Virginia Bariatric Surgery Center Bariatric Center

Matthew Fitzer Saved My Life! Dr. Fitzer cures diabetes 4 to 5 times a day. Doctors told me I was going to have my feet amputated from the Diabetes and I would likely be dead in less than 10 years. I Had Ruin Y surgery done in Nov 2013 and have lost over 127 pounds in 5 short months (beating the "Biggest Loser" Record)! For me... My diabetes reversed, feet returned to normal, my blood pressure returned to normal, I'm off almost all my medications, and feel GREAT! Dr Fitzer took extra time with me in surgery to make sure everything was done correctly. He and his staff are caring, compassionate, and are understanding of the issues overweight people have to overcome, and they keep me on track. Yes, this was life changing, My eating habits are very different than what I was used to, but at least I can say, I do have a wonderful life now! Dr Fitzer is a clear, articulate, straightforward professional that always makes me part of his "information rich" environment throughout the process. This was the Best Decision I Ever Made and I only wish other members of my family would have chosen to have it done as opposed to dying from obesity, heart attacks and diabetes.

Contacted Dr. Fitzer's office mid February and scheduled the Webinar for my daughter and I to watch prior to making out appointment. I desperately need a revision as I experience severe adominal pains which at one time hospitalized me for three days. My highest weight was 323 when I has my first WLS in September 2004 which I got down to 220 pounds and now I am hovering between 237 and 244. I can't get the rest of this week off and my blood pressure is getting higher and higher.

My daughter is 18 years old and 380 pounds. She has ADHD and as a child was a thin as a rail until she was put on medication which she steadily gained weight. Right now she is so depressed she will not go out of the house and refused to walk in her high school gradutation.

Our apointment is on 14 March and I am confident Dr. Fitzer will be able to help us both. His staff has been amazingly friendly and extremely sympathetic. My daughter was worried she would be judged and made fun of, but after hearing how compassionate Dr. Fitzer's staff has been so far, she is more at ease.

I am looking forward to our consultation and getting our surgeries and that start of a better and healthy life, especially for my daughter, who depression breaks my heart over being so big.

I had been considering Lap Band or WLS for a while before contacting Dr. Fitzer. After having four children in 5 years, the baby weight was not coming off like I hoped. I tried everything- diets, meal plans, pills, exercising like crazy- but the weight was not coming off. The tipping point came when my father suffered a heart attack, and I was diagnosed with pre-Diabetes type 2. I knew that I needed to make some permanent changes in my life, before I started to head down an unhealthy road. I came across Dr. Fitzer's website while searching for surgeons online. I scheduled a consultation, and attended a web seminar. After hearing everything that Dr. Fitzer had to say, and after consulting with him, I decided to have the gastric sleeve surgery performed. I had the sleeve surgery done in November, and 15 weeks later, I have lost 60 pounds! Dr. Fitzer is very thorough, he recommended a great nutritionist, he answers every question that I have, he is easy to talk to, and very knowledgeable. His office staff is very friendly, and they were able to get my insurance approval in four weeks. I feel great, I look great, and my attitude towards food has changed for the better. My blood sugar levels are normal and I am no longer pre-Diabetic. I am so thankful to Dr. Fitzer and his staff! Thank you for giving me a new lease on life, and thank you for my new sleeve!

I started my journey in September of 2012 and selected Dr. Fitzer because of his stellar ratings. I had talked with him about lapband but decided after attending his seminar that I would have the gastric bypass. I am so glad I met him and had him as my surgeon. He is top notch in his knowledge and care. What I love most about him is his passion and belief in what he does. I read somewhere that he loves what he does because he loves to see people happy. I have been overweight most of my adult life and have struggled for 32 years trying to lose weight. I probably have been on every diet imagineable. When I met with Dr. Fitzer I came teary eyed and was at the end of my rope and had reached my heighest weight of 243 lbs. I felt hopeful after meeting with him that I could actually lose weight and this is not something I felt in a long time. I was successful in every aspect of my life, but losing weight had defeated me. I had my surgery on December 28, 20012 and 7 weeks out, I am down 36 lbs. Postop I was impressed with Dr. Fitzer's personal care. When I called the office with a question, he always returned my call and answered the question himself. I still have more weight to lose, but I am well on my way. I am forever grateful for Dr. Fitzer and his wonderful staff in helping me achieve my weight loss.

Fantastic, I had concerns about after surgury nausea and vomiting they were excellent. My recovery was amazing. brought my BMI down from 56 to 30 315 lbs down to 170. feel amazing so much energy off all BP meds and diabetic meds whoo hoo

As I have previously said Dr. Fitzer in this old guy's thoughts is one of the very best, and I would again as I have said "would trust him with my life" now on the down side, at my last visit last week he told me he will be leaving the Utica area and is moving to Virginia, there gain and Utica's loss, I am as of this morning down 108 lbs.
Take care and God Bless, USE TO BE BIG PAULIE, NOW AM Referred TO AS "POPPA PAUL".

WOW! I cannot believe I am 13 weeks out from surgery already! Dr.Fitzer is AMAZING surgeon.He reassured that my pouch was one of the best he has ever done..that made my hubby and I feel good! I would highly recommend him to anyone in my area! I do believe he does take people frm Canada also.
One of the best decisions I have ever made for myself! 55lbs lost in 13 weeks! WOW!

This surgeon was awesome :) very friendly and professional, also, wasn't afraid to tell you anything and everything that you needed to know straight out!

My first impression of Dr. Fitzer was he a tell it like it is type of Dr. no candy coating anything or being suoer friendly!! As soon as I got to know him that wasn't a bad thing because I'd rather have a dr. that wasn't just friendly but knew his stuff and had great reviews and wasn't afraid to tell you the truth no matter what it was and if it hurt...His office staff is great they are always there for you no matter what and super friendly and down to earth...I'd recommend him to anyone but I would tell you if you don't want to hear the truth or you want him to tell you in a round about way forget it, It's not happening! He emphasizes after diet to a "T" and if you can't answer a simple question about the most important thing to do for after surgery don't expect to go home when your supposed to...He was very upright and forthcoming with ALL of the risks for surgery...His surgical competence is better then bedside manner but once again I would rather have it that way!! Yes the aftercare is very important to him and his staff so be prepared to follow up often!! Thanks Dr. Fitzer for giving me a new chance at life!!

My first impression of Dr.Fitzer was that he was a professional, no-nonsense surgeon, that knew what he was doing. This impression has not changed over time. His office staff make up in bedside manner that which he lacks (which is just fine because I'd rather have a surgeon who is competent than one who is friendly). Great emphasis is placed on aftercare and following the post-op diet to a "T". If you have any questions or concerns it is very easy to get in contact with Dr.Fitzer or his staff.