New here - Has anyone had RNY surgery with Dr. Michael Schweitzer?

 Hi, all. I'm very new here and this is my first post. I am considering bariatric surgery and have an appointment with Dr. Michael Schweitzer in early August. My plan covers only RNY and the gastric band. I was very disappointed to learn this as I would have preferred to have VSG surgery. Since I need to lose well over 100 lbs. I feel that RNY would be the best choice of the two. However, I fear that it is far too drastic and invasive, as well as that I might experience so many unbearable side effects that my life post-surgery would be miserable.


I would like to hear from anyone who has had RNY surgery with Dr. Schweitzer in particular, as well as from those who have experienced it with other surgeons. I know that Dr. Schweitzer is a very well-regarded surgeon, so I have no doubt of his expertise. I guess what I want to know is, are my fears of horrible complications overblown? My views are shaped by knowing two individuals who had RNY surgery and had problems with vomiting, dumping and nutritional deficiencies. One in particular was terribly miserable and suffered quite a lot. If I had a choice between her fate and remaining obese, I would definitely continue to live with my fat. I would appreciate it if anyone could tell me what I can reasonably expect after surgery. Thanks in advance for any guidance you can give me. 

I know that he is a very very skilled surgeon. I had dr. steele, his collegue and she was awesome! i have had no issues at all. i do dump when i eat too much of the wrong thing but i can control that by eating better. i think if you are educated on your choice and eat enough protein/take your vitamins, you can keep the health issues at bay. but i do think that age plays a factor as well. i think the older you are, the higher probability of problems down the road. you have to look at each case individually and figure out what is the surgery and what is the person. Hope that helps!

Thanks for replying, Nicole. My PCP referred me to Dr. Steele but Bayview assigned me to Dr. Schweitzer instead. I know that I will be responsible for eating correctly and managing my own nutrition. However, my friend for some reason could tolerate very few foods and would vomit on even small amounts. Her case may have been extreme but it still makes me wary of the surgery. I guess I will have to ask many questions of my doctor and do as much research as I can before deciding. 

i personally think that some surgeons are the cause of all the complications. it may just be she had a bad surgeon. but if she is having that tough a time, they need to go and fix it. i hope she has done that!

dr. steele is either about to have a baby or just had it. so you missed out. she is wonderful. i have no complications at all. i think bayview has really wonderful surgeons. you are in very good hands. and yes education about nutritional requirements really really helps!

My insurance also only covered RNY or Lapband but I was approved for a VSG after an appeal was filed.  Dr. Schweitzer did my VSG and I had a very good experience as far as surgery goes.  His staff can be a bit trying and I found I had to practically badger them to get things done at times.  I have no regrets.  I would recommend you create a list of questions to take with you when you meet with him the first time.  He does kind of breeze in and out of rooms but he always answered my questions and checked to see if my husband had any questions.  Good luck on your journey.

I had RNY with Dr. Schweitzer.  It has been nothing but a fantastic journey!!!

I had RNY with Dr. McKenna (not affiliated with Johns Hopkins) and have never looked back.  ANY surgery is invasive - its surgery. 

I've had no complications whatsoever from my surgery.  I've lost 104 pounds in 8 months, and have gotten rid of all my co-morbidities - joint pain, sleep apnea, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and confirmation as of yesterday that my coronary artery disease is REGRESSING after a heart attack 7 years ago today.

I do dump, so I avoid sugar.  No big deal.  It's nothing I can't live with, and honestly, eating sweets got me over 300 pounds to begin with, so though I miss an occasional cookie, I have found more appropriate substitutes.

Personally, for me, it wasn't a matter of the consequences of having the RNY, it was the consequences of NOT having the RNY that scared me the most.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

I had surgery w/Dr. Gandsas who used to be with Sinai and I had the RNY 9 months ago yesterday.  I haven't had any issues.  I get nauseous occasionally if I eat too much, I don't touch sugar cause I don't want to expierence dumping and I followed my nutritionists guidelines to a tee.  I did what they told me to do and when they told me to and I have lost 140lbs in 9 months.  It's the best decision I've ever made.  Good luck to you!! 

It is unfortunate that two of your friends have had vomiting, dumping and nutritional deficiencies; however, could it be because neither of them followed the rules for WLS?  While dumping is a possibility for many of us who have had RNY, I think you will find that most of us on this board are quite pleased and thankful for our RNY and that most of us are not "miserable and suffering".  I've never experienced any problems, have never even vomited -- and I continue to follow the rules of my surgeon and nutritionist.  You need to look at your choice as a whole and not from the experience of one or two people.  I wish you the best in your decision. 

I had RNY with Dr. S in Feb and it has been a great.  I follow my plan and I have seen results, no complications thus far.  He is really great!  If you are interested you can read the reviews about him on OH... there are a ton.  Also if you ever have any specific questions you can feel free to message me.  Also the whole bayview team is great!  Christine is wonderful (she is the program manager) and Margaret (NUT) is fun, carefree, but full of knowledge.  The whole team makes the experience great, and I highly recommend going to support groups both before and after... I learned a lot at these groups.