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

During the consult I was upset with Dr S. I explained which surgery I wanted then in one sentence he said it wasn't for me. I sat there with my lips poked out the rest of the consult while he was explaining RNY. He then asked if I had any questions. Once explaining all the reasons and research I had for DS he apologized for the quick assumption and we decided on the DS.

Dr. Schweitzer was very professional and very through. His staff ws very nice. On the day of my surgery he was very reassuring and made sure he answered any questions. The OR nurse Gia and the Anesthesiologists were wonderful and explained axactly what would happen. rnrnPost surgery the residents were very gentile and checked on me.

I honestly cannot give enough praise to this surgeon and his team at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center. First, his office staff (specifically, Alice Cooper, his admin contact) is extremely helpful with the insurance approval process. Once I met with Dr. Schweitzer, my first impression was that he was friendly and makes a real effort to explain everything so that you understand what you're signing up for. His office visits are very brief - he might spend 3 minutes with you, if that - but his surgical competence far outweighs any faults that I could think of.rnrnHe saved my life ... literally. I'd had problems with bleeding (lost 6 pints) immediately following the surgery. Dr. Schweitzer had already left the hospital just after my operation, headed out on vacation, but came back to the hospital when he learned that I was having complications. He and Dr. Kimberlie Steele took me back into surgery and restitched everything. They helped me pull through. Dr. Steele monitored my recovery, and she was very attentive and supportive. I would recommend both of them to anyone who is seeking WLS surgeon.

I had visited Dr. Schweitzer's website and read some of this site's comments about him before I ever saw him, so I was prepared for his business-like approach to things. In no way would I call him touchy-feely. When I made the consultation appointment, his office staff made me aware of what old X-rays and hospital records he'd need to review, so I came prepared with them, plus some questions of my own. This helped immensely in moving things speedily along. I knew that I wanted to have a duodenal switch done, if my prior surgical history would allow it, and Dr. Schweitzer was able to say 'yes' before I left the initial meeting.rnHis manner is businesslike, but I never felt like I was being rushed or that my questions were being marginalized in any way.rnThe support group that meets monthly at Johns Hopkins Bayview is first-rate and no one should try to do bariatric surgery without attending a couple of pre-op meetings and many, many post-op meetings, no matter where their surgery was done. I personally attend meetings at 2 different hospitals so I can talk to others like me on a regular basis.rnDr. Schweitzer, or his physician's assistant, personally sees you at 3 month intervals after the surgery for the first year, then at 6-month intervals. They encourage you to email or phone with any questions or concerns in between visits.rnDr. Schweitzer's surgical competence is first-rate. As I was full of morphine at the time, I'd have to say his bedside manner was fine, if a little distant - for as much as I can remember of it. He did remember to answer a question I'd had about what my insides looked like, even though my attention span wasn't as sharp as it might have been right then.rnrn4/21/2008 - I have continued to see Dr. Schweitzer for follow-up visits over the past 3 years. The 2nd and 3rd years he wanted to see me every 6 months, but now that I've hit the 3 year mark with no problems and continuing good bloodtest results, I've graduated to seeing him yearly! I have always liked the way he and his staff care for the health of their patients, even long after the initial surgery.

My first impression of Dr.Schweitzer was very good. He was professional, thorough in his explanations yet friendly and personable. It has been almost a year since I have seen him as I continue on this journey fighting with the insurance company. He has an awesome website smallscar.comrnthat is informative and helpful. I kind of feel like I am out on my own until I get the insurance approval. The office staff, especially Alice, was very helpful. When I sent all of my pre testing in (sleep study,EGD,UGI, 6month medically supervised diet, diabetic education etc) they were very fast in sending my info to insurance, but once it was initially denied I felt I did not get much more support. I know they must have many patients but it seems like those already in the pipeline should have contact and guidance/support in the appeal process also. We will see how it goes after my insurance approves.

I had my initial consultation Dr. Schweitzer on 03/03/008. Actually one of his surgical fellows, Dr. Gupta, did the majority of the consult going over medical history, description of the procedures, risks, etc. Dr. Shweitzer came in for a few minutes at the end of the appointment. My husband and I had attended his information session in January and I'd done extensive research and had read through his website, so I didn't really have many questions. His success rate is impressive and his percentages of leaks or deaths is better than the national average. I feel very comfortable with him as my surgeon. Additionally Teresa, the financial gal and 8 months post-op is a gem and looks GREAT!

Dr. Schweitzer, seemed to be very professional and knowledgeable, I was already warned about his lack of warmness.rnWhich I could care less about, I just want a competent surgeon. rnHe answered all of my questions. I didn't have many due to so much research I have done on my own time. His staff is very friendsly, Especially Theresa, who is 4months postop 78lbs lighter and a ball of sunshine.rnOverall I am happy with my choice. rnHe is the best of the best. rnand JOHNS HOPKINS IS ONE OF THE BEST HOSPITALS AROUND.

My initial consultation is February 4th. I will update then...

My first impression of Dr. Schweitzer was he looks so young (so I questioned whether he had enough experience). And then I did some more research on the guy. His resume in the medical field is outstanding. I encourage anyone who is considering weight loss surgery to compare Dr. Schweitzer's leak rate to that of any other surgeon. This was especially important to me as my real fear with this surgery was \"what if something REALLY went wrong and I died and left my small children motherless.\" After asking him about the risks and researching his practice, I knew if I was going to have surgery it had to be with Dr. Schweitzer. So on that note, the only negative comment is Dr. Schweitzer inserts a drain as he is finishing up surgery that has to be removed several days after. This again in one more redundant attempt to protect the patient from a leak. Removing the drain is fast, but it is no picnic - when I asked him about it at my one month follow-up - he chuckled and said, \"why do you think I have one of my Residents remove it.\" Besides being a brilliant surgeon, the guy even has a bit of a sense of humor. To me, his talent has changed my life - I am so grateful. I'm 16 weeks out of a vertical sleeve gastrectomy and I'm down 48lbs. Thank you Dr. Schweitzer!

10/16/07rnDr. Schweitzer in my opinion is simply THE BEST! My surgery went very well. I had contacted him by e-mail 4 days prior to surgery and sked \"if I was found to have a hiatel herinia would he also repair it while he was in there?\" (I was never diagnosed with one, however, I suspected I had one). He e-mailed me back and said we would discuss on day of surgery. Morning of surgery he saw me pre-op and already had it on his papers to fix the hernia. I was very fortunate, recovery was not bad (roommates sucked! but not Dr.'s fault) I stopped pain medication day after surgery...just didn't need it (did take it to induce sleep and also one dose to calm me before the drain was removed) Drain removal was not painful....just a very different feeling...something never experienced before.rnrnrnMy first impression was that Dr. Schweitzer is confident in his abilities, he set me at ease immediately, answered all my questions in a straightforward manner. It took me only a couple of minutes to have 100% trust/confidence in him. There was no doubt that he is the surgeon I wanted.rnrnI will know more about him and his bedside manner on 16 August when he does my lap Rouen Y.