Johns Hopkins Obesity Surgery Center Bariatric Center
I found him to be very pleasent and easy to talk to. He doesn't make you feel guilty just because you're over weight. He appears to really care for his patients. I'm still in the initial stages and have only seen him once. he gives you his e-mail and encourages you to e-mail him and he stated he will answer your questions. His office staff has only been helpful and informative. The only negative I nhave is how long I had to wait for an appointmet (8mon) and it may be another 7 mon before I can exspect to have the surgery schediled if and when the insurance company agrees to it.
Dr. Schweitzer was very understanding and helpful. If I had any questions he was more than happy to answer them for me. His staff is very friendly and helpful also. They helped me anyway out they could. There was nothing about this doctor I did not like. I would recommend him to anyone. He is very alert and careful. Dr. Schweitzer and his staff are absolutely wonderful. They are very understanding and compassionate.
I had my first visit with Dr. Schweitzer on July 10th 2002. I met Dr. Schweitzer and he asked me a few questions and told me that if I was a sweet-eater I would have better results with the LAP RNY. I was flabergasted! My mind went blank. I wasn't prepared for that...Thank God for email. He answers his own email...I have never known a Dr. that had email. I found him very knowledgable, professional, factual and confident. I have sent many emails and he answers every one!!!!
I HAD THE PLEASURE OF MEETING DR.MAGNUSON ONCE BUT MY FIRST INPRESSING WAS ENOUGH TO MAKE ME FEEL VERY CONFORTABLE .HE EXPLAINED THINGS TO ME VERY WELL GAVE ME THINGS TO READ OVER TO HELP ME UNDERSTAND MORE ABOUT THE SUGEREY. HIS OFFICE RETURN EVERY ONE OF MY CALLS AND ANDI IS A DOLL. SHE IS SO FRIENLY AND SHE ALWAYS SAYS IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTION PLEASE FEEL FREE TO TALK TO THE DOCTOR. SHE KEEP ME INFORM ON WHAT WAS GOING ON WITH THE INSURENCE AND WHAT TO EXPECT. TODAY WHICH IS FEB 11 2003 WAS THE FIRST SUPPORT MEETING I ATTENED ,WHERE I RECEIVE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS WEB SITES. THE PEOPLE WERE FRIENLY AND WERE ALSO PATIENTS OF DR.MAGNUSON AND SPOKE VERY HIGHTLY OF HIM AND HIS STAFF. I WOULD NOT HESTATE TO SPARE THIS WITH ANYONE THAT IS THINKING ABOUT HAVING THIS DONE.
I met Dr. Magnuson in Sept. of 2002. He was very nice and took the time to answer 2 pages worth of questions. Andi, his assistant, was very helpful, and never made me feel like I was pestering her. I had read some negative things about her, so I tried a different approach with her. Every time we moved from one stage to another, I always asked her it would be good for me to call her back. This seemed to work very well for both of us. For example, she told me it would take about 2 weeks to get the notes from the hospital and then to type the letter to the insurance. So I called back in two weeks and found out what the next step was, and called back in another week.
<p align="left">Dr.Magnuson is a very kind,soft spoken man,that never once made me feel ashamed or embarrassed. My total expierience has been great so far. Dr.Magnuson really takes a personal interest in my well being,as he does all of his patients.For me,He has been the answer to my prayers.(Someone that really cares)The aftercare is great and the support is phanominal. Very structured program.It took me a very long time to get my initial consult with Dr Magnuson,but let me be the first to say(he was definately worth the wait)Only downfall has been the office staff. Andi which is Dr.Magnusons secretary is totally overloaded with paper-work,but I must say ,she is very helpful and relly knows her stuff,shes just overworked.I would surely reccomend this wonderfull Doctor to all of you just starting to research Gastric bypass surgery. His surgical competence and bedside manners are excelent. If I can be of any additional help,please e-mail me and never give up your dreams.
My surgeon is going to Dr. Michael Schweitzer of Sinai Hosp. in Baltimore
Dr. S was great he explained everything and answered all my questions. He made everything seem so simple. He has assured me that things are a lot easier if made plain and simple. So far I have found his words of simplicity to be true.
Dr. S staff was great, they all seem well informed about the process and for the most part they can answer any general question about befor and after care and procedures.
Currently the hospital will not support Dr. S idea of having a suppot group meet at the hospital, but he is changing hospitals, which he says will bring about several new changes that will be for the betterment of the patients. HE is going to Johns Hopkins as of Feb 1. As for bedside manner, I didn't see as much of Dr. S aftr surgery as I saw his staff of doctors. I did see him once daily. I would say that surgical competence would be of the greatest importance, certainly any undesireable bedside manner can be addressed later, but an incompetent surgen could cost someone thir life.