Michael Schweitzer Bariatric Surgeon M.D.,F.A.C.S.

I had heard so much about Dr. Schweitzer not being a nice person but I thought he was great. He was very professional and nice. Smiled a lot and answered all of my questions. He was certain that I could be successful with the VSG based on my history but he explained all of the procedures to me. The only hiccup I had with him is that his Medical Office Coordinator is pretty slow. She gave me the only problems I had with his office. Everyone in the Bariatric program at Hopkins is very attentive, responsive and eager to help and see you be successful. When I picked Dr. Schweitzer, I chose him because he is one of the best at what he does but I was pleasantly surprised that he was a genuinely nice person. Mind you I didn't see him very often but when I did he was great.

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.

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).

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.

This man is absolutely wonderful! He is a fantastic surgeon. My incisions are almost invisible now just four weeks out of surgery. I have had no nausea or vomiting. Everything went perfectly, and I attribute that to his skill as a surgeon. Eveyone in his office is friendly and supportive, especially his insurance coordinator, Teresa. She is a hoot! I can think of no negatives about Dr. Schweitzer or his staff. Not only are they wonderful, the whole team who took care of me on the day of surgery were terrific. Dr. Wyman, my anestheologist, was terrific and put me totally at ease when I was a bit stressed out while waiting to head into surgery. I can not say enough good things about Drs. Schweitzer and Wyman and the whole bariatric team at Johns Hopkins Bayview.

My first impression of Dr. S is he hasnt changed in eight years. He still has a very busy and active practice. This being said I think his office staff is doing the best they can. I havent had any problems, I prefer to communicate via email and all of my emails were answered promptly. Charlice who isnt Dr. S MOC was very helpful in getting appt for consult. They have a structured after care program at Bayview. For me bedside manner is OK, but surgical competence is more important.

He was very polite and seem to be a intervert but was very very good at his job. He answered all my questions.rn He was Very well organized for the amount of patients they havernOnly deal with his staff dont let the other docs in the office staff answer you questions they DO have different rules!!! I got some test I did NOT NOT NOT even need because one of the other staff member said all the doctors had the same guidline... This was not true!!! The doctor's nurse looked in my file and ask why did you get this!! So Trust me only deal with his staffrnVERY GOODrnHis nurse was very kind if she didnt have an answer she would say so and get back to you. Tracy also was very good at answering my questions

I had read on OH that Dr. Schweitzer had no personality, but he seemed personable when I met him. Besides, his surgical skills were far more important to me than his social skills. rnrnSince the initial consultation, I have had questions that Dr. Schweitzer himself has answered via email as well as telephone. I believe him to be a very thorough and detail-oriented surgeon, and look forward to him performing the RNY on me.rnrnHis office staff put on a good front during the consultation. However, since then I have found that they don't really like to answer the phone, return telephone messages or return emails. Dr. Schweitzer sure does, but not his staff.rnrnI am very impressed with Dr. Schweitzer.

My first impression was good. My husband and i liked him and there was no doubt he was the one for my surgery. Iv only seen him once so not sure about the lone road ahead but i have confidence. His office on the other hand was a mess and they never answer the phone. Hopefully this doesnt present a problem in the future. He did a great job so far of explaining the surgery and the confidence level he had made a great impression for me.

My first impression was that the Dr. was exceptionally knowledgeable, not overly friendly or interested in me personally. But pleasant enough. Nice nurses and PA.rnrnHis office staff was and still is terrible. I have nothing positive to say about them. His PA is wonderful, which is good since she is the only one I have seen since my surgery.rnrnIf you need aftercare -This is not the practice for you. I do not live near his practice, so I am unable to attend the hospitals support group. When I have gone for my 3,6 & 9 month checkups, it just seems like I they are going thru the motions. I am very confident in his surgical competence and would recommend him to my mother or sister.rnrnI would rate his surgical ability a 10 out of 10, but his office staff a -10.rnrnThese are just my personal observations and of course everyone will have a different view.