Dr. Micahel A. Schweitzer
Tracey was true to her word and mentioned this to me so here I am.
Like you, I did a lot of research on docs and chose Dr. E. as my surgeon. He's a pretty incredible guy and I would use him again in a heartbeat. However, there are some things you should know. He's not hands on per se. You will see him probably three times pre-surgery but mainly deal with his PA and dietician post-surgery. Also, unless anything has changed, Wednesdays are his only office days as he's in surgery the other days of the week. I haven't had any problems with this and knew this (from reading OH posts) before having my surgery.
The one problem that I've had is with the turnover of people in his office. My one year anniversary is next week and I've gone through three PAs already. I know the first one left because she was offered a great opportunity somewhere else but I'm not sure about the others. There have also been some turnover at the receptionist desk. I hate to think there's hate and discontent in the office that is making people leave. As a patient, that doesn't sit well with me. My one year appt is one week from today so I'll let you know if there's even more tuirnover.
There is one shining star in the office and her name is Alex. Alex is awesome. As an example of her good character, I changed the type of surgery I was having from a Lap Band to a VBG about two or three weeks before my scheduled date (Best decision I ever made). I was a self-pay and Alex spent hours to go above and beyond the call of duty to work up new prices from various hospitals so it would be cheaper for me. Dr. E. even cut his regular price back about $2K for me as well. I couldn't have asked for anything better.
When I went in for my 9 month checkup (skipped my 6 month since I was doing so well), I was happy to announce that I was taking Tae Kwon Do lessons. As it turns out, Alex has a black belt in Tae Kwon Do!! Who knew. She's this little petite woman that MIGHT weight 90 lbs soaking wet. She was joking that I should bring in my pads next time so we could spar. That next time is next week but I'm only a yellow belt and she's still a black belt. I think I'll wait at least another year before I try sparring with her!!
Doc E does require that you attend his pre-op seminar so you may want to call his office and figure out the next time they're having one. Even if you're not going to use him, I would still highly recommend it. It's at Inova Fairfax and a really good thing to do. You'll get to listen to Doc E and even talk to him afterwards if you want. I did and was super glad I did. He will explain all the different types of surgeries he performs and how you shouldn't choose the surgery so much as the surgery chooses you... based on what type of eater you are. What he'll do at the seminar and at your office meeting is ask you what surgery you think is best for you and, more importantly, ask you to tell him why. I think this helps him determine how much you've learned about the various types of surgery so he can then help you assess your decision. It was during one of these meetings that I changed my mind on the type of surgery I was having.
If you have any specific questions about Doc E or his people, please PM me. I'll be more than happy to help you the best I can.
--Eric
Like you, I did a lot of research on docs and chose Dr. E. as my surgeon. He's a pretty incredible guy and I would use him again in a heartbeat. However, there are some things you should know. He's not hands on per se. You will see him probably three times pre-surgery but mainly deal with his PA and dietician post-surgery. Also, unless anything has changed, Wednesdays are his only office days as he's in surgery the other days of the week. I haven't had any problems with this and knew this (from reading OH posts) before having my surgery.
The one problem that I've had is with the turnover of people in his office. My one year anniversary is next week and I've gone through three PAs already. I know the first one left because she was offered a great opportunity somewhere else but I'm not sure about the others. There have also been some turnover at the receptionist desk. I hate to think there's hate and discontent in the office that is making people leave. As a patient, that doesn't sit well with me. My one year appt is one week from today so I'll let you know if there's even more tuirnover.
There is one shining star in the office and her name is Alex. Alex is awesome. As an example of her good character, I changed the type of surgery I was having from a Lap Band to a VBG about two or three weeks before my scheduled date (Best decision I ever made). I was a self-pay and Alex spent hours to go above and beyond the call of duty to work up new prices from various hospitals so it would be cheaper for me. Dr. E. even cut his regular price back about $2K for me as well. I couldn't have asked for anything better.
When I went in for my 9 month checkup (skipped my 6 month since I was doing so well), I was happy to announce that I was taking Tae Kwon Do lessons. As it turns out, Alex has a black belt in Tae Kwon Do!! Who knew. She's this little petite woman that MIGHT weight 90 lbs soaking wet. She was joking that I should bring in my pads next time so we could spar. That next time is next week but I'm only a yellow belt and she's still a black belt. I think I'll wait at least another year before I try sparring with her!!
Doc E does require that you attend his pre-op seminar so you may want to call his office and figure out the next time they're having one. Even if you're not going to use him, I would still highly recommend it. It's at Inova Fairfax and a really good thing to do. You'll get to listen to Doc E and even talk to him afterwards if you want. I did and was super glad I did. He will explain all the different types of surgeries he performs and how you shouldn't choose the surgery so much as the surgery chooses you... based on what type of eater you are. What he'll do at the seminar and at your office meeting is ask you what surgery you think is best for you and, more importantly, ask you to tell him why. I think this helps him determine how much you've learned about the various types of surgery so he can then help you assess your decision. It was during one of these meetings that I changed my mind on the type of surgery I was having.
If you have any specific questions about Doc E or his people, please PM me. I'll be more than happy to help you the best I can.
--Eric
(deactivated member)
on 7/16/08 4:21 am - Woodbridge, VA
on 7/16/08 4:21 am - Woodbridge, VA
Wow, thank you so much for all the info! I am registered for an info session with Dr. Schweitzer's office up at Johns Hopkins, but maybe I will go to both to see if I get a real "feel" for either one over the other.
You mentioned prices--I'm guessing you were a self pay? I have insurance, and Dr. E is listed as an in-network surgeon. I have heard, though, that he requires payment upfront regardless, and then you can get reimbursed from insurance by submiting the claims yourself.
Hey I will see you tomorrow. I'm also a pre-op DS Dr. S patient. Talk to you soon!
~Shani~
I've been pudgy, chubby, thick, and now fat........Imma give thin a go round!!!
SW-262, size 18W, 5'6"
CW-168 1/15/2010
GW-162
94 Lbs down...6 more to go...changed goal to see Onderland for a hot second!
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