Johns Hopkins Obesity Surgery Center Bariatric Center

Dr. Magnuson is very compassionate. He took a real interested in me as an individual. His staff is also very considerate.
I have only had my consultation, I had to appeal with my insurance co.(Aetna US Healthcare) 2 times before they approved me.

Dr. Magnuson was very informative about the surgery. He was able to answer all of my questions, and boy did I have a lot. Before I was seen for my consultation, his office sent me a book of information that was very informative and in debth about the surgery (RNY), nutrition, follow up care, etc..
Althought I initally thought I would be able to have the surgery laproscopically Dr. Magnuson explain why he doesn't choose to perform that way.

Best of luck and wish everyone success in their persuit for a healthier life.

<font color=660099>OK, I finally met with Dr. Schweitzer today -- and he really does look as young as everyone says. :) Anyway, I found him very easy to talk to, he answered all my questions and made me feel good about my decision to move forward with WLS.
7/30/01 I haven't been to see Dr. Schweitzer yet -- still waiting. My appointment is October 10th -- which seems like two years away instead of two months at this point I may call next week and see if they can try to fit me in if someone cancels. I've heard very good things about Dr. Schweitzer and am looking forward to meeting him.</font>

I had my consult with Dr. Schweitzer on 09/07/01. He was great, much younger than I expected him to be, but appeared to be very knowlegable. He was very pleasant and relaxed and ready to answer any questions I had. I felt very comfortable talking with him. His office staff was very pleasant and courteous. The thing I like least about him is that his office is so far from where I live. He explained his aftercare program and the absolute necessity for it. He had a video that explained a lot about the types of surgeries he does and the risk and pros and cons of each while that I viewed while I was waiting. He even gave me two pamphlets that explained everything he went over in the consult Overall, I would definately rate him outstanding. I was ready to check in that day for surgery, but have to wait until 10-01-01 when the new morbid obesity surgery law goes into effect. Of course surgical competence is the best, but I prefer both surgical competence and bedside maner.

I am not happy with what happen during my operation.

My first impression of Dr. Schweitzer was that he appeared to be very competent and knowledgeable, he took his time in explaining the different types of surgery and the pros and cons of each. I must say that I was very impressed, the handbook that he gives you has a great deal of information pre op and post op. I am waiting for insurance decision.

Met with Dr. Schweitzer on 11/14. Waited almost 2 months. I got there early and they took me right in. After I met with the doctor I met with the dietitian.He wants me to see a councelor because I have an eating problem. I was hoping to have surgery in mid Dec but looks like it will be in jan. Will be home by myself alot. Should be able to have lap, unless he doesn't have enough room to work.
Along with the film you see he also gives much literature to read. Most of it you can get off of his web sight. smallscar.com. Get a head start and be informed when you go in.

I only met with Dr. Schweitzer once. I really didn't form an opinion after just one meeting. Right now I am very upset with his office. I have always had to call them, sometimes not even getting a return call. Even after they received the insurance authorization no one called me. I finally called and was given a surgery date of 11/26/01. I needed to see a hematologist (I had a pulmonary embolism), a copy of my sleep study (I have sleep apnea) and a psych evaluation, all of which I've taken care of. I called today to see what the next step was since I thought it odd I hadn't heard from anyone. I was told they had no record of my surgery date and I would have to wait until 12/17. My life has been rearranged based on this surgery not to mention my coworkers, my husband, kids, the holidays etc. I am not real happy at the moment. This is my personal opinion and I hope it is not an indication of the way things are normally handled.

Dr. Schweitzer was wonderful! He was informative, made me feel comfortable and was willing to talk and answer any questions I had. His Post Op presence was great I saw him everyday, and his team of residents usually twice a day! The few questions I have had since coming home have been answered promplty. A great find!!!

I had my consult visit with Dr. Schweitzer last Friday (Nov 9th). The ladies at the office were very friendly. The office is very clean and nice, I waited no longer than two minutes to be called on. First you view a video, then get your weight, and then you talk with the doctor. He was very nice and helpful, answered all my questions on different types of proceedures and even cracked a few jokes. I asked about getting a psychological doctors appointment and a physical done, he said that all I needed was an appointment with a dietician. He is very serious about after care and stresses how important it is. Unfortunately I went to him because I wanted the operation done with lazors but I'm too overweight, over 400 lbs. so I will be getting the big cut.
Overall he had a great staff, wondeful and pleasent looking office, and he made you feel very comfortable.

I found Dr. Schweitzer to be very personable and thorough in describing the surgery and possible outcomes including side effects. He questioned me in depth about my medical history and requested a sleep study for sleep apnea and bloodwork to test for H. pylorie (which is known to cause ulcers). He sent my paperwork in immediately to my insurance company to ":get the ball rolling". I am comfortable with him. Aftercare is very important to him and he expects to see his post-op patients regularly. He was very honest about the difficulty in getting the insurance company to approve me.