Samuel Szomstein Bariatric Surgeon M.D.

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I am very impressed with his sensitivity and knowledge. He does seem quite busy.rnrnOffice staff is great!!rnrnYes, there is an aftercare program. He does address the risks of surgery; straightforwardly and honestly.rnrnHe seems great. I have not yet had the surgery, so I am just getting started. First impressions have all been quite positive.rnrnNow that I have had surgery, my opinion has only improved. He seems to be an excellent surgeon who is overly cautious to ensure successful surgery without complications. He removed adhesions (from a previous surgery) and repaired a hiatal hernia \"pro bono\" just because he is great.rnrnI wish he was the doctor I see at follow-up visits. I know Cleveland Clinic Florida is a teaching hospital, but would like to actually speak with my surgeon, rather than the Fellows at follow up visits.

Very impressed with him. Office staff is great. If I didn't live so far away I would go to Cleveland Clinic for all medical needs

What was your first impression of him/her? rnVery knowledgeable. Explained everything thoroughly.rnrnHow did your impression change over time? rnIt has not. He is still the same.rnrnHow would you describe his/her office staff? rnAmazing and Great. I love the Cleveland Clinic!!!!!rnrnWhat did you like least about him/her? rnNothing really. He answered all my questions, even about the Duodenal Switch. I am happy with the choice I made.rnrnWhat should future patients know about him/her? rnYou will be happyrnrnHow much does he/she emphasize aftercare? rnThis is the reason you are going to have to pay for the nutritionist. Aftercare is emphasized highly.rnrnDoes he/she have a structured aftercare program? rnThe clinic has meetings/sessions for Post Op patients and also Post Op patients are asked to speak to Pre OP patients as well.rnrnHow did he/she address the risks of surgery? rnAs an important matter.rnrnHow would you rate him/her overall? rn10 being highest. 9.5, no one is perfect.rnrnWhich is better, surgical competence, bedside manner, or are both great?rnI am alive, so competence is great. Bedside was good.rn

I attended an orientation at Cleveland Clinic in Weston on 9/7/06. Dr. Szomstein made an excellent presentation and I was very impressed with him from that. I was able to schedule an appointment with him today and was further impressed with the way he went over my case. He's very down to earth, likes to answer questions, and doesn't act like he is too busy to spend time with you. rnrnThe staff was great too. I dealt with one of the insurance coordinators who also answered ALL of my questions and was very helpful. The nurse was great as well... rnrnI was extremely impressed with the Cleveland Clinic in general -- they jump through hoops to coordinate pre-op appointments!

'Dr Szomstein is a great man of compassion

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!!

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.