Chicago Institute of Minimally Invasive Surgery Bariatric Center

I'm a FT Reg. Nurse, a wife for 25yrs, mother of 2, and an overjoyed, successful post-bariatric surgical client of one of the best physicians in this field, Dr. C. Frantzides and his colleague Dr. John Zografakis. I had the RNY lap procedure on 6/12/02, making me 18 months post-op and 113 pounds lighter. I did need post-surgical repair of an incisional umbilical hernia which developed approx. 4 to 5 months after my RNY, a complication of surgery noted by my physicians preoperatively. I have had surgical repair of my hernia on 11/19/03, again by my superb physicians, Dr. F and Dr. J. I have no regrets of having had the laparoscopic RNY procedure as it has made me a happier and healthier person. I continue recommending the procedure to anyone contemplating it even after my developing the hernia. I eat anything I want, of course all in moderation and with the understanding that some foods may not agree with me. I have learned to change my eating and lifestyle behaviors recommended to me by my physicians and his nurse, Karen, so I can continue being successful with my weight loss and in general, total health. As a nurse, I recognize the importance of this. I met Dr. F 3/2002 at one of his seminars regarding less invasive laparoscopic bariatric surgery. I was contemplating bariatric surgery at that time and after some research on the topic I met with the Bariatric Treatment Center. After meeting with them, I still had some uncertainties. Shortly after meeting with BTC, I ran into an article regarding the RNY being done laparoscopically at Rush Presbyterian St. Lukes Hospital.
I attended a seminar regarding the same held by Dr. Frantzides. Right away I knew he was the surgeon I was going to entrust for this procedure. Dr. F has the skill and the passion and committment to this field (lap surgery) and I felt very confident in him. I arranged a surgical consultation appointment with him and I was thoroughly counseled on the procedure and scheduled for it within months of this appointment. God placed Dr. F in my path and I am very thankful for it. Dr. F and his staff are very professional and they are always available to answer your questions. Dr. F is now located at Evanston Hospital where I recently had my umbilical hernia repaired. I met Dr. John Zagrafakis here. He, like Dr. Frantzides, is very skillful, passionate and committed to his field of expertise. They both have the humor to make your experiences with them as light-hearted and yet as professional as possible. I love them and I highly recommend them to anyone contemplating bariatric surgery. Thank you Dr. Frantzides and Dr. Zagrafakis.

The surgery was a huge success. Dr. Frantzides and his team were there with me every step of the way. I can't say enough about the emotional support that you receive from Karen and Gerri either.

At present I have lost roughly 53 pounds within 5 weeks. I am very happy about my progress and pleased with the rapid weight loss as well. Although my bmi was well over 80, Dr. Frantzides had no problem doing the surgery. I'd definitely recommend him to those looking to have this procedure

I am 27 years old and I have dealt with weight problems all my life. But it really got bad when I had my twin boys.I have been looking into the Gastric Bypass procedure for about 6 months. I have tried everything there is to try (weight watchers, medications,xenadrin, etc.) And there were times where I lost weight but I ended up putting it back on plus extra. I found a woderful dr here on this website (Dr. Frantzides) the day of my first visit I got a date. August 26th. They handle all the insurance parts of it.I am so thankful that God put him in my life for this procedure.

I want the world to know about the wonderful experience I had having gastric bypass surgery. Dr. Constantine F. Frantzides preformed the surgery on November 3, 2003.

I am a morbidly obese 58 year old woman with many weight related illnesses. Since the surgery I no longer take any medication for type 2 diabetes. I was also on medication for high blood pressure that I no longer need. I also suffered from reflux and was taking medication for that, not any more. During the pre screening for the surgery the doctors found, I have coronary artery disease and needed two stints to open an artery. So the surgery saved my life before it was preformed. I had a blood test a few days ago and for the first time in over 20 years all the results were within normal range.

Labparoscopic gastric bypass surgery is a wonderful option. With Dr. Frantzides' expertise and vast experience, the surgery went without event. The recuperation went well, with very little discomfort. I was back to work in 3 weeks and am able to eat any food in moderation. I am happy and I feel great. My weight is steadily going down, I have lost 30 lbs in 11 weeks, WITHOUT HUNGER.

I cannot rave enough about Dr. Frantzides and his wonderful team. Dr. John Zografakis is a good doctor always there for you, being helpful and compassionate every step of the way. Karen has first hand experience with the procedure and is available whenever you need her. She is a wealth of knowledge. Kathleen keeps the office humming. I can't say enough about this team, they are THE BEST and I would recommend them highly.

I'm a sigle black female with two beautiful children and I had a weight problem for many years but thanks to my aunt and a wonderful surgeon named Dr. Frantzides he changed my life around and i feel like he has given me another chance at life in a differeent pair of eyes. Ilove to sing and to dance and play different sports and my weight hendered me tremendously. my family would make fun of me and that really hurt . Somtimes i would have problems fitting into different types of clothes that were suppose to be for full figured woman . I had to find some type of solution. Guess what? i did and i thank GOD!!!!!

My story goes like this, Im a 36 yr old male who is 6'4" tall and 392lbs, oh and of course I'm on high blood pressure medication, I thought it was time to do something with a BMI of 47.7. My constant attempts at different diets and no religous workout routines, caused me to look into this surgery. With the help of my personal doctor and some friends in the medical profession, I turned to the pioneer in the field, Dr. Frantzides of ENH (Evanston Northwestern Healthcare). After a cousultatation and of course my boss's approval (my wife). I went for it. So on 6 Nov 04 I weighted in at 394lbs a 64" chest and stomach girth & a 52" waist. It was time. On 7 Nov 04 I went in for the laparoscopic Roux-en-Y bypass. I made sure this was the procedure and not the cut down my chest one. The Dr. was very confident it could be done laparoscopicly. Well after 33 days I cant believe it Iam currently down to 347lbs a 58" chest and a high side 46" waist and off the high blood pressure meds. Definitly the best thing i could of done for myself and my two little girls! Thanks to my Wife,the Doctor and his staff, and a special thanks to Jerri ( you know why )Good Luck to all those who are doing this.

I felt very comfortable with Dr. Frantzides after years of thinking about the surgery adn going to several seminars i was still very frightened, Dr. Frantzides made me believe in myself and I trusted him to help me change my life.

I still think he is great. He celebrates my accomplishments and tells me how brave and I have been.

Dr. Frantzides has a wonderful group of very helpful and knowledgable staff, some have gone through the surgery and have a first hand knowledge that they share if asked.

I can not say anything bad at all, he is great.

He is going to be open and honest and he is no pushover he has strict rules and he pushes you to help yourself by making you promise to get up the day of surgery and breathe and cough.

He is very strict about all your aftercare, checking on your blood levels and how your are feeling overall.

Yes, he and his staff are there there is an ongoing support group and nutrition information.

On the day of consultation he address your present state and your health concerns then goes into going over what risks are involved.

Dr. Frantzides get a 10 in my book he has helped me change my life.

I would have to say that both are great. He will make you feel at ease and you actually know that he cares.

I have had such a positive experience with Dr. Frantzides and his staff! Dr. Frantzides and his staff go out of their way to make everyone feel like they are the most important patient they have.Dr. Frantzides takes his time and answers all of your questions, none are to big or to small. His office staff Jerri and Cynthia know their way thru the insurance nightmare and stay on top of things. The most wonderful thing is that Dr. Frantzides is the pioneer and the master of this surgery. I was told by another doctor that I would need the "open" procedure because of a previous surgery I had,this turned out to be the biggest lie told to me.During my office consultation Dr. Frantzides never mentioned the open procedure to me so I mentioned it to him and he asked me if I was crazy.....why would I even think that I needed it open. It's was wonderful to be in the hands of a master surgeon. All of the risks of the surgery were explaind to me. I have not had any complications I am 8mo post op now and I have lost 95lbs and feel GREAT. When you go to Dr. Frantzides he does not drop you after you surgery, he wants and strongly encourges you to attend support groups that are offered 4 times a month at 4 different locations.. no excuse not to attend :). My hospital stay was wonderful, the facility was state of the art. Dr. Frantzides has the best bedside manner I have ever seen. He is always smiling, and happy to see you. It's the little things that go a very long way.For the first time in many many years I feel that I'm getting my life back.
Thank You Dr. Frantzides



5/16/05 Doing great! My 1yr is comming up and I have never been happier. Recently at meetings we have been talking about the window of weight loss closing. I don't like to look at it in this way. I like to look at this as my chance to maintain and balance the gift I have been given. There will be good and bad days in all walks of our life, we decide how we are going to handle good and bad as it happens. I'm greatful that I have this tool but I refuse to buy into the hype that the window is closing by the magic of my upcomming year. I'm making the choice to keep that window open. Dr. Frantzides will always be the best.

My first impression of Dr. Frantzides was that he was "cocky".......I like that because I am as well. The next thing that became very clear was his compassion, and dedication! I often wonder when he, Dr. John and Karen find time to sleep. Early surgery, early rounds,offuce hour, support meetings. The bedside manner for all is refreshing, and their skills should be taught to others in their profession. My surgey was 3/10/04. AKA: THE FIRST DAY OF THE REST OF MY LIFE. I was a cry baby and did not want to leave the hospital. I think it was a combination of drugs and fear. There was no room in my life for either. I did go home, stoped crying and started walking. I know fear will keep you frozen that's how I got this way in the first place. I won't go into my life story here but I will say that I replaced all that I was not getting or taking from life with what I call "food abuse". To date (7wks) I have lost 31 lbs, and gained great facial features. This is a test so far I don't dump I've tried to push myself to see if I would. Now Karen might say that's bad, "dummping" kinda keeps you in check. I say this is good here's why: Dr Frantzides took care of my stomach, not my brain or feelings. This is my angels way of saying you've been given a jump start to be the best you can be face your fears and live your true life.

Dr. Frantzides and his team are the best at what they do. I'm so happy I made the choice to live.


5/17/05 It has been a wonderful year. still no dumping, still going to the health club, still very, very blessed to have had Dr. Frantzides as my doctor. I recently had a hernia repair, tummy tuck, and my gallbladder removed by Dr. Frantzides. I now for the first time in forever have a great health and a great looking body :) Once again he proved he's the man. Family, co-workers, and friends have all been so supportive to me. If you are thinking about doing the surgery it dosen't matter how you get there......just get there.

When I first met Dr. Frantzides, I knew I was in the right hands. I had seen another surgeon and was going to have open surgery, but then I got cold feet. I came to Dr. Frantzides on the advice of a friend who told me you don't have to have it open and you don't! I had my surgery laparoscopically 7 mos. ago and I feel great! I have a some tiny scars and that's it! Dr. Frantzides is the best in the business and I would recommend him to everyone! My insurance company is Blue Cross Blue Shield and at first I thought I was never going to get approved. They denied me because I didn't have 12 months of diet history with my doctor. I had about 6 months, but that wasn't enough. They want it all back to back. As hard as it was I went back to my doctor and did a WHOLE YEAR of dieting! I lost about 10 pounds, but that wasn't enough :) Jerri and Cynthia at the office helped me appeal and then I got approved! I couldn't believe it but here I am today and I feel better than ever! Dr. Frantzides office is the best place in the world. THANK YOU!!!! :)


05/16//05 I'm coming up on my one year anniversary and I'm so excited! I keep losing weight and everyone I know tells me I look great. I feel so much better too. My quality of life has improved, i still don't have any dumping, and i even started running -----AND LIKE IT!!!!!!!! I can't thank Dr. F enough for what he's done for me and my life. I know i said it before and i'll keep on saying it, Dr. F is the best doctor in the whole world!!