Michael Schwartz Bariatric Surgeon M.D.

Dr. Schwartz is very friendly and very eager to make you feel relaxed.
He has a very positive outlook and answered my questions thoroughly.

Bless Judy's heart, as both my husband and I are very limited as to when we can actually take off work to get me thru this surgery, she was able to right away find a date that works for us !

My first impression was that he new what he was doing and was good at it.
My impression hasn't changed as of yet.
His staff is awsome. I'm the type of person that doesn't quit till I get what I want or the answer I want. What I mean by this is my surgery was first scheduled for 052901, but because of the possiable nurses strike it got cancelled. So I kept calling during the whole thing to see how things were going. Once the situation was resolved I called to see if I was gong to get in any earlier. They didn't know. One day 061101 I got the call to see if I could be there the next day, and you can bet your bottom dollar I was.
I really cann't say there is anything that I liked least about him.
I feel he is more than willing to spend the time you need with him and answer any questions you may have.
Aftercare is very important to him. As a follow up for yourself, but also for the history of the surgery.
He was very informitive about the risks.
Well as far as rating him, I just have to say if my husbands insurance approves this surgery, Dr. Michael Schwartz will be doing his also.
I think he was great at both.

Dr. Schwartz was very professional when I first met him, but his personality makes you more comfortable the more you talk to him. His office staff was very friendly, it was like they wanted to be there. You know how you go into a place and all the employees look ticked off that they have to work. These people were having a good time. The only thing I didn't like about Dr Schwartz was when I asked if he would sign a note that said after surgery I could'nt do dishes for a couple months...he would'nt do it. We learned about aftercare even at the first seminar, then we recieved a packet that had all the info about it. He also stressed if I had any discomfort to call asap and not wait. He and his wife, (Judith, she is an RN in the office) talked to me about the risks in a very sober way, they didnt cushion it they'll give it to you straight. On a scale of 1-10 I would give Dr Schwarts a 8, only because I havent had surgery yet, I will give another scale on him August 30. I think Surgical competence is always #1, but If I could get great bedside manner too, then great.

I found Dr Schwartz to be very knowledgable, but a bit arrogant for lack of a better word.
My impression of him changed greatly the day of my surgery. He is a very kind compassionate man.
He eased my nerves and was very pleasant.
I had my surgery July 3,2001. Working with his offace was a very pleasant experience. They took care of ALL of the
paperwork and insurance submission.

Haven't seen him yet as a patient, but used work with him at the hospital. It has taken Dr. Schwartz's office 3 weeks to get the request for pre-authorization to the insurance company. I made numerous calls that were never returned, so I finally insisted on talking to someone each time I called instead of letting them but me in Judy's voicemail or take a message. You have to be persistant or things can get lost in the shuffle of such a busy office. 6/14/01 Saw Dr. Schwartz this afternoon, he is the most thorough surgeon I know. I trust him completely and recommend him to anyone considering RNY which is the only procedure he and his partner do. He is patient and wants to make sure all of your questions are answered and is more than willing to accomodate any patient's special needs.

Very very professional and kind. My impression remained the same. The office staff is great and Marilyn is the RN who works with me postop long distance. She has been just great!!! The only minor issue was a long office wait time for my preop visit. I would recommend him to anyone and urge people to go to him. My surgical outcome so far has been just fine. Aftercare, visits to a dietician, frequent contact with the office if you run into trouble and quarterly doctor visits are recommeneded. He explained risks, procedure, and dealt with all my questions in an excellent manner. He uses prophylactic antibiotics and blood thinners to avoid post op complications. I think his surgical and bedside manner are both outstanding.

All the care I received at Abbott Northwestern the morning of surgery was just great - very careful, professional, and not 1 oversight.

The primary negative I have to say is the truly awful post operative nursing care I received at Abbott Northwestern. I am an RN and I really true to bend over backwards to be understanding with overworked nursing staff. However, these nurses were careless, never responded to any of the alarms that were sounded when my oxygen levels were too low. Luckily I woke up each time and was able to breathe deelply or get up out of bed and get a nurse when my IV ran dry. Most of them had pretty bad attitudes and 3 spent time with me trying to talk about how underpaid they were and how they were going to srike. NOT FUN for a patient too hear this.

I liked him alot, He was upfront and serious he wanted to make sure all my questions were answered, and that I understood the surgery. he also ended by promising to do his very best for me. And encouraged me to go to a suport group meeting.

5-9-01
I LOVE MY SURGEON!!! I awoke groggy and desperately hoping that he was able to do it lap, he was patting my hand and telling me,"Joanie, I did a beautiful job it went great" and I believed him, and went peacefully to sleep. He was right 6 tiny tiny poke marks that healed quickly, I have so far had NO PROBLEMS with anything. His confidence put me at ease from the begining. I would recomend him to anyone.

August 2000
My first, and so far only meeting with Dr. Schwartz was wonderful. I am totally at ease and have complete confidence in him.

Judy, the coordinator for the surgical program is great. She's VERY busy and might be slow at returning your call but it's because when you do talk to her, she gives you her all. She'll take as much time as you need, answer any questions, is supportive and extremely knowledgeable. I'd rather wait for a phone call and get that kind of service than be rushed off.

I am looking forward to my future interactions with both of them.

April 2001 (7 months post-op)
Dr. Schwartz was wonderful the day of my surgery. When I saw him at one of my post-op visits, he was even more wonderful. This man really cares about his patients. He is enthusiastic, warm, genuine and so kind. There is no question that he knows his stuff! All he wants is for everyone to be happy and successful--whatever their own personal definition of those things may be as related to gastric bypass surgery. I would recommend him to anyone in a heartbeat--especially if you want the laparoscopic procedure. Please feel free to e-mail me with any questions or comments.

He is board certified and comes highly recomended by my personal physician. His staff is extremely helpful and they always take time to answer your questions.after care is manditory so is meeting with a nutrtitionist. Before you can be considered as a candidate you must attend a 4 hour class that explains the risk of surgery.