Johns Hopkins Obesity Surgery Center Bariatric Center
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I initially contacted Dr. Schweitzer after visiting his website (www.smallscar.com). I sent him an e-mail providing a little bit of information about myself and asking if I might be a good candidate for WLS. He responded the very next day! When I called his office in November, 2001, I was very disappointed to find out that the first consult appointment I could get was the end of January!
When the date for my consultation finally arrived, I was glad I'd waited. After checking in, I was invited into a room and left to view a video describing weight loss surgery processes. Having done a great deal of research on my own, I knew most of the information, but the video also emphasized Dr. Schweitzer's specific instructions. After watching the video, an assistant (nurse?) took me back for the weigh-in and showed me to an exam room where I waited for the doctor.
Although my processing by his office staff seems to have been a whirlwind, Dr. Schweitzer is a caring professional who has a great balance of candor and sensitivity.
We discussed my personal circumstances and he emphasized both the benefits and risks of the surgery. He requires a visit with a Nutritionist, which can be scheduled through his office if you choose to go to his Nutritionist (Yvonne).
I left the office with literature about the procedure and aftercare, an appointment with the Nutritionist, instructions to see a Psychiatrist for an evaluation, and wishes of "good luck" for gaining insurance approval.
Overall, I am very pleased to have Dr. Schweitzer as my surgeon and trust in his ability. The administrative stuff that I did on my own (insurance approval, etc.) was well worth the benefit of having such a skilled surgeon. My only disappointment is the wait. Now that I have obtained insurance approval, my surgery has been "tentatively" scheduled for AUGUST!
Dr. Schweitzer is a top notch surgeon with an overworked, undertrained staff. He is not exactly the warm and fuzzy type either, but he is an excellent surgeon. He's also very much in demand. I understand there's now an 12 month plus wait for an initial consultation. My impression of Dr. Schweitzer is that he's no-nonsense, very straightforward, and non-judgemental. One thing you must know before choosing him... you must be willing to take command of your own case. You can not wait for his staff to take care of things for you. If you call, and you don't get a return call in an hour, call again. You need to bug them every step of the way. Even with my persistence, it took three weeks for them to mail the letter to my insurance company, and almost two weeks after getting approval for the scheduling secretary to call me back to schedule my surgery date. I had to chase paperwork the day before surgery, because the office claimed they hadn't received the results of my pre-op physical. As far as the surgery, everything went off without a hitch. I have experienced no complications, and he did the procedure laparoscopic. Now, I saw him all of 30 seconds outside of the operating room, but the roving hoard of residents at Sinai took good care of me, and relayed little messages from him while I was there. Aftercare??? I downloaded the post op instructions from his web site. Otherwise, I would have been clueless.
Bottom line. Excellent surgeon for someone who is willing and able to take command of their own care.
P.S. He reads and responds to his e-mail. Definitely a plus when you get frustrated with his staff.
My Dr. is wonderful. He is very nice and helpful. There was need for improvment with his office staff however he has already made that improvment and it is much better. He is very big on aftercare particularly family support.
I have met Dr. Magnuson twice and although very busy he has been very affable and put me to ease at once! I have heard from other post-op patients of his through a Support Group for Dr. Magnuson's patients. All of the comments that I heard so far have been glowing! He even made time to meet my mom, who is my main support person and she felt much better about my fate after meeting Dr. Magnuson. My surgery is scheduled for next week on 5/13/02. After my surgery and recovery period I will have more information to report about my surgeon.
My first impression of Dr. Schweitzer is that he is a very very knowledgeable man.He was very prompt in answering all my questions. He made me feel very confident in the decesion Iam making far as surgery goes.He eased all the fears I was having about surgery and assureed me that I was in good hands. As for his staff they were ok a little slow but ok.
My first inpression of Dr. S was that he was very well informed in this field and knows his stuff. He was very willing to answer all my questions and took his time doing so to make sure that I understood what he was saying. His office staff has been helpful althrough I had to call them just about everyday to get the ball rolling and get the approval process going I was finally approved Thank God and it wasn't bad at all.
To me he didn't seem to be all that tall or young looking that might be because we are the same age but not the same height.LOL
He was very personable, friendly and warm. He told me about the surgery. Asked if I had any questions. Answered the ones I had. But I just got the impression he was rushing. The entire encounter was a brief 10 minutes. It takes 2 hours for me to drive there. And I was there on time, but had to wait for his office staff to arrive for my 8:00 am appointment, which they did at 8:10.
As long as he is competent at what he does, and I hear he is very good, that is what is important.
Laid back, I was amazed at his matter of fact like attitude and it put me at ease. Now I kind of wish that he were a little more available for things that might not be a big deal but are still questions. Unfortunately the office staff leave a lot to be desired, I realize that they're busy but you have to keep on them. If you are considering this doctor know that the best way to communicate with him is via email. Aftercare is pretty much a packet of instructions, it's best to know this inside & out. Though he doesn't have a structured aftercare program we the patients have formed a support group that often helps. Risks of surgery were explained in a video and in paperwork. Overall I would rate him as an excellent surgeon for patients that don't need a lot of hand holding. His surgical competence is definitely the highest in the state MD as he is one of few who perform this surgery laporscopically and the only one with years of experience.
His staff was courteous. They sent me multiple copies of the pre-reading materials and medical forms. Dr. Schweitzer explained things in detail and was very patient with all of our questions. I feel good thus far about my decision.
The above comment is about Dr. Michael Schweitzer-- I have changed surgeons.
I am now working with Dr. Thomas Magnuson. After months of going back and forth between Cigna and Dr.S's office I finally gave up. I waited 3 months for my initial consultation with Dr.S, then another 2 1/2 months going round and round determining if Dr.S would be covered by Cigna, only to finally find out that I needed to use another surgeon. Although I felt quite confident regarding Dr.S's surgical abilities, working with his staff was a Circus. For that reason alone I should have moved on much sooner than I did.
I have gotten my new referral to Dr.Magnuson, with the help of my very helpful PCP office. Dr.Magnuson has approved me as a good candidate now I am waiting for the scheduler to call me to set up my first surgical consultation. It seems this process may take a bit of time. I may not get a consult till Jan or Feb. At this point I am willing to wait if it means my case will be handled with competence.
Jan 02' update- Dr. Magnuson couldn't even fit me in for a consult until July. While exploring other options, I discovered that Dr. S had been re-contracted with CIGNA. I contacted his secretary who got the ball rolling again. Within a week of submitting my paperwork I got an approval! Yeah!!
March 02'-- I had my surgery 2/25. Dr. S was great. The nursing staff at Sinai had great things to say about him. I felt like I was in very competent hands. At two weeks post-op I have had no complications and am feeling great.