Loading Complete
Michael A. Schweitzer

Michael A. Schweitzer, MD

Bariatric SurgeryGeneral Surgery

Accepting New Patients

Highlights

Age Groups Seen

  • Young Adult 18-25
  • Adult 26-64
  • Older Adult 65+

Languages

  • English

Gender

Male

Johns Hopkins Affiliations:

  • Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Faculty

About Michael A. Schweitzer

Professional Titles

  • Director, Johns Hopkins Center for Bariatric Surgery

Primary Academic Title

Professor of Clinical Surgery

Johns Hopkins Physician

Logo for Johns Hopkins Physician

Background

Michael Schweitzer, M.D., developed the laparoscopic bariatric surgery programs at the Medical College of Virginia (one of the first ten laparoscopic gastric bypass programs in the country), Georgetown University, Sinai Hospital of Baltimore and the Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Schweitzer was the first surgeon in the mid-Atlantic area to perform laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and the first in Maryland to perform laparoscopic adjustable gastric band surgery and laparoscopic duodenal switch with biliopancreatic diversion.

Currently chair of the membership committee for the American Society of Bariatric Surgeons, Dr. Schweitzer also serves as a site inspector for the American College of Surgeons Bariatric Center of Excellence Program. He serves on three editorial boards: the Journal of Laparoendoscopic and Advanced Surgical Techniques, Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases the official journal of the American Society of Bariatric Surgeons) and Bariatric Times.

Dr. Schweitzer was the first to ever publish a technique for endoscopic stoma reduction using transoral endoscopic suturing. A great deal of attention is focused on the future of transoral surgery to avoid abdominal incisions for routine surgery ("No-Scar Surgery"). Dr. Schweitzer is one of the first to apply this technology to bariatric patients.

A writer of numerous papers, chapters and review articles on bariatric surgery, several of Dr. Schweitzer''s laparoscopic bariatric surgical techniques have been featured in the American College of Surgeons Cine Video Series. He is considered an international expert on venous thromboembolic complications after bariatric surgery and has one of the lowest complication rates documented in world surgical literature.

Dr. Schweitzer currently has an extremely active laparoscopic bariatric practice that includes laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, laparoscopic adjustable gastric band, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, laparoscopic duodenal switch with biliopancreatic diversion, and revision of previous surgery.

The team at the Johns Hopkins Center for Bariatric Surgery has successfully completed over 2500 bariatric procedures.

Centers and Institutes

Comprehensive Hernia Center

Research Interests

Bariatric surgery, Laparoscopic surgery, Minimally-invasive surgery, Prevention of deep venous thrombosis, Surgical outcomes after laparoscopic surgery, Transoral endoscopic surgery (no scar surgery)

Selected Publications

  • Amir RA, Al-Khuraishi, Clark, Solga SF, Torbenson M, Tabesh A, Schweitzer M, Diehl AM, Magnuson TH. Race and co-morbid factors predict NAFLD histopathology in severely obese patients. Surgery of Obesity and Related Diseases. 2005; 1: 6-11.

  • Chamberlain A, Cheung D, Fobi M, Groh E, Jordan P, Khalili T, Rosenthal R, Rowen L, Schweitzer M, Swartz E, Tyler R. Urgent and Emergent Management of Postoperative Bariatric Surgery Patients. Bariatric Nursing and Surgical Patient Care. 2006; 1:5-14.

  • Collins BJ, Miyashita T, Schweitzer M, Magnuson T, Harmon JW, Why Roux-en-Y, Archives of Surgery (Accepted after minor revision Feb 2007)

  • Davis LM, Cheskin LJ, Contoreggi C, McCullough K, Hope BT, Aja SM, Schweitzer MA, Steele KE, MoranTH. Dopamine agonism improves behavioral and peripheral parameters in obese rodent models. (Submitted June 2006).

  • Gandsas A, Schweitzer MA. Bariatric centers of excellence as another pay-forperformance program Laparoscopy Today 2006;5:5-10.

  • Lum YW, House MG, Hayanga AJ, Schweitzer MA Post-Cholecystectomy Syndrome In The Laparoscopic Era Laparoendosc Adv Surg Tech A. 2006;16:482-5.

  • Schweitzer MA, Gandsas A, Steele, K, Lidor A, Magnuson TH. Vessel Sealing Energy Devices Used In Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery. Bariatric Times 2006; 3:14-15.

  • Schweitzer MA, Lidor A, Magnuson TF, Incision-free minimally invasive gastric surgery. Bariatric Times. 2005; 2: 25-30.

  • Schweitzer MA, Lidor A, Magnuson TH. 251 consecutive laparoscopic gastric bypass operations using a 2 layer gastrojejunostomy technique with a zero leak rate. J Laparoendosc Adv Surg Tech A. 2006; 16:83-87.

  • Schweitzer MA, Steele K, Lidor A, Magnuson TH. Acute Vena Cava Thrombosis after Placement of Retrievable IVC Filter Prior to Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass Surgery of Obesity and Related Diseases 2006;2: 661-663.

  • Schweitzer MA, Steele, K, Lidor A, Failure of the Adjustable Gastric Band System Due To A Leak Of Saline. Surgery of Obesity and Related Diseases 2006;2:413.

  • Shermak MA, Chang D, Magnuson T, Schweitzer M, An Outcomes Analysis of Patients Undergoing Body Contouring Surgery after Massive Weight Loss. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 2006;118:1026-31.

  • Steele K, Schweitzer MA, Lidor A, Magnuson TH. An Unusual Case Of A Gastric Bezoar Causing Obstruction After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass. Surgery of Obesity and Related Diseases 2006;2:536-537.

  • Steele, Schweitzer MA, Lidor A, Magnuson TH. Venous Thromboembolism following Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass. Bariatric Times 2006;3:8-9.

Memberships

  • Fellow, The American College of Surgeons
  • Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons
  • American Society for Bariatric Surgery
  • Med Chi, The Maryland State Medical Society

Locations

  1. Johns Hopkins Health Care & Surgery Center - Green Spring Station, Lutherville
    • 10753 Falls Road, Pavilion II, STE 305, Lutherville, MD 21093
    • Get Directions
  2. Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center
    • 4940 Eastern Avenue, Bayview Medical Offices, Level 3, Baltimore, MD 21224
    • Get Directions

Expertise

Education

  • Residency: University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, General Surgery, 1996
  • Medical Education: University of Maryland School of Medicine, MD, 1991

Board Certifications

  • Metabolic Bariatric Surgery: American Board of Surgery, 2023
  • Surgery (General Surgery): American Board of Surgery, 1997

Insurance

Please contact the location directly to confirm your health plan is accepted.
Search plans
  • Aetna
  • CareFirst
  • Cigna
  • First Health
  • Geisinger Health Plan
  • HealthSmart/Accel
  • Johns Hopkins Health Plans
  • MultiPlan
  • Pennsylvania's Preferred Health Networks (PPHN)
  • Point Comfort Underwriters
  • Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS)
  • Veteran Affairs Community Care Network (Optum-VACCN)

Ratings & Reviews

4.7 out of 5

37 ratings, 12 reviews

The Patient Rating score is an average of all responses to physician related questions on the national CG-CAHPS Medical Practice patient experience survey through Press Ganey. Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the best score. Comments are also gathered from our CG-CAHPS Medical Practice Survey through Press Ganey and displayed in their entirety. Patients are de-identified for confidentiality and patient privacy.

Overall Rating by Patient
Provider Listened Carefully
Provider Explained Things Clearly
Provider Knew Medical History
Provider Showed Respect
Provider Spent Enough Time
Search reviews
    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/16/2026

    He is kind and a good listener.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/13/2026

    Dr. Schweitzer was very helpful, very efficient, and kind during this visit. His many years of experience must allow him to do this. He pointed out some key suggestions for continuing care of the surgical site based on the physical exam that I could implement right away.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/9/2026

    Good information and direct and to the point

    4 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/8/2025

    Dr. Schweitzer is fine. No issues with him

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/5/2025

    Drs. Schweitzer and [staff] were great. They both explained everything well

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/24/2025

    He is absolutely amazing

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/12/2025

    All very good good service thank you

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/22/2025

    Very caring, very easy to talk to-explained everything.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/26/2025

    Pay attention to what we talk about

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/13/2025

    Excellent!

    3 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/9/2025

    I was there 21 yrs after surgery with absorption problems leading to certain conditions. Have been seen by other doctors. Wanted consult as to these conditions and his experience due to longevity and studies. Did not get that feedback. Referred to nutritionist.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/30/2025

    Dr. Schweitzer was very personable and clearly explained my condition and surgical treatment options. Although I know hw is very busy, he spoke with me in a relaxed and attentive manner, so I never felt rushed.