Johns Hopkins Surgeon Recommendation needed

HI everyone! I'm just beginning the process of getting bariatric surgery. I went to the informational meeting at John Hopkins Bayview. I have Medicare. I don't have any idea what surgeon to pick. My friends who have had the surgeries live in central PA so they can't recommend anyone. I am thinking about either the regular Gastric Bypass or the DS.

Can someone share their experience with this insurance and either procedure? I'm so far leaning more toward the DS.

Thanks so much!

I thought hopkins wasn't doing the DS any more.

I was just at an informational meeting this past Tuesday and it was one of the surgeries they discussed. So, as far as I know they are. Why did you think that? Did u hear that from somewhere that u can remember?
Thx!

I don't know anything about DS nor do I know anything about medicare coverage - but I did have my RNY done by Dr. Steele at Hopkins.  I loved her.  She was kind compassionate and available.  She spent time with both my wife and I, walking us through all the steps.  She can be tough - making sure you get up and walk after surgery - but it's all in your best interest.  I'd have no problem recomending her.

Sounds like you're not alone in liking Dr. Steele. You can see from another comment I made that my husband liked her at the 1st meeting and a comment from "Nicole" that Dr. Steele is a strict but effective Dr. I think I might just put her down for my surg. consult...I'm just getting ready to email my forms to them right now.

Best of success to you!!
Danne

Hi!

If you are looking for a Dr at Hopkins that does DS your only option will be Dr. Schweitzer.  However, he no longer performs the DS as a one step procedure.  He will do the VSG first (stomach portion) and then after a year if you still need it he will perform the intestinal switch.  He believes that most people can obtain the desired results with just the VSG.  He is a fantastic surgeon.  Dr. Steele who I believe others have recommended trained under him.

Hope this helps. 

Have you considered a VSG?  I, and many others, think it will be the next big thing.  Of course, it depends on your BMI and comorbidities as for as coverage goes.  I had Dr. Schweitzer and he is one of the best surgeons. He's not the most personable person out there, but he is excellent at what he does. I'll take that over a great personality lol.

Thanks everyone for your help! I so appreciate it! I have to look at what the VSG is more in the info. from the meeting. I have Medicare b/c of being disabled since 2001. Partly I'm sure, b/c of the weight causing more symptoms and problems than I would have if I was thinner.

I think the woman Dr. that gave the presentation at J. H. last week was the Dr. you're referring to b/c she did say she was tough...she just had a baby I remember but I missed her name when she said it. 

Best of everything to you all with your success and your new you!!

that is dr. steele. she is awesome and a wonderful surgeon but she did not do ds the last time i heard. but for the other surgeries she is the best in my opinion.

Thanks! My husband liked her at the meeting. He likes her "no nonsense" approach and thinks she would be a good motivator.