Johns Hopkins Obesity Surgery Center Bariatric Center

I have been very impressed with Dr. Steele and the staff at John's Hopkins. I must admit the first time that I met Dr. Steele I was a little worried about my husband and I's choice of surgeons. The first meeting was tough and she was tough on us. Looking back now, I know that she just wants to make sure that you are prepared and succeed at this surgery. It was a little longer process than I thought it would be as we had some hang ups with other appointments. I had by surgery on 2/15/11. Dr. Steele was wonderful. She had a great bedside manner. She took time to spend with me when she visited me both days after my surgery until I was discharged. We talked over some concerns that I would have coming home. I would highly recommend anyone in the area that can use John's Hopkins and Dr. Kimberley Steele as their surgeon, to do so. In speaking to others that have used this practice, Dr. Steele has the best success rate of all the surgeons in the practice. I know that I will succeed with this surgery and that Dr. Steele will be there every step of the way to support me.

Awesome surgeon. Friendly, funny, nice, VERY intelligent! I recommend him highly!! Great bedside manner as well.

He seemed quite competent and listened well to my questions. He answered all 15 questions I had and also explained what he thought I needed to know. This meeting was a good first step. Office staff seemed helpful, but did not always return phone calls. Outstanding team approach to patient education and aftercare at Hopkins Bayview.

The first time that I met Dr.Magnuson was nerve racking to say the least. I felt like I was going to have a panic attack on my way there. Sitting in the waiting room, I felt like I was going to throw up! His office coordinator Ms.Valorie was wonderful. She saw I was nervous and assured me that it will be fine. He's a really nice doctor. She was right.He immediately put me at ease when he walked in. His personality is awesome!! He is so down to earth, explains the proceedure, waits to answer your questions. He makes sure that you understand and if at the time you can't think straight (like me),he gives you his contact info. so you can ask him later on if you need to.

I could not have made a better decision in selecting Dr. Schweitzer. I initially selected him because of his stats (one of the lowest complication rates in the world), but solidified my decision after meeting him. He is all business (as he should be) and some may think this is a lack of personal concern for his patients, but it is not! He went out of his way to address not only all of my fears, but also fit me in for a last minute visit 2 weeks before my surgery so that he could address all of my mother's last minute concerns in person. My original surgery date had to be postponed due to the blizzard, and I was impressed because Dr. Schweitzer called me from home the night before my surgery to postpone my date. I could hear the sympathy in his voice, but he took the time to explain that he was not canceling the surgery because he couldn't make it in, but because he wanted my surgery to be as safe as possible. His staff had been stuck working for over 48 hours due to the snow (so he didn't want to use a tired staff) and he didn't want to use an unfamiliar surgical staff. And on top of that he rescheduled my surgery asap, and it was within one week of my original date. My surgery was rescheduled for a Friday, so most of my interactions were with residents (checking my incision etc.) while in the hospital, but Dr. Schweitzer came in to make sure that he saw me before I was discharged on Sunday (which surprised me because I work at Johns Hopkins and I know what a hectic schedule doctors work so I didn’t expect him to come in). He is so knowledgeable, and answers emails quickly, even on weekends and evenings. During my recovery I developed a seroma (fluid under the skin) around one of my incisions. I sent him a picture via email, at 9:45 Wednesday evening, and he responded within the hour to reassure that I was fine. His staff is also very helpful, and the holistic approach of the Bayview Team could not be better! I highly recommend the support groups, which are open to anyone (pre- or post-op) and are free (even including your parking).

this dr surprised me. When he first walked into the room i thought i would never understand what he was gonna say. but it was great he sat with me answered every question i had and even ones that i thought i couldnt ask. they gave me a notebook to keep all my things in for the drs and info that tells me about the surgery and what to expect the vitamins and so on and so forth. i couldnt of been happier with this surgon

At our first meeting, I felt relaxed and put at ease. Even though they forgot to put me into the system,he didn't rush me out and took the time to answer all of my questions. I felt comfortable with him. I was a bit disappointed with him after surgery though. He only saw me once post op; the rest of the time, his surgical team visited me. When I went for my 2 week post op, I didn't see him at all, I saw a P.A. She was very nice but it would have been nice to see him. As one of Jehovah's Witnesses, I was concerned about having to recieve blood. Even though he reassured me that he has never had to do a transfusion for this surgery and said he would totally respect my wishes, he made a couple of comments that I guess he thought were funny, but not to me. One right before I was wheeled into surgery. I guess all in all, as a surgeon I would rate him a 10+, he is very skilled and takes his time.

Dr.Magnuson was wonderful. In the beginning he was very short & to the point....but everything was clearly explained to me. After surgery, he seemed to take more time to listen & again, things were explained clearly. His staff, especially Ms. Val, is great. They all seem to listen. Dr. Magnuson really seems to care & pushes you to do your best, as well as to take care of yourself. I would rate him a 9 out of 10.....Hey, nobody is perfect!

My first impression of Dr. Steele was that she is very thorough and strict. She wants to know that the patient fully understands the risks of the procedure and the lifelong changes they will need to make. The staff at Johns Hopkins Bayview is very patient oriented. They are fabulous. Aftercare at the hospital was very attentive. Dr. Steele has an excellent bedside manner. Absolutely nothing to complain about.

I have heard that Dr. S. is "all business" which is fine with me. I'd rather have a skilled surgeon than a new best friend. My first impression of him was, "my God he's young!" He is very self assured which reassured me. I found him to be very nice and was able to actually make him chuckle a couple of times. His office staff has been very helpful - especially Debbie - so far, I am very happy with my choice.
***update*** I have to amend my "all business" line - Dr. Schweitzer is one of the most caring and concerned surgeons I have ever met. When I was hospitalized before they diagnosed C-Diff, he looked truly concerned and did everything possible to get a diagnosis and to make sure I was ok. I love love love Dr. S.