Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center Hospital

Prior to choosing Dr. S, I checked him out with other surgeons in both Virginia and at Georgetown where he was previous to Baltimore. Each and every one (out of 6) said the same thing...if they were going to have the surgery, Dr. S would be the only one they would choose. I spoke at length with the surgical nurse he used at Georgetown and with 3 nurses who work in recovery and all said they were very impressed with his caring manner after the surgery. They said he is very compassionate and always looked out for the best interest of his patient first. My surgery with him (LAP RNY) 01/07/02. I was very impressed with him and really apprciated his laid back manner which put me at ease. He is professional but at the same time you feel like you have put yourself in the hands of an old friend. He addressed all my concerns but was very respectful of the fact that I had taken alot of time to research this procedure on my own. My surgery went great and at 14 days post-op have done really well and am losing at the speed of sound. I thank Sue in his office for all her help in the insurance phase of this. The hospital he uses was excellent. I was a little concerned that no one really pushed me to walk as I have read in so many profiles. I did it on my own, but they did help me get up as needed. I also think his nutritionist could be a bit more helpful. I felt like I know more than she did from my research. She was not familiar with this site, which I think would be a great resourch for any professional. (Dr. S kids about how young we all say he is.)

Dr. Schweitzer seems very young, but really knows what he's doing. Prior to my first visit, I read everything I could find on the Internet about the surgery, and found his website, www.smallscar.com. I knew of a surgeon where I used to live in NC, and that surgeon was in some legal troubles from a former (and unhappy) patient; Dr. S. knew all about that surgeon, the variation of the RNY that that surgeon used, and why it wasn't as successful. He had a video and has an extensive website describing the surgery options, benefits, and risks. (I have to say, however, in my opinion the quality of the video recording is awful!)

I was impressed with his knowledge, and with his surgical skills. I was discharged within 2 days (lap RNY) and had no problems adjusting to the new pouch, no big pain issues, no issues with the incisions, etc. Dr. S. also takes the time to follow up and answer your questions. Aftercare is good- he has a good nutritionist and a new office assistant who is much better than the first one I dealt with on my case.

Let me describe Dr. Schweitzer in two words "cool beans!" He is very informative, he provides his patients with a video to watch before you actually meet him. The video offers the patients a full overview of the various procedures - I think this is a great idea. After the video we conversed and he answered my questions and gave me his opinion on a few things. Oh by the way, he has email and he will respond to your email!

I met with Dr. Schweitzer on Friday January 4th. As everyone says he does look young, but was very helpful. He has asked me to write a letter to my insurance company to follow up the information he is sending.

I dont have a date yet. But hopefully soon

I am adding this information on January 8th. Dr. Schweitzer is extreamly helpful to patients. Yesterday I emailed him explaining that I found out my employeer has excluded WLS from our insurance policy. He emailed me back with a bunch of information that is going to help me fight the battle with the insurance company.

<font color=660099>OK, I finally met with Dr. Schweitzer today -- and he really does look as young as everyone says. :) Anyway, I found him very easy to talk to, he answered all my questions and made me feel good about my decision to move forward with WLS.
7/30/01 I haven't been to see Dr. Schweitzer yet -- still waiting. My appointment is October 10th -- which seems like two years away instead of two months at this point I may call next week and see if they can try to fit me in if someone cancels. I've heard very good things about Dr. Schweitzer and am looking forward to meeting him.</font>

I had my consult with Dr. Schweitzer on 09/07/01. He was great, much younger than I expected him to be, but appeared to be very knowlegable. He was very pleasant and relaxed and ready to answer any questions I had. I felt very comfortable talking with him. His office staff was very pleasant and courteous. The thing I like least about him is that his office is so far from where I live. He explained his aftercare program and the absolute necessity for it. He had a video that explained a lot about the types of surgeries he does and the risk and pros and cons of each while that I viewed while I was waiting. He even gave me two pamphlets that explained everything he went over in the consult Overall, I would definately rate him outstanding. I was ready to check in that day for surgery, but have to wait until 10-01-01 when the new morbid obesity surgery law goes into effect. Of course surgical competence is the best, but I prefer both surgical competence and bedside maner.

I am not happy with what happen during my operation.

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.