Chicago Institute of Minimally Invasive Surgery Bariatric Center

My journey started in 2006 when I went to a weight loss seminar that was being held by a couple of surgeons in the western suburbs, they discussed gastric bypass along with Lap band surgery. I was intrigued so i made an appointment to so the doctor and after some lengthy discussions decided to go with the Lap band. The reason I chose the lap band was the fact that I was reassured that it was less invasive and it could be reversed easily. IT WAS THE COMPLETE OPPOSITE! The band seemed to work the first year but then after that I started gaining weight, they made adjustments and made it tighter and tighter and it didn't matter I could eat anything I wanted. Years went by and no matter what I did the band did nothing but cause discomfort while eating but did not restrict anything. Unfortunately the band that was non invasive and easily reversed had now really starting causing problems, I started searching out surgeons in IL to help me with this and no matter where I searched it all came back to Dr. Frantzides. I was super impressed with all the fine reviews I was finding along with all the publications and procedures that had Dr. Frantzides name attached to it. I decided to call and make an appointment even thou I was a bit nervous because anyone with accomplishments such as a doctor like this had to have a head larger than the sears tower and at that time I needed someone that was going to be compassionate to my situation and not boast about how great they are.

I called their office and spoke to Teresa, she was not only knowledgeable she was unbelievably pleasant to speak to. She was able to get me in within a week even thou it was right around the holidays. So the day was here I get to sit down with the King of gastric bypass Dr. Frantzides, Boy was I surprised Ive never met a more down to earth caring individual in my life! He took the time to listen to all my concerns and address them one by one. When I left his office that day I knew two things 1. I decided to go ahead and have the surgery 2. the only one in the world that I was going to allow to do this for me was Dr. Frantzides.

Fast forward to Surgery day....... I'm at St. Francis hospital and the staff is Great! they get me settled in, And I had a whole team of people come and meet with me. They discussed everything that was going to happen who they were and how they would be assisting the Doctor with the surgery. It was go time, the anesthesiologist gave me a little happy juice and the rest of that day is a blur. when I woke up I was in a beautiful suite with my family there to greet me. I was in some pain and that was to be expected but what my family had to tell me next was a bit alarming, the surgery took almost twice as long as expected and there was complications due to the band. When I spoke to the doctor about it he informed me that it was a challenge but it was nothing that he couldn't handle. He truly makes this look easy but I'm sure its not, I would be willing to bet that if it had been any other surgeon the would have opened me up instead of completing it laproscopically.

As challenging as the healing process can be I cant say enough about Dr. Frantzides and Teresa, they came to the hospital to check on me everyday. Once I was home Teresa called me everyday and if I had any questions for the doctor he would call me as soon as he got out of surgery. I am now a month out and am down 35 lbs and I'm feeling great. If you are considering weight loss surgery and you are looking for a surgeon, stop your search has ended because it doesn't get better than this.

I had my gastric bypass surgery on October 27th 2014 and I am amazed at not only my results, but the care and attention I receive from both Dr. Frantzides and Theresa, his secretary/assistant. I have lost almost 70lbs in three months, my liver is no longer enlarged, I can walk without gasping for air and I have a smile on my face at all times! I feel like I have been and will be well taken care of as far as my surgical and weight loss journey and I would highly recommend Dr. Frantzides to anyone who would be considering any type of weight loss surgery. It has been and continues to be the journey of a lifetime that I wouldn't trade for anything. My 41st birthday is in less than 3 weeks and I can't think of a better way to celebrate than with 20% of my body gone!!

Thank you Dr. Frantzides (and Theresa) for all you have done for me and for all that continue to do!!

I haven't always been over weight but after having my daughter the pounds seemed to just keep adding up. I came to Dr Frantzides about two years ago from word of mouth . I was not ready to commit at that moment but not even two years later i found it hard to: take my daughter to the park, walking up stairs and even getting up from the floor. I did more research on Dr Frantzides and he is one of the top Doctors in Chicago. I am ready to take my life back and i am confident he will help me be a better healthier me .

I had my initial consultation with Dr. Frantzides in late August 2014. I was fortunate that I have good insurance and it was a very short process from my initial consultation to the actual surgery date of October 22, 2014. From the very moment that I was contacted by Teresa in Dr. Frantzides office for the inital consult until my post-op checkup today October 30th, they both make you feel as if you are their only patient in their practice. First point of contact, that darling Teresa, is without a doubt an huge asset to Dr. Frantzides practice. Her knowledge, expertise, caring personality and thoroughness is unmatched in the medical profession today. You have their undivided attention and the attention and care is unmatched and unsurpassed by any other medical professionals. I can say that I have never met such a caring, professional, intelligent, sophisticated surgeon or person of the medical profession in my 60 years on this earth as Dr. Frantzides. There was never one moment of doubt and I KNEW instantly that I was at the best Bariatric Surgeon on this earth that would start my weight loss journey to a normal, healthy and long life.

I came in depressed and not looking forward to anything. After the surgery I feel fantastic. Dr. Frantzides was always available and explained everything the way I could understand it. I am looking forward to my new life, and ready to celebrate life thanks to Dr. Frantzides and staff. I am 5 days after the laparoscopic gastric bypass and thus far I have lost 19 lb in the correct way.

Dr. Frantzides is one of the best Bariatric Surgeons one could choose in the Chicagoland area. He is extremely personable and has never been anything but kind. The office staff is congenial as well and my overall experience from consultation, surgery and post surgery appointments could not have been better! If you want to have the best experience, choose the best!

After doing research for a couple of years, beginning in 2008, I decided that the expert to see was Dr. Frantzides. Dr. Frantzides performed a gastric bypass surgery on me as well as a hiatal hernia repair in July 2010. At my heaviest weight, I was 340lb. I lost my first 100lb within first 9 months. I was amazed. I was already changing right before my eyes. Within a year and a half I lost 150 lbs. Eventually, I went on to loose a total of 190 lbs. I am now 150 and have maintained this for the last few years.
My life is so completely different now. I use to wake up tired and could barely function or do anything with my then, 4 year old daughter. I had constant joint pain and suffered from high cholesterol levels. I was missing out on life as well as missing out on my life as an active and participating mom to my young daughter. After struggling for years to loose weight, I knew I had to have gastric bypass. This was my only way to loose the weight and keep it off.
I am now a very active mom to my now 9 year old daughter. We now enjoy rides at the amusement park, bike riding, playing tag, sledding, skating... etc.... all the things a mom should be able to do with their kid.
This whole journey has been life changing. I am living life now, thanks to Dr. Frantzides.
Dr. Frantzides is not only an expert in the field, but a caring, compassionate and down to earth doctor who takes the time to listen and to answer every single question one may have. I am truly blessed to find all of these qualities in Dr. Frantzides. He gave me a new lease on life.
I am now working out, eating healthy, being active with my daughter and enjoying my time with my new boyfriend. Life is good.

From day one, I was very impressed with Dr. Frantzides and his staff. They showed complete empathy for me when I arrived the first time feeling like a beached whale. His bed side manner is second to none and he is always available to you for any questions you may have no matter what time of the day or night or even a weekend. He is yours.

I was excited about the surgery but very nervous. This was going to be a complete change for me. I was overweight my entire life and numerous diets had done nothing to bring my weight under control. I wanted to be done with the constant struggle of clothes that did not fit and numerous health problems that were compounding yearly. Even without a crystal ball, I saw those problems multiplying in the near future.

From the beginning, Dr Frantzides made sure any other medical problems would be addressed at the time of surgery. I had no idea I had a hiatal hernia, liver damage or choking problem. The blood test that diagnosed me as pre diabetic was a true eye opener. He sent me for pre op testing that pointed him in the right direction and started my life in a healthier direction.

I won't lie. There were times when it was extremely difficult. I had numerous food allergies and eating certain things post op were next to impossible. But Dr Frantzides was with me all the way. He helped me overcome any issue that arose.

Three months out, I am down more than 50 pounds. I am thrilled with my results and no longer wonder if I had taken the right step. I know I did. Thanks to a wonderful caring man and skilled surgeon and his excellent staff, I am on my way to the best shape I have ever been in.

I have struggled with my weight throughout my life. I made a decision to have gastric bypass and am very thankful I found Dr. Frantzides. He takes his patients step by step and spends time educating them on the process and makes sure his patients and loved ones have a full understanding. I'm very pleased with Dr. Frantzides preoperative care as well. Due to his preop care we uncovered that I was going to need my gall bladder out as well as a few other things. It was great to have him complete everything in my surgery and recovery time was no different. I had the surgery just over 3 weeks ago and after 2 weeks I was pretty much back to normal and back to work. In such a short time I can already see a weight loss and look forward to the months ahead to continue my journey. Dr. Frantzides was outstanding and I would recommend him anyone. I know a few people who went to him and both have been very successful.

I feel compelled to write about my journey through obesity surgery. I have been struggling with obesity as far as I can remember. I've tried everything and anything to control it, but I was failing to accomplish my goals. I'm sure that there is a genetic component in my obesity since both my parents are obese. As a nurse I researched all surgical options and I was convinced that the best for me (3 years ago) was the LapBand. I had that done in LA where I live. What a disappointment. Though initially I lost some weight I developed severe regurgitation and vomiting. For that decision though I blame myself, I also think that I was ill advised. I knew that I had to do something about my situation; I couldn't continue to live like that. They deflated the band but still I had problems. I was debating for a long time for a revision of my surgery but I couldn't get the courage to do it. The surgeon who placed the lap band didn't want to do anything about it. It was by luck that I came across a book authored by Dr. Frantzides in my Hospital's library. I researched Dr. Frantzides extensively, and the decision to hop on the plane and go see him was easy. I knew that he was out-of network with my insurance but that didn’t stop me. Being a nurse I know how demanding a revision can be and choosing the right surgeon is a cornerstone for the success of the procedure. My revision with Dr. Frantzides was a 100% success. My surgery was done laparoscopically and the next day I was in my hotel room. I’m 3 months out and I have lost 48 pounds and most importantly I can eat without regurgitating and vomiting. I have read most of the testimonials for Dr. Frantzides on this website and I will concur that this man loves what he does, he does it as best as possible, and he truly cares about his patients.