Weight-loss doctor Balin dies

Thursday, July 3, 2003 | 10:01 a.m.

A Las Vegas doctor who pioneered weight-loss medicine in the area died Tuesday at a local health care center.

Dr. Robert Balin, 89, was among the first physicians in the state to practice bariatric medicine, or the science of weight loss, according to his wife of 34 years, Sonia.

"He was ahead of his time," Sonia Balin said.

Among his clients were Elvis Presley and other celebrities, who would fly in from all over the world, she said.

Balin was born April 28, 1914, in Philadelphia, where he practiced as an internist for 27 years before moving to Las Vegas.

In 1970 the couple traveled to Las Vegas to get married, and they never left, Sonia Balin said.

"I loved it, so he said 'OK,' " she said. "He gave up a tremendous practice.

"When we first moved here," Sonia recalled, "I said, 'Bob, I can see the air,' and there were four cars on the road."

When they moved, Balin brought with him from Philadelphia a concept for a new weight-loss plan, which he developed at his local practice.

"It was his own diet. That's why he didn't sell his practice," Sonia Balin said. "It was his own, and it was very special and it worked."

In addition to his wife, Balin is survived by sons Franklin Tollin of Las Vegas, and Josh and David Balin of San Diego; daughters JoAnne and Trudie Tollin of Las Vegas and Abby Balin of San Diego; and five grandchildren.

King David Memorial Chapel and Cemetery, 2697 Eldorado Lane, is handling arrangements. Services will be held in Philadelphia.