Johns Hopkins Obesity Surgery Center Bariatric Center

My first impression of Dr Schweitzer was...wow he's actually taller than me (I'm 6'1") and he looks as tired as I feel. He has a pre-video that you watch, that covers WLS basics. He's very nice, asks questions, makes sure you understand what it is you are pursuing. He has an exceptionally informative web page AND he gives you handouts that are loaded with very useful info. He fielded every question I had with patience, concern and interest in *ME* and my particular situation. I had several things that could have made this surgery a real problem. He addressed those issues in way I was comfortable with. His office staff is helpful and nice. Going great!!!!

I am very pleased with Dr. Schweitzer. On my first visit he made me feel very comfortable. I felt he was very informative and up front. I have communicated with him a few times via e-mail and he always responded the same day. I was told by my insurance company that I was not going to be able to use him because he was out of our "network", luckily that changed. I would have been very dissapointed if he was not my surgeon. His staff has always been very pleasant and helpful. They never made me feel as if I was bothering them.

I haven't met Dr. Schweitzer yet, but I have communicated with him via e-mail. He responds within 24 hours and answered all questions I put to him.

Met with Dr Schweitzer on Wed-He seemed warm and very confident without being arrogant.Had an occassion to e-mail him a question and he responded with=in 24 hrs.I
am also having my gall baldder removed,a hyatal hernia repaired and he thought,since I once had phlebitus,that it was imporatant to put a filter in my vein so aa blood clot could not travel...was impressed with this.
Watched a vide and was given literature that addressed the first 4-6 wks after surgery:
2 carnation instant breakfasts(sugar free) and 1 oz of a purred food or hot choc.mixed with gnc designer protien-plus water..water...and more water.everytime I visit him I will need to see the dietician,who also said I could call her anytime I had a question.The one thing that disturbed me was that his office hours are on Wed. and Fri am and she comes to the office on Thur. am-2 mornings off from work.different office support staff is in the office while the dietician is there and I needed a not for work,which meant going down the hall to see the doctors staff and they had never had anyone ask for a note,which I found surprising but everyone was friendly and respectful.Cant wait for my approval and date!

I met with Dr. S on 9/28/01... I felt that his office staff was helpful and Dr. S seems very educated. He was willing to answer any questions that I had, I did have alot! The video that he shows did answer alot of questions that I had, but he did not hesitate to reitterate anything that I needed clarified. He not only is thoughtful of the procedure that he will perform, but also advises on Aftercare. I would refer him to anyone else that I know is looking into the procedure. He also performs the surgery Laproscopic, which is less invasive.

I am very pleased with my switch to Dr. Schweitzer. He does the surgery lap. Everyone in the office was very nice. They are all new to the baltimore area but everything has gone smoothly so far.I was very impressed with the fact that I can email my dr. if needed and I have!!! He has his own web site www.smallscar.com It is very informative and I have enjoyed checking it out.I really feel that he is the best surgeon for me.

Dr. Magnuson took a great deal of time to explain the procedure, the criteria, the recovery and expected results. He answered all questions posed thoroughly. His secretary Jerri, was extremely helpful in getting the insurance approval. She did request a diet history from me in order to present them with all my previous attempts. Any time I have called for Dr. Magnuson, he always returned my calls. He will continue to follow me for a year. Dr. Magnuson performed my surgery using a very small incision, 4.5 inches, for that I am very grateful. He did an amazing job.

Dr. Schweitzer is a very personable and through doctor. The information he provides and covers on your visits is carefully covered in depth. He throughly instructs you on what to expect and what the risks are and he stresses how important the aftercare is and you have to agree to abide by all his policies laid out in his program. He gives you a print out of all the information and he also has you watch a video all about your surgery, the risks and aftercare. He spends plenty of time with you and answers any and all questions. He has a email address and encourages you to contact him if you have any questions and believe it or not he answers you almost immediately which amazed me since he is such a good doctor and extremely busy. His staff are extremely nice and helpful. My surgery is Monday, October 1st, 2001.

Dr. S. has been really cool about the whole thing. I first contacted him via email (I got his name from this site, actually), he responded, suggesting that I give his office staff a call in Baltimore and set up an appointment, that I sounded like a possible candidate. I did, and during the appointment we chatted about any questions I might have, his experience with the surgery (he performs other procedures as well, which reassures me - I didn't want to go to a guy who specialized in a knife-wielding version of a fat farm.) He's young-ish (about my age), and is very positive about doing lap procedures - in fact he's one of the few surgeons in the state who does them. He is not touchy feely, and he doesn't spend a lot of time making nicey-nice. He is busy and brisk, and I'm sure some people find him aloof. I liked it that he didn't have any of the squishy, paternalistic hovering of so many doctors in specialties that cater to mostly women. His office staff has recently changed, and the new assistant seems much more efficient that the last - which is a blessing, as the last one delayed getting my letter to the insurance company for some 4 weeks, the ninny. The emphasis at this practice is on self-sufficiency. They have a dietitian on staff, and can refer you to other specialists (ie a therapist, etc.), but they don't demand that one use only "their" people. I rate him an "8" overall, so far. I can say more after October 2nd.

Dr. Magnuson is very patient, friendly, and makes me feel secure that things will go well. He is also very busy, so unless you are very persistent and/or very lucky be prepared to wait for a date. (note: this is true for many Johns Hopkins Dr.'s as it is such a world famous hospital) I have met with him twice so far, the first was for me to ask questions and make sure he thought I was a good canidate ect. The second time was for my parents to meet him before my surgery and let them ask any questions. He was able to answer all my mom's questions (a definite challenge) and did not make us feel that we were holding him up. It was great to have my parents on board and feeling more comfortable about it all. (I am 23, and a graduate student, so I need their support.)
His office staff is very friendly, especially Ashley the nutritionist, and have been able to assist in trying to juggle my appointments so that I could get everything done and be on my way to recovery before school starts. So, far I am very impressed...more to come Post-op.