Anyone use Dr. Fitzer at Virginia Bariatric?

[tera73 34]

I only had a 3 day clear liquid pre op diet. He will tell you what weight he wants you at that you have to meet by your surgery date. Dont play into it. Trust me after the surgery you wont want to eat. Follow the 7 week post op diet, take your Vitamins and you will do fine. And - no more diabetis!! Im [emoji817] healthy

Dr F only wanted me to lose 10 pounds...insurance is requiring 10%. I’ve lost about 20 pounds. Im pushing myself to drop the other 20 by April. Because of my size, I’m sure I can do it...but nervous. I’m excited about surgery though and the life I will have afterwards. I’ve had a c-section, but never been out to sleep...so that makes me scared a little.

[obxshell89 33]

You can do it! I had to lose 3 lbs lol

you will have a great nap while he is working his magic! Just remember he sends you home with NO pain meds. Walk walk walk and sip sip sip. The first week is rough but well worth the outcome. Its a wonderful journey!

[tera73 34]

You can do it! I had to lose 3 lbs lol
you will have a great nap while he is working his magic! Just remember he sends you home with NO pain meds. Walk walk walk and sip sip sip. The first week is rough but well worth the outcome. Its a wonderful journey!

I had read that before. I don’t like pain meds anyway and can’t take a lot of them, as they make me sick. Only took Tylenol the next day after c-section. Thank you so much!!!

[SampTheChamp 234]

@obxshell89 you're exactly right. My experience was very similar to yours. @tera73 Most of this is all mental. Once you have the surgery it'll be so much easier to follow the directions and expectations they have for you. The bypass is the way to go. You wont regret it. Keep is posted.

[tera73 34]

[mention=308717]obxshell89[/mention] you're exactly right. My experience was very similar to yours. [mention=317592]tera73[/mention] Most of this is all mental. Once you have the surgery it'll be so much easier to follow the directions and expectations they have for you. The bypass is the way to go. You wont regret it. Keep is posted.

Thank you!! Makes me feel better! I will keep you guys posted!

[SampTheChamp 234]

On 2/9/2018 at 8:13 PM, gr8ful1 said:

I should be glad that my insurance company requires "only" 6 months. I'm glad the time has been going by fast for you, though. I started this journey by attending a WLS seminar at Fair Oaks in 2014, but "having my insides mutilated" scared me to death back then. I just imagined waking up from surgery in a panic and shrieking, "what have I just done to myself?!" But now I'm ready.

Good luck. You won't regret it. Take it one day at at time and watch the magic happen.

[SampTheChamp 234]

On 2/9/2018 at 8:19 PM, gr8ful1 said:

That's really good to hear. I can't wait to be able to say "yes" to things like going on a zipline, a helicopter tour in Hawaii, or even the simple things like going up a ladder or my attic stairs knowing that I'm under the "maximum allowed weight" for all of these things. And sitting in booths in restaurants.

Your weight loss looks fantastic, SampTheChamp. You are killing it! How much have you lost in the first couple months after surgery, if you don't mind my asking?

Not at all. Thanks for the kind words. I lost 24lbs in the first week. Afterwards 10 here, 10 there, 5 here, 5 there. It's amazing. I'm thinking finally at 8 weeks out I'm hitting a small stall. It should pass soon. It has been amazing. I just couldn't believe how easy this who process was. No nausea, no gas pain, only slight incision pains the first 2-3 days. I was ready to return to work in 2 weeks and I'm a PE Teacher. Dr. Fitz is awesome. Very direct and straight to the point. Very knowledgeable about his craft. He definitely helped my change my life and give me a second chance to be great in life. I'm so grateful and thankful for him. You'll do fine. You'll look back a few weeks out and be amazed with the journey are advocate for the surgery on these forums just like I do.

[gr8ful1 122]

Now that I've had my initial consultation with Dr. Fitzer, I'd like to share some feedback on him for the benefit of others.

He smiled, he was personable, and he was not aloof. Apparently some other patients had a different experience in this regard. Maybe my expectations were low in this area, so it didn't take much to exceed them. In any case, I found nothing of concern in his demeanor, and I felt comfortable talking with him about my case and my concerns.

He exhibited a lot of self-confidence. While I appreciate humility more than pride, I have no problem with the self-confidence as long as it's not unfounded.

He solicited my questions, and answered them thoroughly. So thoroughly in fact, that I didn't get to ask all of them before I had been there for an hour, and he said that he we needed to wrap up the visit. I wished that he had more time, but I respect that there was another patient waiting, and that my $30 co-pay didn't entitle me to all of the doctor's afternoon. And he *more* than made it up to me by telling me that I could find a card with his e-mail address in the folder I was given, and that he would answer any additional questions I send him via e-mail. Not too many doctors offer that sort of communication with their patients - you usually need to schedule another appointment to get that kind of interaction!

Another concern that others have mentioned is that you will "never see him again" after the surgery, even in the hospital on the day of surgery. So I asked him about follow-up, and he was frank with me about the other providers I would need to see after surgery. I'm ok with that. He's the surgeon, so I don't really need to see him except for the consult and for the surgery. He did say that I was welcome to make a follow-up appointment with him if I ever wanted to see him or just come visit. I have a $30 co-pay for specialists and no coverage for nutritionist visits, so how can I complain about that? Maybe I'll see his PA or NP for my 3-week follow-up, but I can also see him anytime I want. What more could I expect?

Another concern was that he is a solo practice, so if he moves away or gets hit by the proverbial bus, his bariatric practice will not be there to support me after he's gone. He assured me that he is not going to move in the next five years, told me that he couldn't promise me that he wouldn't drop dead, but that he would definitely communicate with his patients about continuity of care if/when he were planning to move away. Again, I couldn't expect any more than that.

I was asked to call GEHA (insurance) myself to verify benefits, even though the doctor's office was also in touch with them. I'm not quite sure what to ask, but I guess I'll ask about the "supervised diet," as Dr. Fitzer's staff didn't know my insurance company's requirement in that regard, even though I gave them all of my insurance info a couple of weeks ago. I did complete a year-long hospital-based medical weight loss program a year ago, so I hope that is recent enough to count toward the requirement. I want to get this done NOW!

Overall, the initial consult went better than expected, even though I still have a lot of uncertainty and confusion about next steps, exactly what I need to do to prep, etc. I do have a follow-up scheduled with his nutritionist, so I expect to learn more during that visit and during subsequent visits to his office.

[fruitandveggies 456]

Sorry I never saw this thread before, but I've loved my time with Fitzer's office. Jenny the PA is gone though, sadly. Their NUT Suzanne is the best!

[tera73 34]

Now that I've had my initial consultation with Dr. Fitzer, I'd like to share some feedback on him for the benefit of others.
He smiled, he was personable, and he was not aloof. Apparently some other patients had a different experience in this regard. Maybe my expectations were low in this area, so it didn't take much to exceed them. In any case, I found nothing of concern in his demeanor, and I felt comfortable talking with him about my case and my concerns. [emoji3]
He exhibited a lot of self-confidence. While I appreciate humility more than pride, I have no problem with the self-confidence as long as it's not unfounded. [emoji3]
He solicited my questions, and answered them thoroughly. So thoroughly in fact, that I didn't get to ask all of them before I had been there for an hour, and he said that he we needed to wrap up the visit. I wished that he had more time, but I respect that there was another patient waiting, and that my $30 co-pay didn't entitle me to all of the doctor's afternoon. And he *more* than made it up to me by telling me that I could find a card with his e-mail address in the folder I was given, and that he would answer any additional questions I send him via e-mail. Not too many doctors offer that sort of communication with their patients - you usually need to schedule another appointment to get that kind of interaction! [emoji3]
Another concern that others have mentioned is that you will "never see him again" after the surgery, even in the hospital on the day of surgery. So I asked him about follow-up, and he was frank with me about the other providers I would need to see after surgery. I'm ok with that. He's the surgeon, so I don't really need to see him except for the consult and for the surgery. He did say that I was welcome to make a follow-up appointment with him if I ever wanted to see him or just come visit. I have a $30 co-pay for specialists and no coverage for nutritionist visits, so how can I complain about that? Maybe I'll see his PA or NP for my 3-week follow-up, but I can also see him anytime I want. What more could I expect? [emoji3]
Another concern was that he is a solo practice, so if he moves away or gets hit by the proverbial bus, his bariatric practice will not be there to support me after he's gone. He assured me that he is not going to move in the next five years, told me that he couldn't promise me that he wouldn't drop dead, but that he would definitely communicate with his patients about continuity of care if/when he were planning to move away. Again, I couldn't expect any more than that.
I was asked to call GEHA (insurance) myself to verify benefits, even though the doctor's office was also in touch with them. I'm not quite sure what to ask, but I guess I'll ask about the "supervised diet," as Dr. Fitzer's staff didn't know my insurance company's requirement in that regard, even though I gave them all of my insurance info a couple of weeks ago. I did complete a year-long hospital-based medical weight loss program a year ago, so I hope that is recent enough to count toward the requirement. I want to get this done NOW!
Overall, the initial consult went better than expected, even though I still have a lot of uncertainty and confusion about next steps, exactly what I need to do to prep, etc. I do have a follow-up scheduled with his nutritionist, so I expect to learn more during that visit and during subsequent visits to his office.

I was just there Friday morning to see Suzanne. I felt the same as you did about Dr Fitzer...I liked him and understood that I may not see him often. I have two more visits with Suzanne...it seems like a long year but the last few months have went by pretty quick. I was told to contact insurance as well. They just sent me a copy of their Bariatric policy. They haven’t been very good to deal with...they have a lot of requirements. Heather is very quick to respond if you email her with questions. I email her a lot, at least at the beginning with what to do next. I’m assuming as I am getting to the end I will have more to do...hoping that will make time go quicker... I am 44 and have two kids. A 20 year old son that is at school in North Carolina and a almost 7 year old daughter. I hope you don’t have long to wait for surgery! I’m hoping for April!!

[kakatlady612 1,053]

Good luck Tera, April's only 2 short months away. Hope everything goes smoothly for you.

Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

[SampTheChamp 234]

3 hours ago, fruitandveggies said:

Sorry I never saw this thread before, but I've loved my time with Fitzer's office. Jenny the PA is gone though, sadly. Their NUT Suzanne is the best!

Yeah, Jenny is gone but, Shawn replaced her. She is awesome! Very attentive, helpful, and a sweetheart. Suzanne is absolutely amazing. I definitely agree with you.

[SampTheChamp 234]

4 hours ago, gr8ful1 said:

Now that I've had my initial consultation with Dr. Fitzer, I'd like to share some feedback on him for the benefit of others.

He smiled, he was personable, and he was not aloof. Apparently some other patients had a different experience in this regard. Maybe my expectations were low in this area, so it didn't take much to exceed them. In any case, I found nothing of concern in his demeanor, and I felt comfortable talking with him about my case and my concerns.

He exhibited a lot of self-confidence. While I appreciate humility more than pride, I have no problem with the self-confidence as long as it's not unfounded.

He solicited my questions, and answered them thoroughly. So thoroughly in fact, that I didn't get to ask all of them before I had been there for an hour, and he said that he we needed to wrap up the visit. I wished that he had more time, but I respect that there was another patient waiting, and that my $30 co-pay didn't entitle me to all of the doctor's afternoon. And he *more* than made it up to me by telling me that I could find a card with his e-mail address in the folder I was given, and that he would answer any additional questions I send him via e-mail. Not too many doctors offer that sort of communication with their patients - you usually need to schedule another appointment to get that kind of interaction!

Another concern that others have mentioned is that you will "never see him again" after the surgery, even in the hospital on the day of surgery. So I asked him about follow-up, and he was frank with me about the other providers I would need to see after surgery. I'm ok with that. He's the surgeon, so I don't really need to see him except for the consult and for the surgery. He did say that I was welcome to make a follow-up appointment with him if I ever wanted to see him or just come visit. I have a $30 co-pay for specialists and no coverage for nutritionist visits, so how can I complain about that? Maybe I'll see his PA or NP for my 3-week follow-up, but I can also see him anytime I want. What more could I expect?

Another concern was that he is a solo practice, so if he moves away or gets hit by the proverbial bus, his bariatric practice will not be there to support me after he's gone. He assured me that he is not going to move in the next five years, told me that he couldn't promise me that he wouldn't drop dead, but that he would definitely communicate with his patients about continuity of care if/when he were planning to move away. Again, I couldn't expect any more than that.

I was asked to call GEHA (insurance) myself to verify benefits, even though the doctor's office was also in touch with them. I'm not quite sure what to ask, but I guess I'll ask about the "supervised diet," as Dr. Fitzer's staff didn't know my insurance company's requirement in that regard, even though I gave them all of my insurance info a couple of weeks ago. I did complete a year-long hospital-based medical weight loss program a year ago, so I hope that is recent enough to count toward the requirement. I want to get this done NOW!

Overall, the initial consult went better than expected, even though I still have a lot of uncertainty and confusion about next steps, exactly what I need to do to prep, etc. I do have a follow-up scheduled with his nutritionist, so I expect to learn more during that visit and during subsequent visits to his office.

Yes, Dr. Fitz is pretty awesome. He is very straight forward with his face-to-face meetings. He is very knowledgeable and can explain any situation. I was a little in question initially, but after meeting with him a few times, it was clear that he was my my surgeon. The funny part about it all is that he is very straight forward in his appointments, but the complete opposite before actual surgery. He came in my preop room just before my surgery and he was super energetic, made jokes, super smiley, and animated. That showed me that he was ready to rock-n-roll. He is very passionate about his profession. Hands down the best and I have NO REGRETS!!! He's real deal. You will have an awesome journey with him and his staff. They are all amazing. It WILL go well for your, trust me. Good luck to you.

[tera73 34]

I have #11 appointment with Suzanne on Friday. Will I have more things to do over this last month? I have PEIA insurance...how long does approval normally take??

[SampTheChamp 234]

On 3/5/2018 at 9:18 PM, tera73 said:

I have #11 appointment with Suzanne on Friday. Will I have more things to do over this last month? I have PEIA insurance...how long does approval normally take??

It all depends on your insurance company. I got my approval right away. It might would help to if you nagged the insurance company or have Heather stay on them to get a decision made. She is really good about getting stuff done.