Cleveland Clinic Florida/Bariatric Institute Bariatric Center

7/21/04
He has a good sense of humor and was kind to me. Another doctor was with me at first that is there for a fellowship and when Dr. Szomstein came in he said that he sends the other doctor in first because he is better looking to warm us up. He didn't spend much time with me because I didn't have many questions. The staff set me up with all of my appointments over 2 days so that I would be able to get it done as quickly as possible with as little disruption to my work schedule since I drive about 120 miles to get there. They were very accommodating and I was setup to see the Nutritionist (mandatory) for that afternoon. I will be done with all my pre-cert appointments by August 10th, 2004. The Cleveland Clinic seems to have everything streamlined and under control and tells you exactly what you need to do as well, since it is not entirely in their hands to get approval. They stress aftercare and give you all the positive and negative information so an informed decision could be made. I feel very confident that I will be taken care of and I am in very good hands with the surgeon and his staff. It appears that he has great bedside manner in addition to surgical excellence.

Doctor Rosenthal was very professional and said he believed that I was a very good candidate for the surgery. His staff was friendly and very helpful. He has an aftercare program which may prove difficult for me to participate in because of distance.
He was very open and direct concerning the risks and possible complications that surgery may present. His record of 1400 surgeries with only one death impressed me greatly and the fact that the surgery will take place at Cleveland Clinic was very reasuring for me.I will post more after my RNY lap surgery is completed on August 18, 2004.

1st impression: He was a very busy man, but took the time to listen to you.
continuing impression: the same
The office staff were also very busy, but really tried to help. During office hours the Dr. or one of his fellows would call you back if you had any questions or problems.
The one thing I do not like now is, I am having continual pain ulq before, after, and during eating and this has been a problem for 9 months. I have had complications and the Dr.'s have been excellent.
CCF Weston has a structured aftercare program.
I was aware of the risks of surgery. Unfortunately, I developed a stricture (1.0 cm) and was perforated during an EGD and had to have an emergency surgery (free air in the abdomen). I have had to be dilated 6 plus times. Then I developed an ulcer at the anastomosis. I had surgery 3/20/2003. May 16 2003 I had the surgery for the perforation. In Oct. 2003 until late Nov. I was liquids only. Dec. 20 2003 I broke a blood vessel below the anastomois, and was vomitting blood. I was in ICU for 3 days and had 2 units of blood.
I have had alot of discomfort and pain and vomitting, but it has been worth the problems. I was 338 and now I am 172.
Dr. Rosenthal is an 8 out of a 10.
Dr. Rosenthal has a good bedside manner and good surgical competence.

I found Dr Rosenthal to be a very upbeat and positive person. He seems to really want to help with my weight problem. I did feel a bit like I was on a production line with my first visit. They have a very set routine and just kind of hit you with the requirements but didn't really explain how best to go about getting the tests done that they require. I ending going to my PCP and working through her to get the tests I needed. My feeling was that the entire office was a bit overwhelmed with the volume of patients coming in trying to get this much needed surgery. Thanks to the insurance companies tossing in the 6 month medically supervised diet requirement (note the sarcasm here) it has slowed the volume of patients and therefore has smoothed out the process. When I first visited Dr. Rosenthal's office, they were booking surgeries out 4 - 5 months. By the time I acutally got approval for my surgery (14 months later), they are booking out 6 - 8 weeks. I was approved by the insurance company on June 30 and my surgery date is August 11th. I resented the 6 month diet requirement, but I did it and then I was approved, so I suppose it was worth it. As far as the obesity program at the Cleveland Clinic goes, it is great. They require you to see teir on staff nutritionist. You have to pay out of pocket for this, but the fee is reasonable and it provides you with a years consulation with the nutritionist. They have a very thorough pre-education system as well as monthly post op support groups. They have recently added an additional mid month chat session for post-op patients. The have workshops each month for the pre as well as post op patients on topics of concern to the morbidly obese such as cardiology, sleep disorders, nutrition, just to name a few. I feel that the risks of the surgery were explained adaquately and although I'm a bit nervous, I know I'm in excellent hands and will do fine. He requires his patients to begin a liquid diet regimem two weeks before surgery. It is required to shrink you liver to help make the surgery go more smoothly with less complications. I feel it will also help me mentally prepare for the changes that will occur immediately following the surgery. I like Dr. Rosenthal and think I have made a good choice. His years of experience and his preference to doing the procedure laproscopicallly were the reasons I chose him. Although I haven't had the surgery yet, I know I will fine and he and his staff will take excellent care of me.

I had truly wished to have my surgery with U.S. Bariatric in Celebration. It's much closer to home and everyone is terrific. Sadly, in November of 2002 Dr. Krahn moved back to California and is practicing there in San Bernadino. Their gain and a huge loss for Florida. Due to these circumstances, I will be having my surgery done at the Cleveland Clinic Florida Weston; just west of Ft. Lauderdale with Dr. Rosenthal.

Dr. Rosenthal's reputation proceeds him as he is well known, respected and liked. I read all of his comments from patients and found nothing negative. So, the Lord knows best, and it appears I will be in even better hands and care than even I had wanted, thank you Jesus.

Dr. Rosenthal is awesome. A very busy man, but has taken the time to spend with me and meet me during my visits. Also stopped in to see me everyday post-op. Briefly, but he did stop in. I've had no pain or complications, he's excellent. If there are any faults, I've yet to experience them.

Friendly, to the point, quick. My impression has not really changed. Anita (insurance/approval)was most patient and diligent in getting my approval. Least Liked is his quickness. I am sure he is very busy, but he was just a little short and quick. Very honest and too the point, which is good. I was told to make a 10 day post op appointment to have my staples removed, no other aftercare at this time suggested. I have open availability to the nutritionalist via phone or emails. At this time I am unaware of any structured aftercare program. There are monthy meetings at the hospital, however I live 2 hours from where I had my surgery done. All the risks of surgery where outlined in orientation and during the mandated nutritional seminar. Overall, he is very friendly and sincere. Bedside manner...in and out. Didn't speak with him long and usually it was one of his associates or interns that I dealt with. However, someone from his team was always available to answer questions.

Dr. Rosenthal was very caring in his approach and gave me hope for a future.
My impressions has stayed the same.
The office staff, especially the insurance coordinator (Anita) was very persistent w/ Aetna HMO. I was denied twice and the appeal, until finally a year and a half later it was approved. Everyone must understand the work load of staff/patients and the paperwork associated, just be patient, and know that they are working on your behalf. Prayer is the #1 solution, I give God all the glory!
Yes, there is much aftercare support w/groups and nutritional classes. Be prepared to pay out of pocket for nutritional aftercare at the Cleveland Clinic. Yes the risks of surgery were discussed minimally, they have an excellent track record, I thank Dr. Rosenthal for his honesty. The biggest emphasis is on the change of lifestyle, support, habits, and making sure one is emotionally prepared for changes. Both surgical competence and bedside manner are great.

I liked Dr. Rosenthal. I felt comfortable with him. I had everything set last year and My shrink said I wasn't ready. Well after a year and more weight, He has finely said I was ready to handly the surgery. Hooray!! I have an appointment scheduled for July 2. I can't weight.

I think Dr. Szomstein and the entire staff at Cleveland Clinic Hospital-Weston are the best! I always get prompt replies to my e-mails or phone calls and everyone seems to genuinely care about what the patients are going through. The professionalism of the program, moral support, and written material is incredible. I highly recommend Dr. Szomstein and trust him explicitly!

Thank you, Dr. Szomstein!!!!!!!

I'm still pre-op. I met Dr. Rosenthal briefly for my first consult and was very pleased with him. He was very polite, answered my questions and always has a smile on his face and says "hi" when I see him in the halls. I think he is a wonderful surgeon that has my trust 100%. Staff was great! They are friendly and try to help you as fast as they can. Michelle(nutritionist) was great! She answered lots of my questions and gave me a book with all the info on eating. The program is set up for a year for you, and you can email or call her with any questions or concerns you have. The only disappointment I had was Dr Rosenthal has so many people WAITING for surgery, they are scheduling into 2005 already! I live 4 hours from clinic, so will be doing most follow-up care with my pcp in my area and I belong to 3 support groups so far.