"09/20/2008 (5 days post op)
I was referred to Dr. Rosenthal by a friend who worked at the Cleveland Clinic Florida and who also had a Sleeve Gastrectomy. She knew Dr. Rosenthal personally and knew his reputation, statistics, compassion, etc., first hand.
I was at the time considering a local doctor in suburban Detroit where I live, that conveniently had a really low cash price. My friend was not trying to get me to come to Florida, but just be a friend and supporter in my quest for finding the right surgeon. I ruled out that local doctor when he began questioning how many questions I was asking and whether I trusted him or not. I investigated several others in Michigan but didnt find any with much experience with the Sleeve. It is after all a newer procedure.
I then decided to come see Dr. Rosenthal in Florida. He was everything my friend had said and instilled instant confidence and warmth when I met him. He had done hundreds of Sleeves and was the guy that took the more complicated cases that other surgeons will not take. I decided that this is the surgeon for me. Even though the Cleveland Clinic's price was not the cheapest and I would have an additional $5,000 in travel expenses, I knew it would absolutely be worth it.
Well I had my Sleeve 4 days ago and have to say that Dr. Rosenthal did an amazing job. My recovery was picture perfect, so far anyway, and Dr. Rosenthal stops by every night with his Fellows to check in. I believe the doctor I ruled out in Michigan who got defensive because I asked too many questions and questioned whether I trusted him or not was the opposite of Dr. Rosenthal who answered all of my questions and clearly conveyed the message that he would take very good care of me, and I had absolutely nothing to worry about. He takes every precaution before and after the surgery to insure a very favorable outcome. That is what I needed and exactly what I got.
I would recommend him without reservation and owe him my life. Although I havent had the results yet because I only had the surgery 4 days ago, I know the rest is up to me. He did his job perfectly and was well worth traveling over 1200 miles, 4 different times for. Please e mail if you have any questions at all, and good luck. Update: 08/12/2009 11 months post op - down almost 151 lbs with about 8 to go. I truly believe that Dr. Rosenthal's technique absolutely plays a role in how well you do. I have done well to say the least and could not be happier. New update 12/8/2010 almost 27 months out, still at 170 and down 155 lbs. I have had very little trouble maintaining."
