Cleveland Clinic Florida Weston Bariatric Center
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Dr. Szomstein is empathitic - he truly listens to you with his head and heart. You feel like he understands that which most people do not. He has the type of strength that allows you to turn over your trust and body to him.
I had two complications right after my surgery that he and his associates addressed aggressively and between them they pulled me out in hours.
You can see into his heart thru his kind eyes and at no time do you ever feel "alone". Not prior to surgery or after your surgery. He is there every step of the way.
Dr Szomsteins associates are also top drawer !!! Coming in to the hospital in during the night when I had a complication. They were there for me and again with great compassion. I can not recommend him HIGHLY enough !!! He is the BEST !!!!
I have had my first visit with Dr. Rosenthal and walked away feeling lucky I found him to do my surgery. He walked in with a big smile and was very positive about being able to help me...The office staff that I met were also up bubbles and very nice to be around..Not one person had a sour note which is unusual in a fast paced atmosphere. I cannot say one thing bad except that it took three months to see him. I was not rushed through the conference and he answered all questions. Dr. Szomstein, Assistant to Dr. Rosenthal, was also very attentive and very helpful with answering questions in depth. I walked away understanding all aspects of the surgery and what to expect from beginning to end. I am now going through Pre-Op tests so I can have my surgery date.
I would say surgical competence is to priority but to have that and bedside manner is wonderful...I feel like I have grabbed the brass ring. Last remark is the Cleveland Clinic was also very impressive. So to sum it up...Impressed with everything and that makes having this procedure a little easier to move forward to the next step.
12/4/02 Had my surgery and so far so good...Went with no problems, stomach hurts from the surgery but not so bad. Having a cold doesn't help which I picked up, sneezing is a killer...Dr. Rosenthal was as impressive as the first day I met him, no reqrets. Thank You Dr. Rosenthal.....You are a 10.....
Let me just say that Dr Rosenthal, meeting his was totally awesome.. He answered all my questions and my concerns, he was honest and upfront with me.. As far as his office staff, they are all wonderful too, except sometimes, some need to listen alittle more to what you are saying than what they want to hear.. But overall, Dr R and his staff all really great people.. I'll post more, once I get to meet more with him...
I first posted my profile back in May 2002. I had seen Dr. Overcash in Ocala, Florida. I had started to have some of the necessary testing done but because I have Medicaid it was sometimes difficult to find clinics/hospitals that would except my insurance for some of the tests. Time was passing and I wasn't getting anywhere and then my wife went looking for any other info we could use to help me in my journey. She found a site about a place called The Cleveland Clinic in Westin, Florida and the doctor there is Dr. Raul Rosenthal. Well..he is my new physican as of yesterday! Had my first consult with him and it was wonderful. The facilities are great, everyone from the person at the enterance to the clinic to the nurses, to the check-out person were very professional and courteaous. We had to attend an orientation meeting that morning before my appointment. We were given paperwork and a packet that contained all pertinant info about WLS. We were also shown a short film showing someone actually having surgery performed which was very informative. Emily, who is the program coordinator, as well as the staff nutritionist also spoke to us briefly. Dr.Szomstein, also a surgeon at the clinic gave the main lecture that covered a good range of topics. I found it to be well put together and informative. During the consultation they went over all my medical history and appeared very knowledgeable about the pros and cons of the procedure. I will be having laparoscopic WLS. The decision to go to another surgeon was based on 2 factors: 1)Cleveland Clinic made all my appointments for me to have my testing and 2) the Clinic is closer to my family in Miami. I am from Orlando but will be traveling to Westin which is approx. 230 miles. I will be retuning to the CC on January 20th to have my tests done. Once this is completed they can apply for insurance approval and hopefully I will be having my surgery in February. I feel as if I'm finally moving forward in my journey to a new me.
Both Drs. Rosenthal and his partner, Dr. Szomstein are very personable, competant and thorough. They answer all questions in a comprehensible manner and explain all the risks. Their nurse Aleecia, is also very knowledgable and nice. They have monthly pre-op support groups on the last Monday night fo the month at 6PM. Their practice is booming and the office staff is totally swamped.
At first I did not like him. I was so set on using another surgeon (dr. maremar) I was denied that doctor becuase he was not on my hmo
After getting to know him..I really like him and the other dr's on his staff.
The office staff is the worse, especially the insurance person. It was like pulling teeth to get her to so anything for me.
/future patients should know that Dr. Rosenthal has a great sense of humor and is very knowlageble.
After care is important. there are monthly support meetings as well as monthly meetings with the neutritionist.
The risks were explained to me about having the surgery and about not having the surgery.
on a 1-10 scale I would say an 8
both competancy and bed side manner are important to me
Dr Rosenthal is a very approachable doctor. He is friendly, and very knowledgable. His staff was courteous, and very helpful!
Dr Szomstein was extremely caring and empathetic. He listen to what I felt and why it was important to me to get back my health. He spent a great deal of time going over the different surgeries that he could offer and the advantages and disadvantages of each.
I liked that he was so thorough and address every concern I had. I did not feel rushed and he asked me twice if I had any other questions.
I found his office to be unusually organized and systematic. They had a systematic schedule in which they arranged all of your consults and appointments.
Dr Szomstein encouraged me to use the internet extensively and to join support groups online as well as at his office.
For myself I can say that TRUST is everything !!!!! There is no doubt in my mind that this surgeon will take my life into his hands with caring - experience - and expertise.
I would recommend him highly.
2/21-Today was the initial visit with Dr. Raul Rosenthal, my first impression was a good one. He explained everything in detail and he's also very personal. I've gone to several support groups and he's always there. I was amazed at how he knew his patients by their 1st name and told their stories. I haven't seen him personally after the initial visit, but I will a few days before surgery. Wish me luck :o)
7/02-Today I saw Dr Rosenthal for surgery clearance and he was real nice we both asked each other questions. I'm very impressed w/him. Everyone tells me I'm in good hands. Him and his office staff seems overwhelemed. I will let you know more about him after surgery.
7/12-Today I got home from the surgery, I can't say enough from my Dr's. Dr. Rosenthal and Dr. Szomstein were awesome, I've got to say from a scale of 1 to 10, they're a 10+. So caring and understanding.
