Calling Dr Frantzides....

So I made the choice to change surgeons, and have an appt with Dr F on 9/17. 1. I want Lap, not open 2. I want to hear something positive from my surgeon's office instead of "maybe you should call your PCP and ask to be put on a 12 mo diet now in case you're not approved" 3. I have heard only good things about the surgeon and his staff. Anyone here had Dr F and BC/BS IL PPO? Did anyone have trouble getting approved? Does anyone have any words of wisdom for the impatient girl who just wants to "get on with it"?

definitely see frantzides. he's the king;) they'll take care of everything for you..no worries..there's nothing bad about them..thats why youve only heard good things!! i had no trouble getting approved last year keep us posted!! read my profile for more info if you want

Yay! I think it will be a nice change to hear positive things about the surgeon from the people around me as well as from the surgeon's office itself. I will definately post when I have the consult...letcha know what I think Oh, and looking at your profile as we speak...

I'm sorry that I don't have any info for you on BC/BS. From what I have seen & heard, they are all over the place. Some get approved quickly, some get jerked around forever. However, I CAN tell you that you've made the right choice in surgeons. Dr. Frantzides WILL be able to do it Lap; if he can't, NObody could have. Secondly, he is one of the most positive doctors I've been around. He'll tell you straight out: He WILL do it lap, it WILL be a successful operation; and, if you follow his instructions, you WILL absolutely change your life. I thought I'd made the right choice before I'd even met him, based solely on his experience, background, testimonials from patients, etc. I KNEW I'd made the right choice after meeting him just once. Best of luck to you on your journey. I hope BC/BS doesn't make you wait too long. Once you do get approved, you will be well on your way!

Thanks Richard! And congratulations on the part! *cough* I hope that was you anyway

Anne, I think you've made a VERY wise choice! I was initially going through Barix in Belvidere. They wanted to do an open because thats all they did, and they discouraged me from LAP due to my high BMI. I found OH and posted about my situation, the fact that I wanted LAP not open, and Kathy Bryant (my angel!) told me about Dr. Frantzides. I read the glowing comments about him and was instantly impressed. I called Barix and stopped the process with them (turns out even 3 weeks after the consult they hadn't bothered to send out my insurance paperwork!). I had my consult with Dr. F last month and here I am, having surgery on Monday. They have taken care of everything, he and his staff are top notch. His nurse Karen is a godsend, I dunno how she makes the time for everything she does in a day. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to email me! I wish you the best of luck, you're in good hands, from pre-op testing through aftercare they have the most comprehensive program out there. *hugs* ~Jenn 3 more days! ~Jenn

Wonder if he could get ME approved?? Maybe I should give him a call too...I like my sergeon but the broads in the office are NOT very helpful!

Might as well give it a try!!!!!!!!!! they work wonders

Weee! I'm so excited about meeting him. Jennifer, did you have all your Dr's paperwork done (ie psych eval, pcp letter, med records...etc?) before you went for the consult? Anyway, I'm actually looking forward to meeting the Dr I have heard so many positive things about. Oh, is it true that you get your surgery date the same day as your consultation? Thanks all for the information!!!

I didn't have any pre-op when I went to see him, he gave me orders for everything when I had my consult, along with my surgery date Good luck to you!!!! ~Jenn 2 days and a wake up