Michael Schweitzer Bariatric Surgeon M.D.,F.A.C.S.
10 yr Experience
10 yr in Bariatrics
14 yr in Laparoscopic Surgery
9 yr in Laparoscopic Bariatrics
>90% Practice is Bariatrics
Min Age of Patient is 14
Max Age of Patient is 70
Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch
10 yr Experience
10 yr in Bariatrics
14 yr in Laparoscopic Surgery
9 yr in Laparoscopic Bariatrics
>90% Practice is Bariatrics
Min Age of Patient is 14
Max Age of Patient is 70
Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch
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.
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.