Samuel Szomstein Bariatric Surgeon M.D.

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!

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.

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. :(

First impression was very busy but also very interested in patients well being and concearns. Office staff has been greeat love Anita.Very strict about afetercare and follow ups wants you to have every oopportunity to make the most of surgery. Has structured aftercare. Talked about the risks and gave examples of problems he has had with his own patients was very straight forward. I would give him a 10-10 because I honestly am not even worried about the care I am going to receive as I feel 100% that I am in the best hands possible. Some of the questions were difficult to explain to some of the staff at times but overall awesome staff.

Dr. Szomstein did my band, but Dr. Bass will do my fills.
I have to change surgeon's because Szomstein charges way too much for fills, and I lost my inurance.

Update 5/1/10-- Dr. Szomstein performed my lap rny on 4/27. He was kind and made me feel so comfortable. The Fellowes were there as well and Dr. Rozenthal even checked on me a few times post-op. The nursing staff at the Cleveland Clinic were caring and assisted me promptly.

Update 6/4/09-- I met Dr. Szmostein today at the Cleveland Clinic. He was wonderful. Very caring and knows his stuff. He reassured me and answered all my questions. The facility is beautiful and everyone I interacted with was kind and provided the utmost service.

OMG Dr. Szomstein has been awesome so far..The staff at CCF are so caring and are there when you need them.

Cleveland Clinic in Weston, FL ....rnDr. Szomstein is great. The staff are there for anything you could possible need. Everyone works together on \"YOUR\" team to help you get through any issue you may have.