Consultation

Good Morning All, I am just beginning this process. I have emailed Dr. Schweitzer, but I have not heard from his office yet about an appointment. How long does it take before they contact you. I emailed on Monday 8/14/06. Any advice is appreciated.

Hi Tracey, I have no experience with Dr Schweitzer but would like to say welcome to the Maryland board and best wishes on your WLS journey. Hugs, Mo

Hi Tracey, It does take a couple days for Debbie to contact you for an appt. I think my e-mail was answered within a week. Be prepared to wait for your initial consult though. I can remember talking to Debbie and it was the first week in July. At that time their first openings were in the beginning of October if that gives you an idea. I know if i called a surgeon and they could see me right away, that would be a red flag anyway. (Think of it as good things come to those who wait.) While i would love to have my surgery tomorrow, i'm aiming for a January/February Surgery. My insurance requires the 6 mth supervised diet anyway and I am not able to use my vacation time or apply for donated sick time until i have been here 6 mths. (which will be Jan 10th) Also my counterpart here at work has to have knee surgery in Dec so she won't be bac****il Mid January. I would feel bad asking for the time off while she was still on leave when i know i can wait another couple weeks. Shoot, i've been overweight my whole life what's a few more weeks..... My consult is Oct 9th. I'll let you know how things go....

Hey Batting 1000, You know you are right. I really like the way you put that. I guess I am working on a time line as well. I am hoping to have surgery in the beginning of December. As a teacher, I have to be sensitive to the school schedule. Thank you so much for responding to my message. It makes me feel better knowing that someone is understanding where I am. I pray that all goes well with your surgery. Let us keep in touch. Have a great day. Tracey

Hey Batting 1000, I just wanted to update. I finally received a call from Debbie after emailing again and calling two weeks later. My initial appt. is November 27 at 215 pm. I am excited, but I need to figure out what to do with myself until surgery. I don't want to get larger, but I need to do something. At any rate, the journey is about to begin. Thanks again for the encouragement. Tracey

Goodmorning, I have Dr. Schweitzer and I will tell you that you won't be dissappointed in the wait, he is worth it. I started the process the end of February 2006 with my Primary Care Doctor submitting a consult because I never recieved an email back for about 4 weeks. Within 10days of her submitting the referral, Debbie called me and scheduled an appt with Dr. S on 8 May 06. Prior to seeing him, I went to see the Nutritionist in April and got scheduled for the Psych appt on 10 May. The initial appt was quick, concise and informative and quickly agreed that the LAP RYN was the best for me and they submitted the paperwork. I recieved my letter of authorization from my insurance on the 21st of May and called Debbie right away and she scheduled me for the 1st available date which was 15 Aug. Yup, I am on day 4 and on my way to success and better health. Be patient and persistant and stay on top of things...it will be worth it!

Hi Tracey. I e-mailed Dr. Schweitzer in January, and it took about 4-5 weeks before I got a call back. Dr. S only sees new patients on Mondays. My initial appointment was May 1. Dr. Schweitzer doesn't require a 6 mo. supervised diet, but my insurance does prior to granting approval. I was approved in June, and my surgery date is Sept 12. Dr. S won't schedule you until you have insurance approval. From what I've heard, my 9 mo timeline is very average. This process is not a quick one!!!!! I tell friends it's like having a baby! Good luck to you! I've been very happy with Dr. S this far. Marcia