surgeons

I am in the process of selecting a surgeon. I have already visited the group out of Alexian Brothers and liked them. There are two other groups I am considering. One is out of Swedish Covenant Dr. Boffos group and one is out of Resurrection, Dr. Tiesenga. could anyone give me any insight into their experiences with any of these groups. Thanks.

I am familiar with the Kane Group at ABMC. My husband had his WLS with Dr Rantis and he is very pleased with how he has been treated over the last few years of him being PO. Dr Rantis and his staff have been very attentive with details as to PO labs and Dave's specific needs. I have been familiar with Dr Kane Jr & Sr (who is retired) since 1991 when they saved my life during a gall bladder removal and I had to be hospitalized for 117 days because I developed pancreatitis from letting the gall bladder go too long. I think that you would be pleased with this group if you decided to go to them because they bring numerous other professionals into the picture during your pre op and PO time. Have you been to one of their pre op seminars yet? It is very informative. Take care and if you have any other questions in your journey feel free to ask. Chris

Hi Gayle. I had Dr. Guske from the Alexian group. I have to say that this group is very thorough and by the time you have surgery, you are ready. They are big on support groups throughout your post-op life. I know this group very well as they were on staff at the hospital I'm working at. They are superb group of surgeons. They have years of experience and the volume of procedures, keeping them competent in what they do. Their bariatric program is by far the best out of the three you mentioned. It is very comprehensive. They want to make sure that each patient is the best candidate for the procedure selected whether it be the lap band or RNY. I had the RNY last June and am very happy with my results. Please feel free to contact me for any questions. They are having an informational seminar tomorrow night, Wednesday at the ABMC System headquarters on Salt Creek Lane in Arlington Heights. I plan on being there for support of those interested. It starts at 7 p.m. If you are interested, call Suburban Surgical Care Specialists for information. Wishing you the very best! Lucy

Hi Gayle ... I had mine done at Northwestern, but there are definitely a lot of great surgeons around. As a matter of fact, I was at Dr. Fred Tiesenga's support group meeting last night (at West Suburban in Oak Park). I also would highly recommend a doc out of the Evanston Northwestern Group, Dr. Erwin (Woody) Denham. I go to several different support groups, let me know if you're interested in checking any of them out, and I'll let you know when/where. Karyn

I also went through the Alexian Group and had Dr. Guske as my surgeon. I couldn't ask for a better surgeon, I would recommend him very highly. Good luck to you.

Hi Gayle Dr.Fred Tiesenga performd my RNY GASTRIC BY PASS 1 year and 7monts ago!! The time flue by!! LOL As for Dr.Fred he performd my surgery laproscopic(sp) The day of surgery after i got out of the recovery room and was settled im my bed I was sitting up and feeling fine. With in a few more hours i was walking the halls in the hospital!! Dr. Fred is outstanding at what he dose! He only dose laporscopic (sp)surgery 6little holes thats all there is . Now if he gets in there and he has to open you down the middle he will. But to my understanding he has only had to open one person since 2002!! Dr.Fred performd my surgery at West Suburbon Hospital everyone is so very kind at that hospital! Nurses are so very sweet ! My starting weight was 248lbs I am now at goal ant that is 131lbs. My proflie picture that you will see pop up is one year ago and my weight in that photo was 167lbs. I need to up date that photo. Gayle take care. Email me with any questions you might have OK I wish you all the best along your journey. CHER

Dr Frantizides is fabulous and heads the noninvasive group for Northwestern Group, he is in Skokie. Wonderful man!!!

Good Morning, I was at the same place you are a few months ago. I was told about this site and as soon as I clicked on the state of Illinois one doctor stood out above everyone else. His name is Dr. Frantzides. I scheduled a consultation appointment with him and the rest is history. Who knew being a LOSER could would be so great!! He is not only a great surgeon but a wonderful human being. I was also very happy when I learned from my insurance company that the hospital he operates at is a "Center of Excellence". I could not be more pleased with my outcome. Good luck in your search. Marshman

Hi Gayle, I have to agree with two other posters here on Dr. Frantzides. I had surgery on 10/24/06 and am one week post op today. I cannot say enough about how grateful I am to have found him and to have him do my surgery. I had started my journey at another facility, but they only did the procedure open. Then I heard about the good doc and made an appointment. He told me that he could do my surgery as a lap procedure even though I had prior abdominal surgery. Dr. F. kept his word, he was able to perform my surgery as a lap procedure even though I was filled with adhesions and scar tissue from the previous surgeries. Becasue of this my surgery took over twice as long as the regular lap procedure but he kept working to get the job done. There are many fine surgeons in the Chicago area, my advice would be to research them all and schedule appointments with the ones you feel interested in. If they have informational sessions attend those and ask for peoples reccomendations as you have done. In the end, you must feel the trust and comfort with your doctor and his methods. Whomever you choose, best of luck to you on this journey and know that there are plenty of people here to wish you well and provide support. Regards, Mary