Johns Hopkins Obesity Surgery Center Bariatric Center

Dr.Schweitzer is modest, soft-spoken, and no-nonsense. He makes no promises, only giving one options to think about. He encourages patients to learn as much as possible about WLS before making any decisions and honestly states whether or not he can meet the patient's expectations. His method of interaction remains unchanged in the followup appointments, tailoring his comments to the individual progress of the patient. The office staff is excellent, responding quickly and efficiently to all requests. I have no criticism of the surgeon himself but would be happier with a "tighter" postop management by his team; I personally feel that the dietary and supplement guidelines are too lenient, giving patients a false sense of security about the postop lifestyle. Dr.Schweitzer himself is more realistic about guiding his patients in the unfortunately little time he actually meets with them and emphasizes the importance of compliance with aftercare instructions and utilizing the monthly support meetings. The risks of surgery were enumerated and thoroughly explained in the preop (downloaded) packet, in writing on the operative consents, and in person both in consultation and immediately preoperatively in the hospital's pre-anesthesia area. Dr.Schweitzer leaves no subject open to speculation yet his demeanor instills quiet confidence. I would give Dr.Schweitzer an excellent rating overall. Any mention of him within the Johns Hopkins hospitals "community" elicits praise for him as the "guru of laparoscopic surgery" and an exemplary teacher. The only deficit that I can articulate would be that he doesn't personally spend enough time with postop patients in hospital once his "work" is done, though it was obvious to me (as not only a patient but also a healthcare professional) that his postop management staff are extremely well-trained to deal with all possible occurrences in the recovery period before sending the patient home.

I am completely confident in his abilities. Many here have commented on Dr. S. lack of a beside manner. I cannot comment on that opinion as I was not looking for a friend but for an expert surgeon; I believe I found it in him. His team, particulary physician assistant Pat and dietician Ashli, are very knowledgeable and friendly.

I was very impressed with Dr. Schweitzer during my consult and his staff was the best. He was very friendly, polite and knowledgable. He respected my understanding of the procedure and provided information to fill in the blanks. He seems to be very competent and confident; a necessary combination. I look forward to him being my surgeon. Having done thorough research, I know he's the best in the MD/DC/VA area.

Direct, to the point and seems like a nice guy. Good bed-side manner. I just wished that he would be able to take more time with his patients. In the hospital, I was able to see and speak to the interns and residents more than him. I also, felt like I had to repeat everything to each one of them. I had a complication after surgery and had to return to the hospital, he was not immediately available to oversee my care. This led to a horrific experience in the ER radiology department. In hindsite, I would make sure he was notified and that at the very least an intern or resident that works with him would be present in the ER. Overall he is an excellent doctor and I would highly recommend him. His office recently lost his main secretary so I do not know how that is going. It was difficult for me to reach the new one to schedule my 6 month follow up. My case has been unique because I live 2 1/2 to 3 hours from his office and the hospital. The biggest complaint that I have is the co-ordination of care between my primary care doctor and Dr. Schweitzer.

Dr. Magnuson was great. He answered all the question I had. He made me fel very confortable with him doing my surgery. Once the surgery is done he comes to visit his patients every day. He told me about all the risk and gave me information to read about the surgery. Over all I give him a A+.

Dr Magnuson encouraged me the first day I met him. He made me feel at ease right away. His surgical nurse has been the person I have always seen since my surgery and she has been helpful also. The only thing that I have wondered is why I have not seen the doctor since my surgery. I realize that he is extremely busy, but it would be nice to see him on occasion. I found Dr. Magnuson to be very professional and like him very much and would highly recommend him for this surgery. His office took care of getting the approval from the insurance company and was an easy process for me. They took care of everything. Dr Magnuson completely explained the possible risks of the surgery and also gave me a written explanation of what to expect. He is a very busy doctor and it took almost two years after my first visit to actually have the surgery scheduled. The only good thing about that is that you have time to be sure that this surgery is the right thing for you.

First impression was that he was a typical surgeon--not very personable, a bit gruff, but--hey--if he gets the job done, I'm all over him. Who needs all the silly small-talk anyway? He seemed to loosen up quite a bit in the hospital, though. My mom REALLY liked him, and a good family friend pointed out that his engineering degree (undergrad) very likely helps out with problem solving in his now-medical context. Anyway, I was (and continue to be) extremely confident in this surgeon. There has, however, been some recent personnel turnover in his office, and so I have been having some pretty serious difficulty scheduling my first post-op appointment (supposed to be 2 weeks after discharge). His NP has been assisting with this and I will be able to work it out, though.

FIRST IMPRESSION

Dr. Magnuson was very friendly with a great personality. I loved his sense of humor. I'm looking forward to future dealing with him.

Not only was I impressed with Dr Magnuson when I first met him, but his office staff is incredible as well. After a 6month wait to see Dr. Magnuson I had my 1st appointment on July 3, 2001. His staff got my surgery approved immediately. The only problem was the Dr. was booked until after January 2002. My insurance would not approve into a new year so Dr Magnuson opened up a new day, that he had scheduled off and did my surgery for me. Dr Magnuson was very thorough and encouraged me to research the surgery. Having this surgery was the best decision I ever made. I am now 3 years post-op and down 150 pounds. 1 year after bypass surgery I had a tummy tuck at the same hospital and once again was very impressed with the surgeon (Dr. Michele Shermak), her staff and the staff at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center. I would do it all again in a heartbeat!

MY EXPERIENCE W\DR SCHWEIZTER WAS VERY POSITIVE. HE WAS VERY NICE & DID NOT SEEM RUSHED. THE NEGATIVE THING IS THAT HE'S NOT IN MY INS PROGRAM, SO I HAVE TO PAY THE FULL SURGERY FEE THEN FILE W\MY INS CO TO GET ALL BUT 20% BACK. THE 20% I HAVE TO PAY ON MY OWN. NOT EASY AT THIS TIME BUT I LIKED THE EXPERIENCE DR S HAS.