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

After reading the boards and looking into what other patients of Dr. S had to say I was amazed at how young he really did look for someone that has been in this field for so long. He was to the point and very warm. I would tell all my friends about Dr. S and say "He may have a cute face but he is one HELL Of a Doctor!"

My first impression of Dr. Schweitzer was how young he is (think of Doogie Howser). As soon as he spoke, however, it was obvious he knew what he was doing. I was extremely impressed with how he listened to my questions and concerns and took the time to answer each one. I did not feel as if I were on a production line.

I had met with another surgeon a couple of years ago and did not feel half as comfortable as I do with Dr. Schweitzer.

The best thing about Dr. Schweitzer is that you can send him an email and he PERSONALLY answers it almost immediately. This really gives me a feeling of security.

Dr. Schweitzer's office staff could not be more helpful.

So far, this part of my journey has been very easy to follow.

Originally I was scheduled to have surgery with Dr Kazmarski in PA @ BTC; once approved I was informed that Dr K was out of network for me...OH NO!
I had NO idea what to do from there so I called AETNA and was told that I was already approved so I could now go to any surgeon IN NETWORK, it was that easy.
My first thought was Dr. Schweitzer. I had originally wanted Dr Schweitzer but his waiting period for a consult was off the hook so I went with BTC.
I called Merry at Dr Schweitzers office @ 4:45 on a Friday afternoon, explained to her what happened and she took it from there. You can read above for more details.

I met Dr. Schweitzer on June 25th; the visit was brief but not because he didn't have the time, more of my being well researched. I have found Dr Schweitzer to be very to the point. Since my visit I have emailed him with a question here or there, he has always responded in a timely manner...The best thing that I like is that HE RESPONDS and not one of his people. It adds a bit of the personal touch!
I am very much looking forward to Dr Schweitzer being my surgeon!

* Months post surgery - I love Dr Schweitzer. He has been a wonderful. With the tool he has provided me I have changed my life forever and will always be greatful!
I have not had ONE complication - Schweitzer is AWESOME!

I had been warned that he looks very young, good thing I had also been told what a wonderful surgeon he is. Even though I was 2 hours late b/c I had gone to the wrong office he took the time to explain the procedure, it's risks and what it would do for me based on the information I gave him in the packet he has you download from his websight, smallscar.com. He has great credentials but his patient testimonials speak volumes for him. His staff is great, they respond quickly. And I was doing my preop work during his staff change and still each person I spoke with was great. If you are considering Dr. S you are on the right track to having the best surgeon and care possible. He does have you do most of the research on WLS but he provides you the information you'll need to make your decision. I have not seen him postop yet but he strongly recommended the support group and I understand now why, so please get involved in a support system b/c you will go thru things that you will think are only you and it is so helpful to have confirmation that others have been there and it will pass !!! Dr. S also did WLS on my sister a year ago and she has had very impressive results and HIGHLY recommended him to me, (and she works in another hospital) I couldn't have been anymore confident with my decision, he was confident, straight forward and to the point. He was sure of what he could do, he just wanted me to commit to the lifestyle changes I would have to make to do his work justice. Gotta give him a BIG thumbs up!!! And I need to make a quick comment on the Hospital staff as well. JH Bayview, WOW. I didn't once feel like anyone was judging me, taking care of the "fat lady". They treated me with the "best" care, patting my back to help relief some of the gas pain, helping me get around blindly (because it snowed badly and my husband hadn't made it back with my contacts yet), unhooking my IV every time I wanted to walk or go to the bathromm or move to the chair, and I never felt like " I was bothering them". They were just WONDERFUL !!!

I strongly recommend Dr. Michael Schweitzer to anyone considering WLS. He is a gifted surgeon, and is dedicated to laparoscopy. His website, "www.smallscar.com", says it all. I found Dr. Schweitzer to be very accessible. He responds PERSONALLY to emails... I don't know many surgeons who do that. In addition to performing my RNY which was pretty straightforward, I have also seen Dr. Schweitzer handle a more complicated medical matter with my sister-in-law's lapband. She had been turned down by another prestigious hospital due to her large hiatal hernia. She was told that they could not perform the lapband or RNY due to the hernia. When she consulted with Dr. Schweitzer, he said "no problem". And, indeed, her surgery and its aftermath have been "no problem". For anyone considering this procedure, include Dr. Schweitzer on your lists of surgeons to research. He's the BEST!

He was cool. Friendly and fast. I had visited his website several times and read EVERYTHING. I also read the pages of others that had seen him here on this site so that was helpfull too. I had my questions all ready and he answered them all to my satisfaction.

My only complaint was the wait in the office. I arrived 15 minutes early for my appointment and still waited over an hour to see him for a 15 minute consultation. His staff forgot to inform me he was running behind even after I asked 2 times. It was not until my ex-husband got a little irate that they told us he was behind.

Other than that I have no complaints.

My first impression of Dr. Schweitzer was I felt rushed and he already had an operation in mind for me. Than again I was a few hours late, because I was sent to the wrong office.
Even though I was only interested in the Lap Band he seems to want me to have a Gastric because of my diet.
However he is willing to meet with me after I have my dietician consultation to "re-evaluate" my surgery.
Well see how the next visit goes.

I visited with Ashli Greenwald, his nutritionist and she was wonderful!!!!! Everything she informed me of made a lot of sense.... I am now looking forward to my follow up with Dr. Schweitzer next week.

Dr.Schweitzer is modest, soft-spoken, and no-nonsense. He makes no promises, only giving one options to think about. He encourages patients to learn as much as possible about WLS before making any decisions and honestly states whether or not he can meet the patient's expectations. His method of interaction remains unchanged in the followup appointments, tailoring his comments to the individual progress of the patient. The office staff is excellent, responding quickly and efficiently to all requests. I have no criticism of the surgeon himself but would be happier with a "tighter" postop management by his team; I personally feel that the dietary and supplement guidelines are too lenient, giving patients a false sense of security about the postop lifestyle. Dr.Schweitzer himself is more realistic about guiding his patients in the unfortunately little time he actually meets with them and emphasizes the importance of compliance with aftercare instructions and utilizing the monthly support meetings. The risks of surgery were enumerated and thoroughly explained in the preop (downloaded) packet, in writing on the operative consents, and in person both in consultation and immediately preoperatively in the hospital's pre-anesthesia area. Dr.Schweitzer leaves no subject open to speculation yet his demeanor instills quiet confidence. I would give Dr.Schweitzer an excellent rating overall. Any mention of him within the Johns Hopkins hospitals "community" elicits praise for him as the "guru of laparoscopic surgery" and an exemplary teacher. The only deficit that I can articulate would be that he doesn't personally spend enough time with postop patients in hospital once his "work" is done, though it was obvious to me (as not only a patient but also a healthcare professional) that his postop management staff are extremely well-trained to deal with all possible occurrences in the recovery period before sending the patient home.

I am completely confident in his abilities. Many here have commented on Dr. S. lack of a beside manner. I cannot comment on that opinion as I was not looking for a friend but for an expert surgeon; I believe I found it in him. His team, particulary physician assistant Pat and dietician Ashli, are very knowledgeable and friendly.

I was very impressed with Dr. Schweitzer during my consult and his staff was the best. He was very friendly, polite and knowledgable. He respected my understanding of the procedure and provided information to fill in the blanks. He seems to be very competent and confident; a necessary combination. I look forward to him being my surgeon. Having done thorough research, I know he's the best in the MD/DC/VA area.