Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center Hospital

Dr. S was the absolute BEST!!! I'd heard that he doesn't "warm up" until after surgery; I never had that issue. He answered all my questions thoroughly and thoughtfully while I was a pre-op, he made a point of meeting my family the morning of surgery, and came out to speak to them about my progress, he visited me during my stay, and even teased me about my cute pajamas!

His office is very friendly and knowledgeable. Pat is the best! They stress the importance of asking questions, taking it slow, and having SUPPORT.

He is a wonderful surgeon (I checked him out with previous patients in Baltimore and his prior offices), and I would recommend him to anyone. As good a rapport as he and I had, I would recommend him based on his surgical competence. Not that I didn't think he had a good bedside manner - he does! But, I'd rather have a leading, skilled surgeon than a mediocre surgeon who's adept at delivering the news of his/her incompetence to my family.

This is one of the best hospitals I have stayed in. Everyone was very accommodating and I was very comfortable.

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!

My only complaint that initial pain management was poor. They had the wrong amount dialed on the pump therefore for almost 48 hours had 1/20th the amount of the right amount...OUCH

EXCELLENT!! I had a very good experience.

I was very statisfied with the care I was given at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center. Each shift there was a nurse and a tech assigned to take care of me. I received excellent care. I had A physical therapist to show me how to best get out of bed and walk steps. An occupational therapist to help bath and get dressed. The nutritionest also came by to see me. A staff a doctors came by daily to check up on me (5 at one time). Good hospital and great care.

If you have to go into a hospital, this is the one. WONDERFUL......

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 !!!