Cleveland Clinic Florida Weston Bariatric Center

I met Dr. Szomstein when he performed an endoscopy because my Lap-Band was giving too much reflux, he spoke to me directly and nicely, and took my case. For 2 years we tried to find the "sweet spot" for my Lap-Band, but it never happened.

In January 2018 I went to another adjustment and he really read my mind and proposed the revision, he was very honest and sincere about how it was the best solution, he explained everything so professionally looking at my eyes and gave me a lot of confidence, I didn't have to ask anything, just say yes!

Two months later on March 6th he did my revision, my surgery went well. He received me in the OR by saying "Where is the star?" The only thing I could do was smile and tell him how nervous I was. He told me everything was going to be okay, and that what I was feeling was normal. The next thing he told me was "Everything was fine, I removed the band and did the sleeve." Those words were music to my ears, I wish I could've given him a hug!

I was in recovery about 5 hours and he was checking on me every time he could, then during my hospital stay he came to see me in my room several times.

I have to say he is the truly the kindest and talented doctor I've had, without a doubt he is the best one! He truly cares about his patients not only as a professional but also as a friend, he makes you feel welcome and reassured.

Thanks Samuel!

Dr. Rosenthal saved my life. I was in a study at Cleveland Clinic for patients with severe gastroparesis. When I met him I was beyond sick and on the verge of suicide because of the pain. He was patient. He was empathetic. He took time to explain all of the details. His follow up is phenomenal. I have met many physicians. He is more than special. He loves what he does and he takes the time to impart his empathetic ways in his staff.

I was extremely satisfied with Dr. Szomstein for my gastric bypass surgery. You want to pick a surgeon who has done thousands upon thousands of these operations, and also a hospital that super well equipped and fully versed in all the needs of bariatric patients. I thought the Cleveland Clinic in Weston, Florida was exactly that on both counts (very high quality, very high volume). Their process is very structured, and you just check off the next "to do" item on the list until one day you find yourself in the operating room.

The most important step, though, is figuring out which type of operation to get (gastric bypass, sleeve, band). We initially decided on the sleeve but changed to RNY gastric bypass later before my surgery, and I have been so glad we changed because RNY was the right surgery for me for a number of reasons. You want to be proactive here, really do your research, and ask all your questions, because you want to get it right on the first surgery. If you feel like you may have rushed the decision, by all means call and make another appointment to discuss it again with your surgeon (true anywhere).

One of the upshots is that when Dr. Szomstein walks into your room to check up on you after your surgery, you will immediately relax and feel like he is on top of everything. There is just something incredibly soothing about his professional demeanor, as many people have noticed. He is a superb laparoscopic surgeon (he actually teaches the techniques). My entire recovery was so incredibly uneventful that he must have done everything perfectly inside there! I see others have noted how busy he is, and this is true -- you may only get to see him a few times during the process. But whereas I usually have abundant complaints about doctors, I have nothing but praise for Dr. Szomstein -- best bariatric surgeon in the country as far as I'm concerned, seriously!

My first impression of Dr. Szomstein was that he was really really nice. His smile when he entered the room lit up and made me feel instantly relaxed. I love his venezualan accent too. (I was expecting a NYC accent). The moment I started asking questions he sat down at my eye level and truly answered them without sugar-coating anything or making him look "above me". I am a nurse and was able to speak with him at a more medial level but I could tell he was able to accomodate to any level. I knew when we finished our consultation that I made the right choice in selecting him as my WLS surgeon. My entire experience was very easy to handle, especially since I lived several hours away. It was worth the trip. They madde as many appointments for my pre-op testing as possible on the same day so I didnt have to drive back and forth. MY surgery was a breeze and he stayed near me the entire 4 hous I was in recovery without ever leaving the operating department. He kept my husband informed the entire time and came to see me the evening of surgery and everyday I was in the hospital. He even let me take our picture together. He is truly one of the most compassionate, knowledgeable, kindest, and talented physicians I have ever had the honor to meet both personally and professionaly and I plan on keeping him as my regular GI doctor even though I live 3 hours away. He's the best and I guarantee you will not be disappointed. Thank you Dr. Szomstein for everything.

Six years out and counting. I kept all the weight off and recently lost another 20lbs. I'm down to 200lbs from 428.

I can't say enough good things about Dr. Rosenthal. He gave me the life i have today. I know of no one better.

Great doctor and awesome service at the Cleveland Clinic at Weston. The nurses were amazing and the Dr's offices are incredible.....amazing service!!!!

The Cleveland Clinic Hospital is an excellent facility with great healthcare providers. I would recommend this facility to ANYONE considering going through WLS. The only gripe I had was the fact that I've only seen Dr. Szomstein TWICE during this whole journey. Once on my first meeting with him, then again during my visit to have the EGD. I've seen his residents and nurses more than I've seen him through it all. :(

09/20/2008 (5 days post op)
I was referred to Dr. Rosenthal by a friend who worked at the Cleveland Clinic Florida and who also had a Sleeve Gastrectomy. She knew Dr. Rosenthal personally and knew his reputation, statistics, compassion, etc., first hand.

I was at the time considering a local doctor in suburban Detroit where I live, that conveniently had a really low cash price. My friend was not trying to get me to come to Florida, but just be a friend and supporter in my quest for finding the right surgeon. I ruled out that local doctor when he began questioning how many questions I was asking and whether I trusted him or not. I investigated several others in Michigan but didnt find any with much experience with the Sleeve. It is after all a newer procedure.

I then decided to come see Dr. Rosenthal in Florida. He was everything my friend had said and instilled instant confidence and warmth when I met him. He had done hundreds of Sleeves and was the guy that took the more complicated cases that other surgeons will not take. I decided that this is the surgeon for me. Even though the Cleveland Clinic's price was not the cheapest and I would have an additional $5,000 in travel expenses, I knew it would absolutely be worth it.

Well I had my Sleeve 4 days ago and have to say that Dr. Rosenthal did an amazing job. My recovery was picture perfect, so far anyway, and Dr. Rosenthal stops by every night with his Fellows to check in. I believe the doctor I ruled out in Michigan who got defensive because I asked too many questions and questioned whether I trusted him or not was the opposite of Dr. Rosenthal who answered all of my questions and clearly conveyed the message that he would take very good care of me, and I had absolutely nothing to worry about. He takes every precaution before and after the surgery to insure a very favorable outcome. That is what I needed and exactly what I got.

I would recommend him without reservation and owe him my life. Although I havent had the results yet because I only had the surgery 4 days ago, I know the rest is up to me. He did his job perfectly and was well worth traveling over 1200 miles, 4 different times for. Please e mail if you have any questions at all, and good luck. Update: 08/12/2009 11 months post op - down almost 151 lbs with about 8 to go. I truly believe that Dr. Rosenthal's technique absolutely plays a role in how well you do. I have done well to say the least and could not be happier. New update 12/8/2010 almost 27 months out, still at 170 and down 155 lbs. I have had very little trouble maintaining.

Dr. LoMenzo is an outstanding surgeon who is truly dedicated to helping the obese achieve a much better way of life. From my first meeting with him in a seminar, through the surgery and post-op appointment, I was impressed with his knowledge, skill, and compassion. Every step in the bariatric process was thoroughly discussed. In addition to being meticulous and gifted, his understated, professional manner was most comforting.

This man is a God send.