Chicago Institute of Minimally Invasive Surgery Bariatric Center

Dr. Frantzides CHANGED my life,1/22/2007 He And His WONDERFUL TEAM Gave Me My Life BACK!! I Thank The Lord EVERYDAY That I Took ONE last oppertunity To Seek Out Another Surgeon And Was Brought To Him For My Revision! Almost 4 Hours From Where I Live, I Would Have Traveled 4 Days Knowing What I Know Now, I Was A Very Difficult Case For Dr Frantzides, But He Managed to FIX ME!! LAPRO At That! Dr Frantzides Is VERY Easy On The Eyes(giggle) With A Deep Accent (greek and forgive me if im wrong) So At My First Appt Was Difficult To Understand But He was VERY Patient With Me Slowed Down and Even Poked Fun With Me About it He Is So Confident And SHOULD be.. He is TRUELY A Miracle Worker!!rnFor You To Even Understand Why I Say This, Let Me Take It Back A Few Years 12/15/2001 My FIRST Surgery With Dr John Huse St Vincents in Carmel Indiana, i chose him cuzz he was close..convient from a good hospital BUT HE BUTCHERED Me! Its Pretty Life Changing To Even Get To The Point To Seek SURGERY!! he told Me And My Mother EVERYTHING went smoothly.. he was glad at what ease he had.. etc etc.. tolled me up to ICU.. and then here comes the pains.. in my back... i thought i had been dropped on the opperating floor He Knicked My Pancreas, I Had Pancreantitis. which im SURE he didnt know how to treat He Let Me Lay In The Hospital For 6 MONTHS And Did Nothing For Me. I Had Drainage Tubes In My Back For The Tail End Of The Pancreas Dieing, It Caused A Hole In My Stomach And In My Colon And I Had To Have Another Emergency Surgery I Almost DIED Because Of Dr Huse And I Wouldnt Recommend Him To ANYONE!! I did not get better till my mother said enough is enough.. and admitted me to a different hospital.. IU medical center.. where i was better and home with in 30 days Needless To Say The Surgery failed me. I didnt lose ANY weight , matter of fact I gained. He said the staples popped out cuzz all the swelling etc etc.. ALL Lies. Dr Frantzides And His Team Sent A Portion Of My Stomach To Pathalogy After My Revision.. There Was NEVER A Staple Line! Dr Huse Just Opened Me Up Poked Around Some Knicked My Pancreas And Zipped Me Back Up!! After My Deal With Dr Huse. I waited A Few Years the Was Seeking out OTHER Surgeons To Go In And FIX me.. went to meeting after meeting.. and everyone said NO.. no one would even ATTEMPT it.. everyone was scared to do any work behind a butcher..!! so after about 10 times being told NO this is it.. the road ends for you here.. is when i did ONE last search.. and came across dr frantzides.. i read his testimonials.. and went and met him and his staff.. they were GREAT.. got me in for test the SAME day i went up there.. because they knew how far i had traveled.. i had some issues with the insurance company i was with at that time.. a few months later.. i switched insurance companies and big bam boom.. JAN was my NEW BIRTHDAY!! his office staff are so friendly.. i feel like there part of my family.. I LOVE DR FRANTZIDES!! you would have to meet him.. he has this something something about him.. he just makes you feel at ease.. he KNOWS his stuff.. and he is honest.. my case was ruff i had alot of scar tisssue from the first butcher job! and he said.. ya know.. its gonna be ruff.. and BOY OH BOY was it.. 6 hour long surgery.. but he did it..!! and im 45 lbs down.. and i feel amazing.. i would recommend dr frantzides to ANYONE.. he is TOP NOTCH Shoot i can even help you with directions if you need them =)rnreguardless if you are going for a revision.. or if you are just seeking out first time info HE is the way to go!!rnTRUST ME IM LIVING PROOF!!rnI Love you Dr Frantzides!! And Staff!!rnJenn Schesserrn

2002 - His staff was very polite and friendly. I arrived early for my apptmt. as I had a long drive to the city. There was lots of paperwork; so it's best to be prepared! I eventually met with Dr. Frantzides and his assistant. They both asked lots of questions and asked whether or not I had any concerns. I had done my homework; and brought along this information with me to the consultation. He did a brief check-up and we scheduled a date right then and there. rnrnKathleen - the one who handles everything is so helpful. She really does know her stuff. I would definitely recommend Dr. Frantzides to others. Oh before I forget; his office is packed; so he must know what he is doing. Besides he is the head of the surgical department at Rush Presbyterian - St. Lukes Medical Center.rnrn2007 - Dr. is now located in Skokie, IL. I last visited him in 2006 and he's still just as wonderful as the first time that we met.

My first impression of Dr. Frantzides was that he is very knowledgable and professional. He was very specific and detailed as to the explanation of the surgery and the outcome. I found Dr. F on this website and after viewing his profile I found that he was the perfect surgeon and I knew right away that he was the one that I was going to have do my surgery. I was impressed with the thoroughness of all the tests that I had to have completed before the surgery. As far as questions, I came into his office for the initial consultation with a list of questions and I never had to ask any because he covered everything. I was very impressed that after the surgery, for the time that I spent in the hospital, he and his staff were there every day to make sure that I was taken care of and to answer any questions I might have. Before surgery I weighed 507 and now, one month later I weight 441! I definitely have been able to be more active. I don't get winded as easily. I have more energy and I'm sleeping better. My advice to anybody considering the surgery is just do it! Because, myself, I was also hesitant until my weight just got out of control and I decided that I had to get it done. Now that I have, I have no regrets whatsoever. It's my belief that if there was anybody every created to be the perfect surgeon, I would say that it would be Dr. Frantzides. And his staff, from the workers in the office, from Lesley to Dr. Jones, are all very professional and very friendly. The only complaint that I've got is having to drink the bowel prep!!

My pre-op experience was extremely positive. The staff and Dr. F and Dr. Jones answer any question and are very supportive and very encouraging. During the initial appointment, you don't feel like you're rushed. They give you the time that you need and answer every question and make you feel good about your decision. Post-surgery I had several times where I called for questions and I even had to page a doctor because I was worried. They get back to you right away and don't make you feel badly about bothering them. They also give you good guidelines in what to eat and vitamins to take so that you're not in the dark. Although the recovery has been challenging, I am happy that I went through this because just a month after surgery I am off of my blood pressure medicine!! I've also struggled with my weight for my entire life and to see success at age 40, was becoming impossible and very frustrating. This surgery has given me a tool to be able to lose weight and have a healthier life. The staff is extraordinary. Every single person is warm and supportive and caring and nurturing and encouraging and when you come to your appointments you feel like you're walking into a family. And when you are going through a surgery and stressful time with the life altering decision, it's so nice to be able to walk into an office where people are so supportive of what you're doing. Dr. F, Dr Jones, and Lesley are very calm and they make you feel at ease about your questions and new journey. I would definitely recommend Dr. F and the office. I really feel like I've been given a second chance at life!

I liked Dr Frantzides from the very first moment I met him. We had come here to have my wife's procedure and he talked to me about doing this. It took me some time to actually make that decision. When I did make the decision, after surgery, I didn't feel that I had made the right decision, but now, at 3 months post op, I know that I did. One of the major things I noticed is that food no longer gives me a feeling of mental comfort. Before, when I would eat a full dinner I would get a mental euporia that i had eaten it all and was satisfied. Now when I eat, I eat the proper portion and I'm full. I don't get that mental comfort and my life no longer revolves around food. Before surgery, my liver was going into cirrhosis. I haven't had alcohol in 30 years so it was totally my bad eating habits that were screwing up my liver. Now I am off all of my blood pressure and diabetes medication. I am saving about $200 a month in medications! I feel much better! I am much more active. We go to the mall and walk every day and I take my grandson to Gymboree and chase him around twice a week. It was a life-saving procedure. I would highly recommend having the surgery. You have to be willing to work at it and be ready to accept the lifestyle change. It took me three months to see that I can do this, but now I have a totally different attitude. The staff is one of the best staff's of any doctor's office I've ever been involved with. They are very very supportive. When I came out of anesthesia, Lesley's was the first face I saw right when I woke up. I was very comforted to know that she was right there with me before and immediately after surgery telling me everything I was ok. She has remembered what I told her about the previous bad experience I had had with anesthesia and she was there to make sure everything went well. It shows that the staff really goes the extra mile. If you stick with the eating program and your vitamins, protein and activity, you will succeed and be better than ok!

First impression?rnrnAugust 2005rnHe was self-assured w/out being arrogantrnHe had a great bedside manner and spent about 45 minutes with me the first time we metrnHis fellow, Dr Laguna, was a complete professional and came from Mayo Clinic to study with Dr. FrnDr. Frantzides really cares about his patients as individualsrnHis office staff is professional, approachable and provided me with an amazing amount of support and informationrnI never felt pressured or uncomfortablernEveryone was really accomodating and I left feeling relieved and excited after being able to schedule my surgery during winter break (12-13-05)rnrnHow has my impression changed over time?rnrnDr. Frantzides, Dr. Laguna, Gerri (administrative guru) and Leslie Placeway (physician's assistant) have been there for me every step of the way. Once I left the hospital after my surgery I was able to reach someone 24/7. Leslie went about and beyond the call of duty. Everyone was always excited about my progress at follow up visits. rnDr. Frantzides is very clear about the need to take vitamins, supplements and protein. He has the kind of personality that makes one want to do everything right in order to have the best possible outcome.rnrnDr. Frantzides requires patients to see him at one week, one month, three months, six months, one year and then annually thereafter. At almost a year and a half out, Dr. Frantzides and his staff remain available to me whenever I call. rnrnThe risks of surgery were addressed thoroughly at my first visit. Dr. Frantzides is a pioneer in the field of bariatric surgery. He has nearly 2 decaded worth of experience. Statisitically, his record of success is the best I found in the area. You really will not find a more skilled surgeon in the Chicagoland area. He travels the world providing training to other bariatric surgeons and his works have been published and cited. He is a professor at Northwestern University. rnrnGoogle him and check him out for yourself. I researched this surgery on and off for 6 years before finally decided to seriously look into it. Almost immediately I knew Dr. F had to perform my surgery.rnrnIn all honesty there is nothing negative I can think of to add. I was sad when Dr. Laguna's fellowship ended. I think he now has his own practice in Minnesota somewhere. rnrnMarch 2007rnrnI've lost 160lbs and I'd like to loose another 30 or so. I feel amazing and I am still getting used to how radically different I look.rnrnI saw Dr. F. last week for a plastics consult. My stomach skin issues are moderate. My upper arms are really flabby. My chest is not so bad. I have muscle definition I would not have thought possible even before. rnrnI am scheduled to have a hernia repair and tummy tuck this July. I am even more excited than I was before my RNY. I can only imagine a flat tummy. The recovery time for the tummy tuck will be minimized because Dr. F using a special technique. Most people are back to work within a week. rnrnWhat's changed in my life:rnrnI went from pushing into a women's size 32 to a missy's size 14 (I am very tall, over 6')rnI have a real waist for the 1st time in my lifernI bought a bicycle and I can ride like the wind :))rnI can run and jump and play - I even coach volleyball now!rnI went to Great America last summer and I fit into every ride I triedrnMy blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels have completely normalized. rnI feel more confident and generally have a much more positive attitudernOften I feel I have been freed from the prison a self-created prisonrnI feel like I have been given a 'redo'rnrnI cannot believe how much my life has changed in such a short amount of time. And, the best is yet to come!

Dr Frantzides and his staff are excellent. I initially sought out his help in Dec 06 unsure and confused. I had seen several commercials on the lap band and thought maybe this is something for me. So my PCP referred me to Dr. Frantzides and I set up my initial consultation. I got to the office and Geri took me in gave me some info and then told me that she had gastric bypass by Dr. F and showed me some pictures of herself. I almost fell off my chair. She looked great. I cried but felt relief. Someone else would actually know what I will expect and have lived thru it. I instantly felt comfortable and knew I would have a great experience. Dr F came in and was very helpful. I initially went in to get info on the lap band- I was set against gastric bypass- my mom had it a few years ago by a different surgeon and had many complications. He told me he would do, the complication rates and his professional opinion of what he thought was best for me. I walked out of there confused on which surgery to do, but I had a date- Feb 14, 2007. I discussed my options with my family and decided on the Gastric bypass. rnDr F’s office did everything for me. They took care of all the insurance stuff; I drove them crazy with all my e-mails with questions and things I would think of. They are a great group of people who genuinely care for you and your well being. If I have any questions or issues the staff is great and answers my questions and treats me great even though I can be bothersome. rnDr. F & Dr. Jones-thanks for giving me my life back! Also thanks Dr. F for having Leslie, Geri and Cynthia there for any and all support I will ever need. You and your staff are truly a blessing in disguise for me.rn

My first impression was that I thought he was nuts, but his knowledge of the subjects was overwhelming. I was considering a different surgical alternative (duodenal switch) but he steered me into a different surgery (lap bypass) that was healthier for me. I still think he is a nut but he was great. His staff is absolutely sweet and pushy, but not enough to be bothersome. What I liked least about the experience was the cold operating room! Dr. Frantzides has structured his aftercare program specifically for me! I feel that he and the overall experience was a 9 out of 10 because no one is perfect. Both his surgical competence and his beside manner are great. It doesn't seem like I've had surgery at all. But he's still a nut!

I came from Wisconsin to see Dr. Frantzides a year ago because I heard that he was the best. I researched doctor's all over the country because I was willing to go anywhere and I found out that the best was just in my backyard! My husband worked for the medical college of wisconsin and he has heard of Dr. Frantzides reputation. He also researched his publications and found that he is a pioneer in laparoscopic surgery. All of these things factored into my decision to see him. When I did meet with him for the first time, I could see that all the things that are said about him on this site are true. He is very personable, yet confident and his staff is incredibly friendly and accomodating. He gave me a TON of information, including his numerous publications on his techniques and results and I was very impressed with how thorough the consultation was. The most painful part of the process was the insurance approval. I have Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO and I have to say that they are awful. The doctor and his staff were by my side all the way fighting for my approval. Even though I provided letter upon letter from all my doctors, I had to complete the 6 months of dietary supervision before I got the approval and even that didn't come easy. I had to get on the phone myself with Blue Cross and beg them for it. Fortunately, I got it and here I am today, 6 months from surgery, 91 pounds lighter and all my health problems are cured! I no longer take my diabetes medication or my blood pressure medication and I feel amazing! My advice to patients thinking about having surgery is to do your research. This is an operation that can cost you your life so you want to make sure you are with a surgeon who can guarantee that he will perform it laparoscopically with good results. Research not only his numbers, but his outcomes because that is what makes the difference. That is what brought me to Dr. Frantzides and I will never regret it.

I researched the procedure extensively and did a nationwide search for a doctor. I was looking for someone who was active in the academic world and teaches his laparoscopic specialty and was the \"top dog.\" People who want bariatric surgery should do their homework and check out the doctors. You can find everything on the internet and then ask yourself one simple question: does your surgeon cut the vagus nerve? If they do, stay away, because the cutting of that nerve is unnecessary discomfort for a prolonged period of time. Dr. Frantzides does not cut this nerve and his patients do not experience dumping and it's uncomfortable side effects. You've got to look for the pioneers that are changing the face of the surgery from what it used to be to what it is today--who have a strong academic background. Thats who you want to go to. Why would anyone want the second best? I'm 10 days post-op and I feel like I can really now sense progress. I don't have any fear anymore of the unknown. I'm weaning off the pain medications. Don't expect your surgeon to stop you from overeating. He gave you a tool and you have to do your part to work with it to achieve your goal. The surgery can be defeated if you don't do what you're surgeon recommends. Good luck and just do it!