Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center Hospital

Dr. S. has been really cool about the whole thing. I first contacted him via email (I got his name from this site, actually), he responded, suggesting that I give his office staff a call in Baltimore and set up an appointment, that I sounded like a possible candidate. I did, and during the appointment we chatted about any questions I might have, his experience with the surgery (he performs other procedures as well, which reassures me - I didn't want to go to a guy who specialized in a knife-wielding version of a fat farm.) He's young-ish (about my age), and is very positive about doing lap procedures - in fact he's one of the few surgeons in the state who does them. He is not touchy feely, and he doesn't spend a lot of time making nicey-nice. He is busy and brisk, and I'm sure some people find him aloof. I liked it that he didn't have any of the squishy, paternalistic hovering of so many doctors in specialties that cater to mostly women. His office staff has recently changed, and the new assistant seems much more efficient that the last - which is a blessing, as the last one delayed getting my letter to the insurance company for some 4 weeks, the ninny. The emphasis at this practice is on self-sufficiency. They have a dietitian on staff, and can refer you to other specialists (ie a therapist, etc.), but they don't demand that one use only "their" people. I rate him an "8" overall, so far. I can say more after October 2nd.

My first impresson of Dr. Schweitzer is that I adore him! I think it is very very important that you "click" with the person you decided to let cut you open and this is exactly what happened with Dr. S. As soon as he walked into the room I felt a connection. And as he talked I became more and more convinced that he was the surgeon for me. He reminded me of my primary care physician, whom I adore, in his easy-going friendly and competent manner.

His staff gives you two comprehensive handouts and has you watch a video/powerpoint presentation prior to meeting with the doctor. They are all very pleasant. Then you have the obligatory weigh in and blood pressure. I do have to say that although the Aide that took my blood pressure was sweet she was not very adept at it. She repeatedly ahd trouble dealing with my fat person's arm and could not get either the large or thigh cuff to work properly. She appeared to get a bit flustered and I am unsure if we ever got an accurate reading.was in line with what I told her mine normally runs. I did have an additional problem with finding out if his office is in my insurance network. His secretary said he was but she would check into it for me to be sure. She was supposed to call me back twice before my scheduled visit to give me the information I needed. She never did either time and as a result I ended up going without a referral because the information my primary care doc's office was getting is that they were not covered. The secretary then told me, after I had paid my copay, that I was not going to be able to be seen today becasue I did not have a referral. When I mentioned that "someone" was supposed to have called me back twice she got very quiet. She was very nice and I am sure she was simply overworked. I did, however, end up paying out of pocket a LOT of money.

But it was all worth it because Doctor S. is just wonderful! He answered every single question I had and encouraged me to ask as many as I liked. He explained the procedure, posible complications, aftercare etc...completely. He said that I am a very good candidate for the lap procedure and he explained how the procedure is done and what makes someone a candidate. He was happy with my diet and excrcise and encouraged me to keep it up.

He emphasized the importance of aftercare and made it clear that no matter where I was in the world or where he was int he world that I could and should contact him if I was experiencing any problems.

Dr S. is a pioneer in the lap procedure and it is clear he is VERY good at what he does. I have total and complete confidence in him to do this surgery.

I had my surgery by Dr Schwitzer on 8/21. He did the Lap RNY. I had a rough first day with nausea, but turned that corner, and feel just fine now. I have never had much pain and only take Tylenol for soreness once in a while. I have 6 small incisions that are healing well. Still eating a pureed diet. I would recommend Dr Schwitzer to anyone who is interested in this proceedure.

Dr. S. seems to be a very nice man. He is very young but has lots of experience. He had lots of information for me to review and answered all of my questions both positive and negative.

When I made my first appointment it was approximately 2 months off. I was devasted. I felt that that would mean no surgery for at least 5 months. I begged for an earlier appointment. The office staff said that they would do what they could. I couldn't belive when they called with an opening about 2 weeks later. The office staff were very nice and welcoming. At this point, they have filed with my insurance company or so I thought. I still feel like I have picked the right place. It just has the wrong staff.

While I still believe that Dr. Schweitzer is a great surgeon, his staff leave much to be desired. They just don't seem to feel what we are going through. I called constantly to follow up on the insurance filing and they treated me like they were doing me a favor by talking to me. Live and learn. Now I wait.

*See below for Dr. Schweitzer comments* Dr. Vanguri is a soft spoken, gentle man. His office is very busy, it takes months to get an initial appointment, and then months to schedule the surgery date. I have been attending his monthly support group meetings for a year now. He has been performing this surgery only for 15+ years. His surgical skill is said to be excellent. Franklin Square Hospital in Baltimore apparently has a very good reputation. His staff, altho overworked are very helpful and friendly. In the past year I have not heard any fatality stories or terrible complication stories, either. The only problem I can see with the aftercare program is that there is no associated nutritionist specializing in this weight loss surgery. They are working on that, tho and hope to have one soon.
On my initial visit there, he does a little group briefing, then individual exams. He answers all questions very confidently. I believe he really cares about the plight of the obese.
8/21/01: All tho I really liked Dr. V - I am now having the surgery done by Dr. Schweitzer at Sinai hospital because he does it lap. I really want a quicker recovery and less of a scar. He is new to Sinai and is just getting his practice set up. He does not yet have credentials (his ID#) from all the insurance companies, yet. He is supposed to have it from Aetna by Sept. 1 and I am scheduled for Sept. 10. Jenny, his secretary is very nice and helpful, she is also new working for him. I can tell that it won't be long before she is completely overwhelmed there since Dr. S. is one of the few in this area doing this procedure lap. He has been an abdominal lap surgeon for maybe 8 years, and has been performing the gastric bypass since 1998. He is about 36 years old, but very confident and nice enough. In the two visits I have had with him, he has taken his time and explained all the surgical options and answered my list of questions. I must say tho, that he never examined me at all. Just took my weight and other lab test results. From those doctors that I have looked into, he definetely makes you jump thru the fewest hoops and seems to take an overall less invasive approach. I like that. Last I heard he was in the process of hiring a nutritionist who will also start some kind of support group. Hopefully she will be up and running soon!I'll update on the other side!

I HAVE MY FIRST APPOINTMENT WITH HIM ON AUGUST 29.

My first impression of Dr. Schweitzer was that he seemed a bit young, but yet he was very knowledgeable and made me feel comfortable.

It has been difficult reaching him, as he is changing his office from Georgetown University Hospital to Sinai Hospital in Baltimore. I do not know why he is changing hospitals. I believe he has only been at Georgetown since November 2000. He moved there from Richmond. Dr. Schweitzer has been communicating with me via email.

He appeared to be very young which was scary to me. He seemed quite preoccupied, but the doctors who perform this surgery are extremely busy. He was very good attentive when he made his rounds while I was in the hospital after the surgery. He was very interested in how my weight loss was progressing and in the healing of my incisions. The nurses in that particular office are very nice. I liked him very much after a couple of visits with him. He is a very good doctor. I have kept in contact with him even though he has moved to another hospital. He insisted that I keep up with my annual visits so they could keep track of my health and also to provide information to them about how the surgery worked for me. He went over what the risks were in my first visit to him. Excellent surgeon. His surgical competence is much better than his bedside manner.

My first impression of Dr. Schweitzer is that he seemed much younger than his picture on his website. He seems quite capable. I have been very impressed that he takes the time to answer each question without blowing you off. I'm not too impressed with Georgetown University Hospital, but he is moving to Sinai Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, which is a much nicer drive. I have sent him two emails since my office visit and he has responded quickly. His "book" on before and aftercare of bariatric surgery was the big deciding factor for me. It was very detailed and exact in what I would be doing on a daily basis after surgery. So far, I don't have anything negative to say, and don't expect to have.

I had my first consult today!! Dr schweitzer was so nice and he answered all my questions, half before I even asked them. He went over all the types of surgery and which ones he does and why! He is going to be moving closer to me In Baltimore at Sinai hospital so more likely then not I will have to wait until he moves in July to have my surgery. Although 4 months is a long wait, I want the best surgeon for me, which I am convinced is Dr Schweitzer. He is kinda young looking but is very experienced! He even pretty much talked my mom into having surgery! I just can't believe that sometime soon I will have a new body and life!!!
UPDATE-03/21/01-I called to see if my letter was sent to my insurance and it had been faxed today! So I will just wait and see what happens next. Maybe an April date is possible!!!!
UPDATE-03/22/01-I am approved!!! My surgery date is April 25,2001!! Thank you Dr S and Cintricia for putting up with me!!!