Chicago Institute of Minimally Invasive Surgery Bariatric Center

I had my gastric by-pass surgery done by Dr. Frantzides four years ago. He is a fabulous surgeon, and has been very dependable for thorough follow-up since my surgery. rnrnI lost 130 lbs. within one year of the surgery and, at this point, have gained back 10 lbs., which I am told is normal. No problems, though I am trying now to lose the 10 lbs. I do have some trouble with reflux, but realize this is more because of my eating habits (eating too fast, not chewing enough) than with anything to do with the surgery itself.rnrnThe Doctor and his staff are very personable and very attentive. His techniques are at the forefront of medical practice for this surgery. Great bedside manner. Aftercare was mostly addressed in the support group. Support groups have been very helpful. He and his staff are good at answering any questions. I orginally was to have the surgery by another doctor, but then heard about Dr. Frantzides and after interviewing him, made the switch. Best decision I ever made.rnrnI have gallstones and will soon have gallbladder surgery, also to be done by Dr. F.rnrnrnrn

My husband and brother-in-law both had roux-en-y surgery with Dr. Frantzides - and I knew because of his experience, expertise, and dedication to his patients he was the only doctor I wanted to perform my surgery. His fellow, Dr. Jones, his PA, Lesley Placeway and his office staff are wonderful. They all answer questions in a timely manner and with much patience. Someone was always available by phone, email or page - how great is that? Dr. Frantzides is a superior doctor with a superior team.

When my husband and i researched surgeons for gastric by pass, I wanted a brilliant, aggressive physician we were not particularry concerned with bedside mannor as by this time I had so many health problems and so many physicians i just wanted perfection in the surgical technique with minimal recovery time. I FOUND BOTH. Not only was Dr. Franzides kind, understanding and good natured, he is brillant and has the surgical standing to prove it. He and his staff recognized the specific needs emotional, and medically of the patient. After the first consultation I felt supported in my decision to have surgery and confident that Dr. Franzides and his staff would be dedicated to my overall health for a very long time. Success was not and option and everything possible would be explored to facilitate my success as an individual not as \"just another gastric bypass patient. rnrnThe staff was responsive, gave personal suggestions, and above all listened. In my case a staff member had \"been there\" and knew the every day struggle emotionally, with food, relationships, creating time for yourself and offered stratigies from her own experience. rnrnIt was important for me to recognize my food addiction, and Dr. Franzides explained in detail the procedure, technique and responsibility of the patient in the process but, helped me to realize for the first time \"I really was addicted to food\" and this was my opportunity to commit to working on weight loss. He presented the facts and patient obligations directly and prefessionally. Making the decision to have surgery and the care after would have to be for life or I would simply not be a candidate. rnrnI'm at my 3 month post op visit and have lost 50 pounds, I have one hundred more to go and DR. Franzides and his staff have energized my commitment even more today.rnrn

I really want to thank Dr. Frantzides and his team for giving me a new beginning at life.rnWith out them I would still be the way I used to be. Everyone welcomed me with open hearts and hands. The care and support I received meant so much. I have a new attitude and it feels good. In this case less is more. rnrn Thank you,rn Ashley

I met Dr Frantzides in December of 2005, that was my initial consultaion with him, however I did see a different surgeon before Dr Frantzides, I even had my psyche evaluation and the first nutritional meeting behind me when I met with Dr. Frantzides.rnMy first impression of his staff and himself, was very calming and reassuring, they were very professional but not overpowering, very knowledgable in what I will be going thru .rnBeing overweight all of my adult life, you resing yourself to feel \"not right\" and always being looked down upon, not so in this case,rnthe staff is very friendly and helpful, they understand the problmes you are facing and let you know what to expect up front.rnI am very happy I found Dr Franzides and his office staff, I want to thank all of them for wonderful care and attention they have given me..Thank you to all, from Dr Franzides to Dr Luna to Leslie and to Jerry for showing me what can be accomplished given the right support..

Dr. F was such a friendly guy, very personable. He is very energetic, and upbeat. He knows this in's, out's, up's and down's of this surgery. He's very Gung-Ho, so to speak, about this surgery. I was very obese, and he was the one that really tipped the scales (no pun intended) to allow me and my family to choose Gastric Bypass as the way to go.rnrnHis staff is great, from Jerri (who also had gastic bypass), Leslie, and previously Dr. Laguna (IIRC for his Fellowship). Now replaced by Dr. Jones (lady), who is very personable, but have only met her on my 3 month.rnrnHe's a funny guy, and he knows how to treat his patients. I don't know how to describe it, but he's just great.rnrnDr. F emphasises aftercare MORE than the surgery, saying that the surgery is only \"the tip of the iceberg.\" He has a schedule of when you can eat what, and it's very helpful (you don't want to overdo).rnrnHe addressed the risk of the surgery very well. He put it almost as the \"lesser of two evils.\" Rather I get the surgery, or possibly live a life of obesity, with countless tries at diet and excercise (with only a slight chance that only that will work). It put it into perspective for me, and I saw it much clearer that I really needed this to better my life.rnrnI would reccomend him to anyone who's looking to do this surgery (even teenagers). He is THE BEST in the field. He is the master of the Laporoscopic Gastric Bypass, and he has the best bedside manner of any surgeon I've had. If I had em, 3-thumbs-up.

I first met Dr. Frantzides and felt he was extremely knowledgable with a great passion for his work. The office staff were very gracious answering all my questions and always providing more information. rnrnI have had three surgeries, in my life and I have rated them according to pain levels. 1 ( least painful) to 10 ( extremely painful ). The laparoscopy performed by Dr. Frantzides was a 3. He is truly a magician who can perform surgery with relatively low pain.rnrnI am very grateful to have worked with such a wonderful group of people!

I am approximately on year out and I am so excited. I have lost about 110 lbs and I Look and feel fabolous. I am experiencing some issues, (i.e. not getting in enough protein), but I know that I have to work harder at keeping me in shape. I am so excited that I met Dr. Frantzides and he has helped transform me to a healthier, younger looking, women. I thank God for this blessing and am looking forward to losing another 80 lbs within the next six months.

When I first met with Dr. Frantzides my family and I both liked him right away. I was refered to Dr, Frantzides from a woman that works with me - she told me a lot about him and how much he had changed her life. When I had my first meeting with him, he explained everything to me with much detail and made sure that I understood what he was saying to me. I was very nervous and had a lot of questions. His staff is wonderful!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They were very patient and understanding to my needs - I truly can't even explain how wonderful they are - Leslie and Dr. Jones :). Dr. Frantzides and his staff make sure that the proper follow up care is given even if they have to call you on the phone to tell you. I would certainly recomend Dr. Frantzides, he is a wonderful surgeon - hands down. I really can't say anything negative about Dr. Frantzides except for the fact that he kind of yelled at me for not listening to his instructions - but then again that would be a plus for him as a doctor.

I found Dr. Frantzides after consulting with 2 other surgeons. Initially, I had concerns about RNY-lap, due to a Dr. at the Bariatic Centers that had badmouthed lap and insisted that open was a much safer procedure. After reading about Dr. Frantzides on this site, I was curious to explore lap since the recovery was so much easier. My very first impression of Dr. Frantzides was that of a confident and competent surgeon. Dr. Frantzides addressed all my my questions on that first visit and every visit since then. He has always taken the time to make sure I am comfortable with everything every step of the way. My surgery went off without a hitch...my recovery was very fast and I was back to work within 3 weeks! On top of this, I have no hernias and only 6 very small incisions. rnrnDr. Frantzides has been a caring and impressive physician. I recommend him to anyone in the Chicago area or who has the means to travel. Not only does he provide top-notch care, but his staff and hospitals do as well. rn******rnUpdate August 2006:rnI am now over two years out from my bypass surgery and I have lost over 170 pounds. I have been in regular touch with Dr. Frantzides and in June of this year he repaired my hernia (which developed post-bypass) and performed a panniculetomy to finally rid me of my apron and also my abdominal \"hump\". Needless to say, I am extremely happy with the results and feel like a new person for the 2nd time in my life! I can not sing the praises of Dr. Frantzides enough. I trust him more than any Dr. I've ever been treated by or even consulted with. His competency is only that much more impressive when you also take into account his awesome personality and genuine concern for patient care. I am planning on having additional plastic surgery...I would have Dr. Frantzides do it all if I could! He is a fantastic Doctor and a great person.