbladder removals for symptomatic gallstones and cholecystitis. Our minimally invasive techniques allow most patients to return home the same day with reduced scarring and quicker recovery. The procedure typically takes 30-45 minutes and addresses complications like biliary colic and acute gallbladder inflammation. Patients receive comprehensive preoperative education and postoperative dietary guidance to optimize long-term digestive health.
Colon Surgery
Our colon surgery services address both benign and malignant conditions through laparoscopic and open approaches. We perform partial or total colon removals for diseases like diverticulitis, colorectal cancer, and inflammatory bowel disease. The minimally invasive approach typically involves removing affected colon segments and reconnecting healthy portions. Patients benefit from our surgeons' extensive experience in complex abdominal procedures while maintaining focus on preserving digestive function and quality of life.
People
Barry D. Ballard, Jr., MD
General and Bariatric Surgeon
A native Mobilian, Dr. Ballard graduated Cum Laude from Auburn University and completed his surgery residency at the University of South Alabama Medical Center. He joined SAMPA in 2016 and specializes in minimally invasive and bariatric procedures.
Daniel R. Lane, MD
General and Bariatric Surgeon
Dr. Lane serves as clinical assistant professor at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine. A Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, he specializes in advanced laparoscopic and bariatric surgery techniques.
Forrest G. Ringold, MD
General and Bariatric Surgeon
A Fellow of both the American College of Surgeons and American Society of Bariatric Surgeons, Dr. Ringold brings extensive experience in robotic-assisted procedures and serves as a clinical instructor at the University of South Alabama.
Dusty F. Smith, MD
General Surgeon
Dr. Smith graduated from the University of South Alabama Medical School and completed her surgical residency at USAMC. Certified by the American Board of Surgery, she specializes in general surgical procedures and bariatric care.
Gregory Quatrino, MD
Colon and Rectal Surgeon
Dr. Quatrino focuses on diseases of the colon and rectum. After serving as Administrative Chief Resident at the University of South Alabama, he contributes expertise in complex colorectal procedures and surgical oncology.
Questions
What weight loss surgery options do you offer?
We offer gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, duodenal switch, lap-band, and intragastric balloon procedures using minimally invasive and robotic techniques.
How do I qualify for bariatric surgery?
Qualification requires meeting BMI criteria, completing medical evaluations, and attending our educational seminar to determine the most appropriate procedure.
Do you accept out-of-town patients?
Yes, we serve patients from across the Gulf Coast region and provide resources to help out-of-town patients coordinate their surgical care.
What financing options are available?
We partner with Prosper Healthcare Lending to provide financing options for qualified patients seeking bariatric surgery.
How experienced are your surgeons?
Our five board-certified surgeons have performed over 10,000 weight loss surgeries since 1978 with expertise in both traditional and robotic techniques.
What support is available after surgery?
We offer comprehensive aftercare including support groups like Bari Trail Blazers, nutritional guidance, and long-term follow-up appointments.
Videos
Reviews (7)
Marquitta Williams
Aug 03, 2021
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Dr. Jeff Hannon And His Staff Is Absolutely Awesome Dr Hannon Truly Care About His Patients I Had Surgery On Last Tuesday And Dr. Hannon Is A Awesome Surgon Thanks Dr Hannon From Marquitta Thomas
Becky Campbell
Mar 19, 2021
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Dr. Hannon and all of his staff are awesome. I recently had surgery for my acid reflux and I couldn't have asked for a better doctor/surgeon!
Amanda Outlaw
Dec 22, 2020
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Dr. Ballard is incredible. I had surgery November 10th and he and his staff are wonderful. He is thorough with all the information needed prior to surgery.
Denisha Rene' Burney
May 30, 2019
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My experience with this office was very good they explained what had to be done to make me better and made me very at easy very professional and carrying
Mallory Howard
Jan 06, 2019
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Little bit of a long wait time, but MD was great.-2016 2018- things have changed a bit. Don't go here for minor surgical needs that need attention sooner versus later. Example- lipomas, abscesses, things like that. They are booked so far in advance that you can't been seen for weeks. My husband used them between the last time I did and we waited for over 3 hours ro be seen in an exam room. It's safe to say that they are overbooked and well understaffed. I believe they are about money, versus patient care.
Dawn Adrienne
Dec 24, 2018
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Felt like the doctor kept trying to talk me into a bypass instead of a sleeve, when I clearly didn't want the bypass. Waited for over an hour before he even came in the room, so it makes you feel like cattle because they overbook appts. Glad I got it done by another doctor! Stay away from this "group" of doctors, they're all about volume!
Torri Walker
Oct 21, 2017
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Everyone in the office is so helpful and professional. Having surgery is awful, knowing you have a great doctor and medical team helps
