Dr. Greene or Dr. Schweitzer

Hello all, I am in the process of trying to get the lapband. I have a consultation scheduled for Feb with Dr. Schweitzer at Johns Hopkins. I have been thinking I may want to switch doctors. I like the fact that Dr. Greene has so much after care support and seperates his lapband folks from RNY for support groups. I'm scared I will not be diciplined enough to do this alone. Need to know: 1. How your experience has been with him 2. When did you have your surgery and how much have you lost? 3. What do you wish was different about his program etc. 4. Any other info you think I need to know. All of your responses will be truly appreciated. Thank you for your time. Cristina

I am not a patient of either nor did I have the lap band. I had the Lap RNY. I did start out as a patient of Dr. Schweitzers trying to get the Lap RNY but couldn't get approval with him through BC/BS so I went to Dr. Kligman and have been thrilled with the aftercare. Both of the practices you have chosen have excellent reps and after care as well. These days I hear that Dr. Greenes program is very comprehensive. I think they might even have an exercise group? Maybe some of his patients will come out and talk more about it. Both seem to have well established support groups. I think you should compare the after care programs as your major determinng factor. Maybe you can attend both support groups and see if you get a feel from that too. With regards to asking patients when was there surgery and how much have they lost - keep in mind every patient also starts out at different weights and will lose at different rates so I would not use that as a deciding factor. Good Luck!

Stayce, Thank you for taking the time to respond. You're right, I think I will make time to personally check out both of the after care groups and see where I feel most at home. And yeah I know everyone is different in their weight loss....I guess I just like getting excited about the possibilities

Cristina, I am an RNY patient of Dr. Greene, but have met several of his lap band patients, and know that they've been very satisfied with his overall patient care. Dr. Greene is a strong advocate of long-term patient support, including participation in his support groups. Having an effective support group system is, I believe, a critical component of any program you pursue. I've read many positive words about both Drs. Greene and Schweitzer on the message board. My suggestion to you is that if your schedule permits you to do so, you should thoroughly interview both doctors, and investigate their pre- and post-surgical support group programs including, as Stacye suggested, attending the groups. Regardless of which WLS surgery you pursue, they require long-term (lifetime) changes, and you need to make the decision as to what will work best for you. Good luck, Leesa

Thank you Leesa! Yeah I think you are also right. One of the main reasons Dr. Greene caught my eye was because it is obvious he is really into after care and support. I will continue to check out both of them and see. I plan to attend the Dec 1st Lapband meeting with Dr. Greene. Thanks for you response.

I had surgery with Schweitzer - Love the man, can't say enough good things about him and how he performed my surgery. If I could be a poster child for him, I would Good Luck with yuor decision! Patty 7/9/04 279.9/134 - past goal

Hi Patty, I have visited your profile several times. You look great!!! Thank you for your response. I like the fact that Dr. S is known for being one of the best!. My concern is that I think he groups his RNY and Lapband folks together in group. Correct me if I'm wrong. I'm a member of another support group also...So I guess I just need to weigh all the factors and see what happens. Thank you again

Kristina, you've got two good ones there..... Dr. Schweitzer put in my lapband, though, so I know him much better..... absolutely think the world of him. I too wish that he had separate support groups, and in fact i have talked to him about it. He apparently tried one before he had enough bandsters to keep it going, and might try again. In the meantime, allow me to say that I am so pleased with his care. Unlike many other surgeons, Dr. S listens to what I have to say, and has adjusted his plans when I've had good reason and solid argument. I think that's invaluable. Drop me a note if you'd like to talk more. Barbara

Cristina, I got a Lap-Band from Dr. Schweitzer in September. I was very pleased with both him and John's Hopkins Bayview. I've had very little after-care, but not much has been needed. I went in to see his nurse Pat a few weeks ago for an adjustment (fill) and she is great. Also, his secretary Debbie has been super sweet and very good about helping in any way she can. I'd recommend him. As far as emotional support, I got a "band-buddy" from this forum, and that has been wonderful. She and I email each other with encouragement and updates and it has helped as much as any group meeting (which I don't have much time for anyway) Hope this helps - Good Luck with your journey! Sarah

Sarah, Thank you for your response. Can you tell me which band he gave you? Is it true he doesn't require a pre-op diet? Thanks for sharing your experience with me. Cristina