Patients of Constantine Frantzides

I am considering the laproscopic bypass surgery. I've heard good things about Dr. Frantzides. I would like more information on what to expect during the appointments, including the wait time between initial intake and the surgery. I would like to get this soon, as my employment situation will be changing. Thank you in advance! Gabby

Gladys, I've not seen anything specific about this doctor, but you can look up this info on obesity help. Here is a link to patient comments for this doctor: http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/mdcomments-ConstantineFrantzides-gqp.html I will tell you that I recommend my surgeon HIGHLY. Dr. Gerald Cahill works out of Little Company of Mary hospital in Evergreen Park (south side of Chicago), and he and his staff are AMAZING. I had my consultation on 9/25, they had my surgery approved through my insurance by 10/3 and I had my surgery on 10/21/03. I did do a LOT of preparation before I had my consultation with Dr. Cahill. I had my PCP write a letter of necessity, my PCP ran blood tests to check my cholesterol and thyroid, he also had me get a stress test, and I had letters of necessity from my orthopedic surgeon who did my back surgeries, and from my gyne, and I brought all of this with me to my consultation. I also wrote a letter stating the effect that my obesity had on my living conditions and the family history of obesity and heart disease. Having a lot of this upfront helps make a stronger case to the insurance company and thus why I think I got my approval so quick. REMEMBER - every insurance company is different. I got lucky!!! Here is a link to Dr. Cahill's program and his patient profile. http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/mdcomments-GeraldCahill-csd.html http://www.midwestbariatric.com/index.html Good luck to you, Peggy -94lbs

Gabby, Please feel free to email me any time about Dr. Frantzides. He's only the most awesome surgeon in the world. Yes, other doctors are capable of doing this surgery. But if you were my sister, mother, friend, daughter, I would not let you have this surgery with anyone but Dr. F. His support pre and post op is amazing. How many doctors answer their email? He will never make you feel like you're a pain in the butt..no matter how many questions you ask/ times you page, etc. He truly wants you to succeed. His whole group is amazing. Let me also interject here that we all love our surgeons, and we're all going to recommend our surgeon to others. You have to do your research and find the one that's most comfortable for you. I don't receive any benefits from recommending Dr. F to anyone, I just believe that everyone should be given the chance of LAP surgery, and as far as that and WLS are concerned, he's the MAN Again, please read my profile and those of other Frantzides groupies and always feel free to email me

Thank you both for the words of advice. I have an appointment scheduled with Dr. Frantzides on July 23rd. I'm trying to find out what paperwork needs to be submitted so I can speed things along. I've already been through the approval game with BCBS MN regarding the Lap Band. They made it clear that the bypass would be approved. My employment situation will be changing but I will cobra my insurance for a time. How much follow up can I expect after the procedure (Lap RNY) is done? Gabby

Gabby, I have an appointment with Dr. F on July 16th I hope he gives me a surgery date at that time. I'm in the same boat as you are, I will be starting COBRA in October. I have heard from my darling angel, Kathy Bryant, that his office is easy to work with and might be able to get me in sooner. I'm hoping that's the case! Good luck to you and keep us posted! ~Jenn

Hey angelette I wanted to let you know I changed my email address We're now [email protected] Your appt is coming up FAST!!! How ya doin???

Hi Kathy! I'm doing well, still struggling with smoking but I think i've finally done it. My appointment is a week from Friday, woohoo!!!! I hope his office can work with me regarding my insurance and getting me in for surgery ASAP. I wonder of there's anything I can do now to speed up the process, I can't wait! Can ya tell i'm impatient? I also finally figured out how to update my darn profile, so everyone can read my insane pre-op ramblings. I read your update this morning, wanted to tell you how sorry I am about the loss of your friend. His family is in my thoughts, I cannot imagine how they must feel. I'll let you know if Dr. F gets me in sooner, I called his office and told them I would be there with bells on if they have a cancellation this week. ~Jenn

Kathy, I spoke with Cynthia in Dr. F's office. She was really helpful. Fortunately I've been able to retrieve a copy of my file from Dr. Horgan's office. I'll be using the dietician's recommendation along with the information from Dr. F's office. My insurance ends on August 4th, then I start COBRA. We want to get an approval before that time comes. By the way, does Dr. F's office have a support group for former patients? Gabby