Chicago Institute of Minimally Invasive Surgery Bariatric Center

It's been one year since my surgery down from a 54\" to 38\" waist, I will be 36\" in a couple weeks, 38s are big already. Working out constantelt, I have the energy, training for MMA(mixed martial arts). A year ago I was out of breath just walking up and down the stairs, night and day difference, people who havent seen me in just a few months don't recognise me. Health is back to normal, no more sleep apnea, cholesterol, liver, blood pressure, all normal. What made me decide to get the surgery was that I was at a wake of someone who had almost identical characteristics to mine, I looked in the casket and pictured myself laying there. I did not want that to happen, so I made the appointement for the surgery without hesitation. I have recommmended the surgery to several people who have learned of my story, I keep advising they need to do something soon, they have seen my results and are very impressed. I recommend the doctor because of his credentials, and now I too am living proof that he does a phenomenal job.

It has been one year today since I had the Gastric bypass surgery with Dr. Frantzides. rnI lost all the weight I needed to lose, 75 pounds. At the six month post op I was very skeptical because I thought I had lost all the weight I was going to lose and this was it. Then the one year visit showed me how wrong I was. I cannot believe how easy it was to stick with the plan. Small amounts of food always filled me up. I have had such a terrific year with eating small quantities and always feeling full. The best part is I can enjoy a few bites of surgery foods and not have any side effects. I just ate a small whole taffy apple this morning and had no problems. I don't do that all the time but it is just amazing that I don't have dumping syndrome at all. I never had dumping syndrome. Dr. Francides does not cut two nerves that cause the dumping syndrome. I eat 60-80 grams of protein a day and take a multivitamin, Vit B-12 and calcium with Vit D. All of this I would have taken anyway just to be healthy. After losing the weight I have had SO much energy and I have such a great feeling when I wake up. It is a feeling that nothing is in the way of accomplishing my dreams. I have a new positive outlook on life. When I was about 250 pounds I wanted to be by myself and eat. The first thing I noticed when I lost the weight was I was no longer isolating myself from the world. I also had a new respect for food. Food was no longer used for emotional eating, it was used as sustenance. I have greater joy for the outdoors and for conversing with people instead of eating with them. I HIGHLY recommend this surgery. I was on blood pressure medicine for 8 years and the day of the surgery I went off it. I had a fatty liver and no longer have it. I was borderline diabetic and no longer have that problem. I can fit into a size 10 which I was never able to fit into before. I was a size 3X before. Dr. Frantzides performed a miracle in my life. He gave me back my life. I hope you will do it with him. You will not be disappointed.

My first impression of Doctor Frantzides was that he seemed very professional, competant, and very in control. His reputation says that he is the best surgeon out there for this surgery and it is well deserved. He is considerate of the patient and their needs, and takes his job very seriously. That being said, he is also a very humerous man. I enjoyed his company in the office because he made me feel comfortable and secure. Dr. F's staff is absolutely amazing as well. They are some of the nicest, most professional people I have ever met. They really made me feel welcome and comfortable in the office. Every single person I have worked with during this whole process has been a great advantage to me and has contriuted to ensuring I will succeed in reaching my weight loss goals. Dr. F is very clear and specific about what he wants his patients to do before and after surgery, which clears up any doubts and puts the patient in the best possible position as they heal and move forward with their lives. I really appreciated the support and the communication I received while working with Dr. F and his staff! Highly recommended. If you are going to see anyone for this surgery, please try your hardest to see Dr. F. He worked on my mother and, more recently, me and I cannot be more satisfied with the results! rnrnAmi

Firstly as I write this I am 18months post op. I have lost 130lbs. I am okay with that but am hoping to lose another 50lbs before my 2 year anniversary. My surgeon is the best. He's confident;funny;caring and thoughtful. He's not just in it for the money but to make his patients healthy. Actually, that's the one major compliment I got throughout my weight loss process. That I looked healthy, not malnourished. I chose him to perform my surgery based on his years of experience and knowledge. I don't regret my decision.

I have so much trust in Dr. Frantzides, which is why I came to him. After reviewing all his reviews and his success rate, I knew he was the only one could trust. I also really admire the fact that he trains fellows to be just like him. In pre-op he told me exactly what was going to happen, and it happen just as he told me. I always knew what to expect. I had the surgery five years ago and early this year I started experiencing reflux from a hiatal hernia. Dr. Frantzides fixed my hernia and resized my pouch, so that I could lose more weight. I feel like I have a new start. I highly recommend anyone looking into getting surgery done to go to Dr. Frantzides. He is wonderful and has wonderful staff.

Now I am a year out and I have lost 83lbs! I use to have high blood pressure arthritis and blood sugar problems, all of which I was taking medications for. I currently dont have to take any medications for any of these problems! My surgery went well I had no problems. Now I enjoy going to the gym, something I never thought I would enjoy before surgery. Having this surgery was the best thing I could have ever done for myself!

Im one year out now and down 120 lbs. Im feeling great and looking forward to keep progressing.rnBefore my surgery I had become very lethargic and had no enthusiasm for much of anything. I never wanted to go out in public anymore which inevitabely caused me to become very lazy, which did not help my weight situation. I decided to get the surgery, but was very scared and apprehensive because i had a new baby. Dr. Frantzides assured me that everything would be fine, and I had to do something or I knew I was just going to get worse and worse!rnI now have boat loads of energy, enthusiasm, and have redeemed self confidence. I feel great!!! The one thing I do recommend is to do your research. You need to know what to expect. I did not do this and my first three months post-op were almost unbearable. I was in a lot of pain from the surgery for 6 weeks. And the total life change took quite a toll on the psychy. But gradually I adjusted. And before I knew it, I was making healthier choices without even thinking about it. It just started to come naturally! I would recommend this surgery to anyone who knows they need to make a major life change to improve thier quality of life. Just be prepared and do your research. IF you know whats to come, it is a lot easier to handle. And now that i look back i think, what was a few months of struggle for a life time of happiness!!

Well I am now 6 months post-op, down 76lbs. I have a lot of confidence and energy, and my self esteem is higher than ever. I made a bold move and cut my hair. I am slowly transforming into a new me. This will be the first summer that I will be less than 200lbs. I have not been less than 200lbs in 30 yrs. None of my friends have seen me since the surgery and I know they won't recognize me. Dr. Frantzides almost did not recognize me! I think a lot of my confidence comes from the warm and caring atmosphere of Dr. Frantzides' office. His office feels like family to me, families grow and change together and that is what I am doing. In another 6 months I will be a blonde bombshell!!!

I first learned of Dr. Frantzides when my mother decided to let him do her gastric bypass. My mother is now 5 years out and has lost 158lbs and has kept it off. My mother always raves about how wonderful Dr. Frantzides is. So when I found out that I had a hernia and that I needed to have my gallbladder removed, I knew I wanted him to do it. I also had a lot of skin that needed to be removed from my abdominal area. Dr. Frantzides repaired my hernia, removed my gallbladder and did a tummy tuck. My stomach looks wonderful. After going through my own surgical process with Dr. Frantzides, I now see why my mother rants and raves about him! I now too, will also recommend Dr. Frantzides to anyone that needs any surgical procedures done.

Wow....I never would have believed the change in my health and the hopeful feeling I now have since my surgery four months ago!rnrnSince my surgery in December, the digestive disease that I have had for the past eight years is now loosing it's grip on my health and life. Everything that Dr. Frantzides explained to me about the surgery and my recovery has 100% happened and more. I forgot what it felt like to feel healthy and well and it amazes me how quickly I am feeling better. rnrnI too, have lost weight which has also started turning around other health issues I have. The weight and inches just seem to fall off and I am almost horrified now to think how far my health issues had esculated to before I had this surgery.rnrnAll of the successes that I am experiencing however, would not be possible, I believe without the skilled surgeon, Dr. Frantzides. He is the most dedicated physician that I have ever had the blessing to work with, and I have met with quite a few doctors over the past ten years. His positive and professional demeanor along with his sharing knowledge with me, answering every question I have, has made me feel that this course I am on, the recovery course, I am supported by the best doctor and his friendly and competent staff.