Cleveland Clinic Florida Weston Bariatric Center

Dr.Szomstein is an exremely kind doctor. He's not just interested in your weight loss surgery, he's interested in the health that you are in. I found him very charming the first time I met him and after talking to him for several minutes I asked if my mother could come in so he could build up her confidence in a surgery she was totally against. She found him very compassionate and helpful. I just didn't feel if my 81 year old mother could deal with my surgery then I wouldn't be able to feel secure about it. He made her feel comfortable enough so she could support me and know that I was saving my life.
During the first meeting about discussing the surgery he and his fellows go over the complete surgery with a program on the computer. They do discuss the risks and also the positive outcomes. They do have a structured after care program, however, since I live over 100 miles away I don't partake in this, but if I do need help his team is always there and they do respond to phone calls.
I can only tell you that I trusted Dr. Szomstein with my life so you can understand that I had the utmost faith in him. This wasn't easy for me and I had a horrible fear of elective surgeries, but I knew that I was in skilled hands and couldn't ask for better care. Don't be afraid of this group they are wonderful and you couldn't ask for a better world class hospital. The care and concern can't be beat. Good luck and do this for yourself....be healthy and happy.

Dr. Szomstein is a great person. At our first meeting he and his staff took time to answer any questions that I had. I drive almost 4hrs to go to the Cleveland Clinic Weston and I may not always get to see him since my appointments have to be on a Friday, but he usually makes the effort to try to see me for a few moments if he can. My experience in the hospital was a good one. My mother was there with me and we were both very impressed with the entire staff. The nurses were exceptional, the physical therapist, and even the internal medicine doc ( because my BP was soo high) acted as if I was there only patient. I really apprecitated that.

Thanks to you all.
T

A liitle scared becuase he appeared to be quite young. Great Doctor with a great sense of humor and understanding. Dr. Szomstein informed me of the risk and benefits repeatedly and made extra efforts to make sure I understood all of the risk and was comfortable with my decision. Great Doctor!!

I was referred to Dr. Rosenthal by my primary, Dr. Bricio in Aventura. He told me Dr. Rosenthal was the best and he wanted me to see him for a consultation. Since the first time I went to the Cleveland Clinic, I knew I did not want anyone else but Dr. Rosenthal to perform my surgery. His entire office staff are just great. The nutritionist, Emily Swartz, has been a great support full of knowledge and advice. Dr. Rosenthal and his Resident Doctors were just wonderful. Very professional and very caring. The experience at the Cleveland Clinic was great too. It is an excellent hospital. Dr. Rosenthal and staff have great support groups and encouraged me to participate. I appreciate the surgical competence but the bedside manner is very important as well. During my first session, they went through a movie explaining the surgery step by step. I had the LAP RNY on 3/22/06 and I am doing great!!! I have been blessed by the decision I made in having this surgery and I am glad Dr. Rosenthal and his excellent staff, were part of it! I am sure there are many good surgeons in the field, but I highly recommend Dr. Rosenthal and the Cleveland Clinic!

I knew Dr. Rosenthal from my Sister-In-Law who still raves about him three years later... I thought he was outstanding, personable and above all knowlegeable.

He treats his patients with respect, and is realistic in explaining the expectations of each patient.

I would recommend him to anyone.

The hospital and the Bariatric Center have the program down to a science, and it is a smooth operation.

He is a very busy doctor, but that says a lot!

The hospital's staff were average, my first night's nurse was the nurse from hell, so was my nurse the last day. She would not hold my hand as they removed the tube from my gallbladder insicion!!!!

Otherwise it was a very good experience.

The most amazing doctor and human being a person can ask for. He is kind, sensitive, considerate, and funny. He's easy on the eyes too. The first time I met Dr. Szomstein was 3 years ago and the first thing he told me was that I didn't appear to have as high a BMI as I had, which was 47 at that time. The second consultation I had with him in November of 2005 when I paid cash for the surgery and he said I was so young and beautiful, joking that that would help my surgery be a success. All in all, he is the most incredible physician out there.

Dr Rosenthal is a pleasant, serious, fairly quiet man. The whole system at Cleveland Clinic Weston seems extremely well organized. Staff was accessible but inflexible. I had a couple of requests of them which ellicited a "Sorry, can't do that" kind of response. They have the whole program up and working and see nothing to change. And it IS a whole program. You are carefully led from step 1 right thru post-op and aftercare. Dr Rosenthal is top-notch and I still believe I chose wisely.

First impression-very impressed.
No, he is 5 star with me.
Great staff, even his residents.
Nothing
He is very busy and great.
BIG on after care.
Yes, good program and meetings but I live 266 miles away.
He addressed the risks and we discussed the best type of surgery for me.
5 star
He is a wizard. I had classic RNY by lap. After 3 days discharged and took NO pain meds after that. He is sweet and seemed to know when I was worried and Dr R just took care of me.

I am an x medical person and not real relaxed with MD's or hospitals. All went great.

When I went I had a complete list of questions to ask him (Thanks to this website).
I am having a revision done on a surgery done back in "81". He asked me what was done and by who. It was done in Houston and the Dr. has since passed away. I tried to draw him a picture as I remembered it was supposed to be and he said it couldn't be right. So he wanted to do a endoscopy.
He answered all my questions and then some. Very honest and caring man. His staff are great. He is serious about you knowing what to expect.
I have to tell you before I choose Dr.R, I read all the profiles of his patients and chatted with some of them online. I hate to say it, but I even went to the memorial page to see if any of his patients were there. NONE!
I told him about my friend who has soooo many comorbidities and he said," those are the people who need it most". We're here to help. I also told him, that her dad had called from New York and said, "you need to look up this Dr. I saw on tv". When he said who it was, she told him, "That's Sandi's Dr".
Also the endoscopy showed he was right, he knew exactly what was done in "81" HE'S THE BEST!!!!

Dr. Rosenthal was at the informational meeting. He was very open, direct and very informative. I met him again on my consultation. At that time he was open for questions or any doubts I may have had.
The staff is very nice and return my calls very promptly.
I am going back to my pre-op consultation soon and will let you know.
So far I am very happy with all in his office.