Johns Hopkins Obesity Surgery Center Bariatric Center

My surgical consult was July 19th. My first impression was that he is very young! But he also is obviously very knowledgable and personable. The consult went very smoothly, it actually started earlier than the appointment (how often does that happen?) and only took 45 minutes. He does rely on you reading materials he provides on his web-site about surgical risk, so there was little discussion of that. He talked to me about my surgery choice and how my eating habits could affect my success and emphasized that I would have to change my habits. I think the only thing that could have been done to enhance the process today was to have something that laid out who I would talk to and what types of questions each would be able to answer and what would happen after I left. I met with Dr. Schweitzer the morning of surgery and he walked through the risks quickly and met my mom. He stopped and updated my mom when the surgery was over. His surgical assistant came by that evening and went over incision care and post-op instructions. All in all, I felt very comfortable that I was in competent hands and his staff have been helpful and competent. If I had it to do over again, I would make the same choice for my surgeon.

Dr. Magnuson was wonderful on my consult. He took all the time I needed. My mother was very hesitant. Once she met him and asks alot of questions, she gave me her blessing on the surgery and had the utmost confidence in Dr. Magnuson. I havn't had much dealing with the office staff. Andi, Dr. Magnuson's secretary was overworked and I understand she is no longer with him. He has a new secretary named Jeanne. I was able to contact her to confirm she received nutrition and psych reports and that everything was ready to be filed thru insurance. She was already doing a letter to my PCP advising him of his part pre-op. Bayview offers a support group once a month. I think that it will be necessary to attend to stay on track.

He was fine, he did his job and well, that's all that mattered to me. His secretary was very reliable and knowledgeable in tgis field. His P.A. was also very helpful and concerned. If you are seeking his services, just be prepared and well informed of this procedure. Dr Schweitzer sends you home with easy after care instructions..just follow them. All the risks are on his web-site, he outlines them again, but also wants you to do your homework. Overall Dr. Schweitzer is a very skilled surgeon and a blessing to this field of bariatric surgery.

The only advice I could offer Dr Schweitzer, try to relaxe your patients a little before the surgery...after all, you have their lives in your hands.

I had my visit with Dr. Schweitzer on August 17, 2004. I had ready postings by others so I was prepared for my visit. He was very nice and informative. He asked questions as he read the materials I provided to him regarding weight loss attempts, medical issues, etc.

His staff - especially Merry is top notch. She has helped me each step of the way.

Dr. Schweitzer's website is top notch. Any questions or concerns you have are completely written out for you.

I was so impressed with every aspect of my visit. I have spoken with his staff several times and they have always been very helpful, but meeting them in person was just as pleasant. Dr. S was very friendly which came as a bit of surprise because I have read where he is not the touchy feely type. I felt he explained everything well and was very supportive of my decision. He is also rather young looking ( I have read this alot!) but not like the Doogie Howser kind of young. It was a wonderful visit and I look forward to moving forward on my journey with Dr. S as my guide.

My first impression of Dr Magnuson was wow he is gorgeous. Professionally speak, he speaks very and is definitely to the point. He was interested in my knowledge of the procedure both negative and positive. He also would like you to be just a little more informed than you beleive you are(even though we could write a book from extensive research).
I have not gottent o the over time part but I am truly known for my ability to access a true heart on the first meeting. The staff, well, let's say that good people surrounds themselves with good people. They are very professional people. On my first visit, the staff treated me with kind familiarity.I was impressed and at ease. Wll to be honest that he did not say let me do this surgery today while you are here(LOL).
For future first timers, be patient , listen and follow his directions because his directions are for his staff/office.
First he emphasized pre-care(physically,emotionally,mentally, spiritually and socially)before recommending after care.The literature and ore extensive research but academically and experientially.
From the literature and word of mouth I inclined to believe that he has an excellent aftercare program. I am looking forward to his program.
he did not skip around any risk factors. H spoke frankly with great concern for the patient. He did not leave out any of the risk such as clotting, heart, ifections, emergency surgery, and some other possible risk which can occur if the weight remains.
Overall, my first impression was great.
I believe that first I must fell comfortable with placing my life in your hands. Second I should have my homework completed about the surgeons history before I sign on the dotted line. Please I hope the provide has both. If not the surgial competence is great. Let the nurses be kind and sweet.

Direct & to the point.
Don't know for I have only seen him once.
His staff is great.
Probably his mannerism. Thought he would be a little more friendly/congenial.
Very much.
Yes
In depth.
Good
Don't know for I have not had my surgery yet.

Dr. Magnuson is the best doctor out there he is great, he really makes you feel like your the only pt he has. I cant say enough about this man he changed my life forever. i would rate him a 10!!

My experience as a patient of Dr. Schewitzer has been very positive. To begin with, as I'm sure we all do, I tried to look obnjectively and carefully for a surgeon with knowledge and experise in the field. I looked at experience, credentials and statistics. I looked for someone who was genuine, easy to approach and was comfortable and willing to answer questions. Dr. Schweitzer has a nice sense of humor, which went a very long way in making me feel at ease and this process more comfortable. Outside of a few minor miscommunications and misunderstandings, Dr. Schweitzer's office staff was thorough, informative and friendly. Dr. Schweitzer emphasized and outlined a good structured aftercare plan, and the risks of surgery were addressed both on the web site and with me persoally. He has offered me the support and much valuable infoirmation, so I could understand what it is that I need to do to take good care of myself. Overall, I would rate Dr. Schweitzer as an excellent surgeon. His bedside manner and surgical skills have impressed me a great deal

I WAS VERY IMPRESSED WITH HIM AND HIS STAFF. I AM REALLY JUST STARTING OUT. BUT HIS STAFF WORKED VERY HARD AT GETTING MY INSURANCE COMPANY TO APPROVE THE SURGERY. I AM TO SEE A DIETITIAN AND PSYC TOMORROW. HE MADE ME WELL AWARE OF THE SURGICAL RISKS. I HAVEN'T EXPERIENCED HIS BEDSIDE MANNER BUT I HAVE A GREAT DEAL OF CONFIDENCE IN SURGICAL COMPETENCE.