South Miami -- what do you think?

I am scheduled for WLS with Dr. Gonzalez in January at South Miami Hospital. I have heard mixed reviews of South Miami and I'm a bit scared. What do you think? I also had some good feedback about Cleveland. Should I change surgeons and find someone at Cleveland? Thank you for your kind response!

Vitoria- I do not know anything about the hospitals down there, but if you click on the link at the top "find a bariatric hospital" you can find comments on most of the hospitals in your area. I hope this helps.

I hate to be negative but Dr. Gonzalez did my cousin's surgery at SM Hospital and she did not have anything good to say. I had my surgery at Clevland Clinic and I would do it again in a heartbeat. Cleveland Clinic is like no other hospital. You always have a private room and the staff is awesome. You feel like you were at a 5 star resort. I speak for myself but I think most hospitals are depressingly white and gray but not CC. Just my 2 cents worth. Gesell

Thank you for your feedback. Some time back I was told that Cleveland was understaffed. Did you cousin like Dr. Gonzalez?

I'll just say that when her sister had her surgery a week ago she told her that she was better off at Cleveland Clinic than with her surgeon. She also changed surgeons for her aftercare. As far as CC being understaffed I was there 4 weeks ago and my cousin a week ago and I had a nurse in my room every hour and instead of a call button the nurses and nursing assistants have phones that you call directly and speak to them. I felt that the attention was amazing and could not be better. At the change of every shift the nurse that is leaving will come in and tell you she is leaving and that she has told the nurse coming in any concerns pertaining to you specifically and the new nurse comes in to write her number on a white board for you to have the entire time. Gesell

I've only had experience with the emergency room at South Miami and I don't know anything about Dr. Gonzalez. I live in Miami and chose to go with US Bariatric in Fort Lauderdale so I was at Holy Cross. Both were positive experiences for me. LuvitsunnyV@goal

I AM GLAD TO HEAR THAT YOU HAD A POSITIVE EXPERIENCE AT HOLY CROSS HOSPITAL. THIS IS WHERE I WILL BE HAVING MY SURGERY JAN.19, 05. I AM ALWAYS CONCERNED WITH THE NURSING BEHAVIOR OF THE STAFF. THIS GIVES ME CONFORT TO KNOW. HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND GOD BLESS YOU. RUTH B.

Hi Vitoria, My husband Omar and I both had surgery at the CC with Dr. Rosenthal. We both had very positive experiences with the hospital and staff. The aftercare program is good and he has 2 very educated nutrionists. We travel from Orlando for our appointments, that's how much we like the atmosphere there. Like any hospital, it has it's negative moments but the good outweigh the bad by a longshot. Omar had his surgery in April 2003 and has lost 322 pounds so far and I had my surgery this past September and have lost 82 pounds. If you would more info, just let me know. Happy Holidays, Dawn

Since you live in Orlando, maybe you could join us for our support group meetings. Celebration Health (a part of US Bariatrics) has a terrific support group that meets at the hospital the first Wednesday of each month at 7PM. You are more than welcome to come. They have people that drive up from South Florida just to come to the support group there because it is that good. Hope to see you there. If there is anything I can do (or if you need directions), please let me know.

Oops..actually we meet the SECOND Wednesday at each month.