Dr. Fitzer and his staff are FABULOUS!!!! I had a bariatric sleeve done almost 2yrs ago and it literally saved my life! I had breast cancer and not only did the chemo pack on the weight, it attacked my liver. I was bridging into complete liver failure. I had to get the weight off fast! After meeting with Dr. Fitzer, who is a little rough around the edges and needs to work on his bedside manner, but... he KNOWS WHAT HE'S DOING! His staff definitely makes up for his lack of bedside manner. They are very well informed, it is definitely a one stop shop. Meeting with their in house nutritionist, nurses and PAs. I knew I was in very good hands! I am 5ft tall, on a good day, and weighed 200lbs. I was a tight size 14. In 6months I was a size 4!!!! It has been just about 2yrs now and a few more "breast cancer related" surgeries later, I am now a size 2 and feeling FABULOUS!!!!! It is NOT easy by no means! The first 6 to 9 weeks are pure he'll, but if you stick with it and believe in yourself, YOU CAN DO IT!!! If I can do it... ANYONE CAN DO IT!!! I am a very jealous eater! This was very hard for me! It is sooooo very worth it!!! read more

See all

I decided to get weight loss surgery in November 2021. I decided to go with Dr. Fitzer and his office because of the reviews and I was never disappointed! Every interaction I have had from the receptionist, to the nurses, to the P.A. to the dietitia, To Dr. Fitzer has been amazing! I will recommend them to anyone looking to receive help loosing weight. I had my surgery April 6th 2022 and I am loosing weight (15 lbs from 4/6) and healing amazingly! Please do not go to any other surgeon if you are in the northern Va area looking for weight loss surgery. Thank you everyone at Va Bariatrics for everything you have done for me! read more

i am disappointed that Dr Fitzer has his Nurses do all patient pre op and now post op. i have never had a surgery where the surgeon does not make an effort to touch base with the patient he operated on. i have issues and to get help I have to ask the nurse. i am just not used to this kind of medicine. I really have no reason to do a post operative follow up with a nurse. I have been online to see if I can reach my bariatric surgeon in Seattle who placed my lap band 26 years. read more

At 57 years old, my BMI was on the low side for one to consider bariatric surgery, but I had Diabetes 2, sleep apnea, hypertension, hypercholesteremia, fatty liver and joint damage. Two family members had been lost due to obesity related medical incidents before age 50. Habits acquired from using food for "head hunger" vs. physical hunger/nutrition made basic restrictive dieting unsuccessful. I realized that if I wanted to live long enough to continue to enjoy our expanding family (two children, one recently married), I needed to have weight loss surgery. Dr. Fitzer concurred, and I was scheduled for gastric bypass 5/11/20. I had done research and knew Dr. Fitzer's reputation was excellent. The bonus was that his office staff was also top notch; I felt cared for (and still do!) by people who knew their jobs well. I've lost 37 lbs. in 8 weeks; the gastric bypass "tool" the only way I could do so. I am in remission from diabetes and sleeping better! Blessed 2B getting healthy! read more

Early November I did my by-pass surgery with Dr. Fitzer. Its about a month now and I can't describe how great I'm feeling and foremost how happy I'm with the decision and the results so far. Since my first visit to Dr. Fitzer office at Virginia Bariatric Center in Reston, VA it was easy to see that I was in good hands. Dr. Fitzer team are very professional and extremely organized, it's "one stop shop" for a life change experience. At the end of the first visit, (a) I was clear on what type of procedure was better for my need, (b) it was clear my insurance coverage, (c) not only the necessary next steps, but also who, where and when to help me conquer them and (d) all I needed to expect in terms of diet on the week preceding the surgery and 7 weeks after my surgery. Even a list of supplements, vitamins and protein shake that I would need was provided. So, as you can notice, I left my visit with a very comprehensive written package of what to do in the following weeks prior to surgery, a nutrition program, list of professionals for further evaluation, list of support group events and all Q&A that I could think of. Fitzer team also managed all correspondences with my insurance directly, no headaches and no burocracy. I had also the plus side to be informed frequently of the status of approval, etc. They also took care of all my hospital arrangements. I only had to follow their instruction and that was all. At the day of surgery, I met with Dr. Fitzer that once again, explained all the details of my procedure and recuperation expectation and process. All went exact as explained and planned. After surgery, I did not meet with Dr. Fitzer, but my wife did, and he provided all info she asked and was again extremely professional, polite and direct. While at hospital room, I got all the support from the Bariatric nurses, coordinator and physician assistant. They constantly were checking on my status and providing tips and suggestion on how to recuperate faster and easier. I left the hospital about 30 hours after surgery without ANY pain. I didn't even used Tylenol. Once at home, following the dietitian program everything went well and smooth. The team was frequently checking on my status and they were all of them (including Dr. Fitzer) available for any questions 24/7 In summary, the entire Dr. Fitzer team works in full sync and harmony, every single one plays their part very well and the entire process I consider a success. I most certainly recommend this team for your life change experience. read more

I cannot say enough about my journey with Dr. Fitzer and his staff. Everyone has been so incredibly helpful, patient, kind, thoughtful, supportive and attentive to all of my needs and concerns. I was referred to Dr. Fitzer by a good friend and co-worker who saw him about six months before me and I saw how pleased she was with the service, care and how well she did after her procedure. The day of my procedure, everything went so smoothly. Everyone not only with Dr. Fitzers team, but from the Reston Hospital Center as well were simply perfect. I could not have asked for any better care from what I received. Everyone who came to check in on me after my procedure was pleasant, attentive, kind and always answered any questions I had. Roz, the coordinator is AMAZING! She really was the bow on top of the perfect gift. Her attention to care is out of this world and I cannot thank her and the rest of Dr. Fitzers team for all they have done and are continuing to do during my journey. read more

Absolutely love this office, had surgery back in December before Covid shut everything down, best life decision I ever made! I've lost 110 pounds since the surgery and feel great! I highly recommend Dr. Fitzer and everyone in his office, great people, supportive and helpful! Great experience! read more

I cannot say enough great things about Dr. Fitzer and his staff! The whole process from consult, to surgery, to post op has been extraordinary. I began the process at the very end of October and had gastric bypass 2/14. The staff was extremely knowledgeable of my insurance requirements and never missed a beat. They submitted my pre-authorization as soon as they were able to and kept me up to date on the status; with a quick turnaround. Dr. Fitzer and the PA's were very clear on instructions and expectations and the whole process has been very smooth. The dietitian explained everything thoroughly and answered all my questions and never rushed me. Danielle kept me informed and on track, which just made the whole process effortless. Aside from some soreness at the incision sites(which are pretty small), pain has been totally controlled with OTC Tylenol after coming home from the hospital and was able to be stopped just a few days after surgery. HIGHLY recommend Dr Fitzer! read more

My daughter, who is in her 20's, had surgery with Dr. Fitzer in late February of 2020. During the past six months, she has already lost more than 70 pounds, and is well on her way to reaching her target weight! Throughout the process of preparing for, going through, and following up after the surgery, Dr. Fitzer and his team were exceptional re: providing a wealth of info and support, answering the myriad of questions we asked, and always being stellar in every regard. It is a pleasure to recommend them highly and without reservation to anyone considering weight loss surgery. EB in Reston, VA read more

My son had surgery Tuesday 10/9/18 with Dr. Fitzer had no complaints until day one after surgery . Never was seen by a Dr while in the hospital after surgery. A physician assistant saw him finally on Thursday for possible discharge. Once ready to leave found out that he was being sent home 48 hours after major abdominal surgery with no pain medication. I am a RN with 27 plus years experience and I have never have come across a doctor who would do such a thing. My son nor my family are drug taken people but this is absurdity in a whole new level. I had the same surgery 18 years ago and my daughter 6 years ago in Ohio by a doctors that cared for their patients properly. We both did great and have maintained a normal weight. Dr. Fitzer stated that being on pain medication would make my son make poor decision and eat a meatball sub and blow out his staple line. That is the biggest load of bullshit I have ever heard of in my life. Mind you my son has lost over 100 lbs on his own prior to even consulting with this doctor and has worked hard for years to be able to get this surgery. My son had been on steriod from the time he was 17 days old until he was 8 years old and has battled weight issues since he was about 5 and is now 19. Was told that the lack of pain medication blurp of information was in the surgery packet. Went home and re read entire packet with no mention of being sent home without pain meds. If so we would have walked right out of his office and I would have never allowed him to cut on my son. This is pure medical neglect plain and simple. If this is his policy then a separate form needs to be signed and initialed that you are aware that you are going to go home too suffer like hell for days. We have been home 16 hours now and my son is miserable. Tylenol is not cutting it and we will most likley end up back at the ER and a big fat medical bill which can be mailed directly to him since this is totally uncalled for and caused by his blatant negligence. If concidering this surgery I would not recommend this insane saaddist who thinks it is fine to suffer. Thank God for karma because someday he will be in sever pain and hopefully told tough shit take a tylenol ! Now we need to find a new doctor 2 days after a major surgery because I refuse to allow someone this insane to make any more medical decisions for my son. read more

I'm extremely pleased with Dr. Fitzer and his team. They've truly showed care and compassion throughout my WLS journey. I "snuck in" for my surgery March 24, 2020, less than 24 hours before the governor stopped elective surgeries due to COVID-19, and I'm so very thankful I did! Within three months, I had shrunk from an XXL to a Medium shirt size (see photos), and my accompanying Type II Diabetes, Hypertension, Hypercholesterolemia, and Sleep Apnea had ALL normalized! I'm at 5 months post-op, my weight is down 80 pounds (from 274 to 194), and I feel terrific! I routinely walk 4-5 miles without any fatigue, and have an abundance of energy. Thanks so very much, Dr. Fitzer and VBS team! read more

Best Bariatric surgeon around! I adore Dr. Fitzer! Competent, educated and simply amazing. I would do it again just to experience his care. His staff are pretty great, too. I'm 2 weeks post op from gastric sleeve. No pain, except for a little gas and sore incision pain, nothing that a Tylenol or GasX can't take care of. I'm so glad I made this decision. It's been 14 days and I am down 20lbs already. I feel amazing. I wouldn't trust another doctor to do this honestly. If you're thinking about it, stop and call him, like now. Yeah, just do it. (And don't listen to that ladies review about pain meds, you do NOT need them if you are following his strict guidelines and instructions for post op. Also, they told me before surgery no pain meds are provided so I'm not sure if she wasn't listening or what but I was told.) read more

Almost 3 years out and I'm still singing the praises of Dr. Fitzer for changing my life. Before I had my surgery I was close to 250 lbs, depressed and feeling defeated. I went to Dr. Fitzer to talk to him about lap band surgery and he educated me on gastric bypass stating it is the gold standard. I trusted his advice and had my surgery on December 28, 2012. I have lost close to a 100 lbs and wear a size 10 comfortably. Dr. Fitzer is a straight shooter who will not sugar coat the process and I have confidence in his direction. I am an advocate of bariatric surgery and pay it forward by leading the support group (with my husband who also had gp surgery) at Reston Hospital for pre and post op patients. read more

I absolutely adore Dr. Fitzer and his staff. They are incredibly knowledgeable and friendly. He changed my life for the better! 2 and a half years post op and life is amazing. read more

Dr. Matthew Fitzer is a highly skilled Bariatric surgeon. His office is in Reston, VA adjacent to Reston Hospital. He also does weight loss surgery at INOVA Fair Oaks Hospital and I believe, Fairfax Hospital. Dr. Fitzer has a very professional manner that conveys confidence and competency; he listens well, and communicates in a straightforward manner. He is very experienced, having completed many years of bariatric surgery and has excellent credentials. I had no qualms in having to trust my life to his abilities as a weight loss surgeon. I had a lap band removed and had a gastric bypass operation at the same time. He monitored my recovery everyday in the hospital, called me, and attended to my post op needs in Fair Oaks Hospital. I can't say enough good things about all of the staff members in his office. They are all friendly, supportive and helpful. It has been 2 1/2 months since my surgery. I had a smooth recovery and successful weight loss which is ongoing. Dr. Fitzer was very clear about the medical imperatives and strict requirements to follow after surgery. He was no nonsense in explaining the responsibility and effort I had to put forth to have no complications and an optimum recovery. I am grateful he was my surgeon and I highly recommend him to anyone contemplating bariatric surgery. read more