Johns Hopkins Obesity Surgery Center Bariatric Center
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9/10/03 - though I was/have been one of his most complicated and difficult cases - he really took good care of me. I would recommend him to everyone in the Baltimore Metro area. Its good to know if things go bad you know you can count on your doctor to go the extra mile. I loved him - he was incredible. He saved my life (in more ways than one)
I know a lot of things have changed (office, fees, staff) but when it comes right down to it, don't you want the most qualified surgeon doing yours?
I am having more surgury at the begining of next year - which includes several severe hernia repairs a tummy tuck and Dr. S is going to take my gallbladder out all at the same time. I am sure everything with him will get fine.
Sharon M
before weight (1/28/02) 316lbs
current weight (9/10/03) 150 lbs
POUNDS LOST 166 lbs!!!!!!
1/24/02 - everything is finally approved - BE ADVISED if you go with Dr. Schweitzer, make sure you are prepared to do most of the work to get approved by you insurance. You NEED to keep on top of paper work and contact the insurance company directly. (If I hadn't called the insurance company I would never have found out they sent a letter to the Dr. office and they didn't get it!) I wouldn't be having surgury this Monday if I didn't take matters into my own hand. Good Luck - feel free to e-mail me if you have questions (if you want to know anything about Dr. Scweitzer or his office)
BTW.. HE IS EXCEPTIONAL!
12/2/01 - I have switched yet again! I just keep asking myself, why have it open if there is a reputable person that will do it lap? So many recommendations - I just have to give myself as much opportunity as possible. This is a huge step I am taking and I have to do what is best for me. I am not good with pain at all. Surgury is still set for January!
12-13-01
I have decided to switch to Dr. Roe. I think his office staff is wonderful and have heard so much positive feed back. He has a wonderful support system which includes meetings in face and yahoo groups. The people actually come visit you. Dawn, the program director got me the approval, she is just incredible! January 8 is my big day!!
I met Dr. Schweitzer the other day. I had wanted him to do the surgury orig. but I couldn't get an appointment with him for 2 months so I met with someone else. I was going to have the other Dr. do the surgury but kept my appointment with Dr. Schweitzer and I am so glad I did.
I was a little taken back by how young he looks but I had heard that about him before I went in. You really have to have an open mind when you go in.
I was not impressed with his office staff at all. I take this all very seriosly and I was irritated by the lack of knowledge or experience the person at the front desk had.
Also, I wasn't sure how through he was about getting information from me. Once I told him I already had insurance approval and a surgury date already set, he was ready to wrap it up. On the other hand, I think he didn't want to insult my intellegence either. Obviosly if I have gotten that far I pretty much know what I am doing.
Over all, I am happy and looking forward to the surgury.
I was very pleased with my surgeon. The initial consultation was thorough, and Dr. Schweitzer listened and heard what I had to say. He really emphasized the aftercare, and made sure I understood the operation and it's risks. He answered all my questions patiently, and took his time to ensure I was ready for this operation. The day of the operation was no different. He was there to answer questions and did not think that I was being childish by asking him not to do staples. He just laughed and assured me he uses stiches and tape. Afterwards, in the hospital, he came in for brief visits, but nothing lengthy. He would be one I would rate the surgical competence as the greater skill, but I was satisfied with both. Now, his secretary/assistant Merry was really nice to work with. I was so sure I was going to drive her crazy with my questiosn and requests for papers to fill out, but she was very patient and very helpful.
My first impression was that Dr. Schweitzer was confident,very business like, didn't want to mess around with alot of B.S. That if you've made up your mind about having surgery then lets get on with the process of getting you approved. My PCP has a great deal of trust in him and I trust his judgement.
I have only seen him once so I don't have a second impression,yet.
The staff was very nice and helpful. I didn't have to wait long, which I thought was great!
Dr. Schweitzer told me to make the necessary appointments with the dietician and psych.
Dr. Schweitzer is the man! I spent three years researching different surgeons and am GLAD I found him! He's a man about his business and that's what I like about him. I don't need the hand-holding from my surgeon; my family takes care of that. I have complete confidence in his abilities and wouldn't have gotten the surgery if he wasn't the one performing it. See his website at: www.smallscar.com
WOW! When I finally met Dr. Magnuson, it was so sureal. I had been waiting so long to get in for my consult, that it felt like i was waiting for Jesus himself to walk through the door. He was extremelt personable and kind. He explained the procedure and my recovery. He also answered my questions and concerns to my satifaction. Most of my worries have been put to rest knowing that Dr. Magnuson will be behind the knife! Special kutos to Andi, in Dr. Magnuson's office. She has been so very helpful and supportive!! THANKS ANDI!
My first impression was professionalism and that has not changed so far. His staff is made up of one personand when you realize how much Mary has your interest at heart you will cut her some slack. That doesn't mean to stop being persistent. Mary does an excellent job. They emphasize after care is a must, not an option. They do have an after care program. All the risks were shown in a movie, and explained by the doctor. So far I would rate them all as top notch professionals in their business. Surgical competence is mandatory and I believe that goes without saying, however there is no excuse for not having a good bedside manner. One they get paid very well for what they do and that after all is part of the job. If I could recommend one major improvement that would be to hire additional staff who should be empowered to give the patient the real reasons why the admin procedures take so long.
Dr Schweitzer looked young I thought he was a resident when I first met him and when I told him that he made a joke about me liking those older doctors. He was very soft spoken at firist.I really like the new office staff he has now at John Hopkins. The transition to Hopkins took some time but moving to a new hospital can be very very difficult. He is well worth the wait and a excellent surgeon. He does want you to have after care and I think he is working on that now to improve the after care program. He gives you ALL the risks many hand outs and you watch a movie on the consultation visit. He talks about all the risks in his consultation visit, pre-op visit and even talks to you about them and right before you go into surgery. I would give Dr. Schweitzer on a scale of 1-10 a 20. He is this the Best. He makes you feel very comfortable he is kind, he listens to every thing you have to say and answers all your e-mails quickly. Dr. Schweitzer gives 100% of his self.I could not ask for a better surgeon. Both his surgical competence and bedside manner are excellent.
I think Dr. Magnuson is exception! I liked him when I first met him for my consult and now I am post op. He was great during my surgery and stay at Hopkins. He made the time to come to my room every day (weekends included) to check on me. I would recommend him to anyone!
WELL IT TOOK SOME TIME TO EVEN GET AN APPOINTMENT WITH "DR. MAG" HOWEVER HE IS A VERY NICE MAN WILLING TO ANSWER ALL MY QUESTIONS. I NEVER FELT RUSHED, AND HE LEFT ME WITH A LOT OF INFORMATION, HIS PHONE NUMBERS AND HIS EMAIL ADDRESS IN CASE I THOUGHT OF SOMETHING ELSE.
ANDI IS DR. MAG'S SECRETARY. SHE IS WONDERFUL. SHE KNOWS WHAT THE INSURANCE COMPANY NEEDS AND SHE HANDLES THIS WELL. MY SURGERY WAS APPROVED AFTER THE FIRST LETTER, THE ONLY ADDITIONAL INFO NEEDED WAS A DIET HISTORY.
I THINK WHAT I LIKED LEAST IS THE WHOLE PROCESS HAS TAKEN QUITE SOME TIME. MY FIRST MEETING WITH DR. MAG WAS 10/8/02 AND MY SURGERY IS 4/28/03. I THINK FUTUR PATIENTS SHOULD KNOW THIS IS NOT A QUICK AND EASY PROCESS. HOWEVER I AM GREATFUL TO HAVE MY TURN COMING UP SOON.