Chicago Institute of Minimally Invasive Surgery Bariatric Center

This is an update to my earlier posted message. I inadvertantly refered to Dr. Frantzides as Dr. Z, don't know why I did but have revised my write-up. Also I would like to state for the record that my post operative complications were not the result of the type of surgery I had but would of probably happened with any major surgery. It is a testiment to Dr. Franzide's surgical skill that I survived the complications. There have been patients that have already expressed alarm and concern after reading my story. I urge you to talk with Dr. Frantzides and his staff regarding these types of post operative complications and become informed of the potential risk. These types of complications are associated with major surgery, not necessarily bariactric surgery.

First impression was in line with what I had read about Dr. Frantzides, he is professional, confident, skilled, and reassuring. My impression over time did not change. His office/practice was new to Evanston Hospital at the time (Jan 04) so there were learning curve issues but for the most part was handled well with the help of Karen (nurse) who's insights into the procedures were invaluable due to her own personal experience with having had bariatric surgery. Being an out of towner and having significant post operative complications was not an ideal situation. Dr. Frantzides's surgical skills are outstanding and I attribute my survival and present quality of life to his skills and experience. My post op complications is along story but it is important to share with other patients.

Two weeks post op developed blood clots which went to the lungs (pulmonary embolism). Filter installed in the common vein from the legs and could not continue blood thining due to internal bleeding. Two days after I returned home from the first post op 7 day hospital stay, got weak again, turned out to be a staff infection. Returned to the hospital (new hospital) for a seven day duration to undergo IV antibiotic treatment. Several days after returning home became weak again and spewed up about a quart of blood. I was bleeding internally in my stomach and my entire intestinal track had filled with blood. Returned to the hospital was in ICU for over 10 days received 10 units of blood and plasma. Returned home for 3 days and got weak again went to the emergency room again, blood pressure upon arrival was 52/32. NOT GOOD! Appartently a blood clot had slipped past the filter and went to my heart. In ICU for another 10 days and luckily pulled through. Good to go ever since!!

We made a mistake when we chose the first hospital to go to during the first post op complication with the blood clots. We went to the hospital where my internist's office was but it turns out he does not practice in the hospital. Wound up with a whole set of doctors (whom I had never met before), and to make things worse, the doctors changed every shift and a whole new set on the weekend. This was a recipe for disaster and with the help of my pulmonologist, Dr. Ann Romaker (saved my life), I got out of that hospital as soon as possible. Dr. Frantzides stayed in almost constant communication with my wife via cell phones which prevented going on paths of treatment that in all probability would have killed me. Dr. Frantzides even offered to fly to KC if necessary. Luckily the combination of Dr. Frantzides and Dr. Romaker got me the medical attention necessary to pull me through some pretty tense situations.

During the first post op ordeal, I was having trouble breathing due to the pulmonary emboli and the blood thinners were making me bleed internally and I was getting weaker by the second. My wife (who I also credit with saving my life) was upset and leaned over to me and said "maybe it was time to pray". I looked at her and said, "THAT IS THE LAST THING I NEED TO HEAR RIGHT NOW AND GET THE CAST OF NEWBE DOCTORS IN THE ROOM BECAUSE WE NEEDED A COME TO JESUS TALK!" We then met with the internist, GI specialist, surgeon, and a pulmonologist and I aked who was in charge with the internist saying "that would be me". I said WRONG, that would be me and I was checking out.

That is all of the bad stuff, since then I have lost 180-190 pounds and over 20 inches in my waist. I now only take a multiple vitamin daily where before I was taking a multitude of pills for blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, diuretic, arthitis, etc., etc. I am now traveling again both domestically and internationally, entertaining clients, eating out, and more physically acitive than I have been in over 20 years. My quality of life has improved exponentially. Being an Engineer, I am amazed that the skill a surgeon, such as Dr. Frantzides, must possess to mould and construct a new stomach that provides the necessary metered intake of food but still allows me to enjoy eating without pain or undue dietary restrictions.

The number one recommendation I would like to make to anyone considering bariatric surgery is to carefully screen who you select to be your surgeon (your life depends on it). Number two, screen your doctor's hospital he works with to make sure they have the experience and track record necessary for bariatric surgical procedures. Number three, if you have to have your surgery done away from home, make sure you enlist the support of a bariatric savvy physician to monitor your post operative recovery. Number four, you need to have someone stay with you during the critical times and keep a log/diary of what is going on, medications, dosages, procedures, tests, etc. Even the best of the hospitals that I was in leave a lot to be desired in keeping track of your medical care.

I read many wonderful things about Dr. Frantzides. Everything I read prior to my visit, was very positive and enthusiastic about him and his staff. He was everything I read about and then some. He appeared to be very passionate with what he does. He and his staff were very supportive with my concerns. I thought I was fairly prepared with my questions at the time of my appointment. However, after a few days, I had a list of questions that kept growing and growing! The staff was very accomodating to all my questions and concerns. I was given a surgery date on my first appointment and Dr. Frantzides was very confident that I would get an approval from my insurance company because of all my co-morbities.

Alot of people here talked about being prepared to wait during your first consult. I just never realized the wait was going to be that long. Nonetheless, Dr. Frantzides was very apologetic for the wait and quite accomodating during our visit. He never ever gave me the indication that he was rushing with me to get to the next patient. The wait was definitely WORTH it!

My journey is just beginning, but based on everything I have read about Dr. Frantzides, I can only assume that everything will be fine.

Dr. Frantzides exudes an air of confidence, so I had no qualms about him performing my surgery. His staff, and the staff at Evanston Northwestern Hospital, were always helpful and friendly, not to mention knowledgable. I was fully informed about my post-surgical care, and any questions I may have had were promptly answered by staff.
Gastric bypass is major surgery, and I was well aware of the risks involved. I was willing to put my life into Dr.Frantzides' hands even knowing the great risks. In order to have Dr. Frantzides as my surgeon, I had to "jump through hoops" with insurance but it was definitely worth it. His confidence translates into surgical superiority and confidence for the patient.

3/18/05
My first impression of Dr Frantzides was just what I expected, he was brilliant, he was extremely professional,yet personal, he was full of confidence and his history shows why, and I have read everything I could find on him. Dr. Frantzides also performed this surgery on two of my good friends and they are looking great one is 3 post up, and the other is 2 years post up, so I have been keeping track of his work. He was so attentive and kept eye contanct. He did not sugar coat anything. He strongly emphasized that the surgery is just a tool, that is still up to the patient to controll the end result. He was upfront about the deaths in his program. I believe he was honest and sincere. His Fellow, Dr Zeni was just a pleasent. My impression has only improve with time. Dr.Frantzides staff is the greatest Karen (the Nurse) is so friendly, and knowledgeble (from own experience), and Jerri is so good with that darn insurance stuff. Jerri also speaks from experience. Dr. Frantzides is open and welcoming, and any future patients will feel welcome and not look down upon for taking this step. At Dr. Frantzides program aftercare is strongly emphasized for positive wls results. I am still pre/op so I will update after my surgery, but for now Dr. Frantzides and his entire team receives A++++++++++++.

im one week post-op and im doing GREAt!! just like what dr. FRAnzides had told me.Before i decided for this surgery i remembered praying that GOD whod lead me to the best doctor so id be in good hands and that is how i end up in dr> franzides office,he was a gift!! He's been very HOnest about everything for me to expect before and after surgery..he laid everything out to me very WELL.After surgery hes always in my room checkin on me.even if u dont see him so much the days before ur surgery but boy! ur gonna see alot of him on the day of surgery!he is the best around, i even saw him on tv being interviewed!!Thank you sooo much DR F

I liked Dr. Frantzides, he is very honest and does not sugar coat anythiing. I like him more and more as time goes on. His office staff is friendly and honest, and personable. There is nothing I din't like. Future patients should follow his guidelines and contact him with questions. After care is very important and he encourages patients to attend support groups. Dr. Frantzides explains the surgery in detail and answers all questions. All of his surgeries are done laparoscopic and during the procedure he preserves the Vegas nerve during the surgery so his patients have a lower rate of dumping. Dr. Frantzides is exellent! He has great bedside manner as well as being a great surgeon.

My first impression of Dr.Frantzides was very friendly, he answered all of my questions and opeaned my eyes to things I was not aware of. I felt very informed by the time I let his office, he was very honest regarding the risks. His staff has always been available whenever I needed to talk with someone about any of my pre and post surgery questions. I attedned a support group pre surgery and will keep going. I felt very comfortable and supported by the group. It is very important to keep all of the follow-up appointments. I was very happy that my surgery was done laprascopic.

My recovery has been faster thatn I was told I would recover. I'm 10 days out and taking very little pain medication. I do a lot of walking and standing. I'm staying active and I think that's why I'm doing so good. My mood with my family has been a little short....they have been very supportive of me.

I would tell everyone who needs the surgery to run as fast as you can to Dr. Frantzides office he is the best!!

The first impression I had of Dr Frantzides, was that all I had heard and read about him was not enough. He was so caring and knowledgeable about my problems and expectations, I was immediately put at ease.

His "Ladies" as I call them are so wonderful it is hard to put into words my gratitude for them all. They have helped me through every stage of my progression with there caring and always having time for me. They make me feel like I am the most important patient they have, and never made me feel rushed to stop bothering them.

When I went into the surgery, I was sure it was right for me as Dr. Frantzides, Jerry, and Karen went through every possibility with me already. I had no surprises, except how good I am feeling.

I am 9 days post-op and feeling wonderful today. THANK YOU TO THE BEST GROUP IN THE WORLD!

I am one moht post op and I have lost 43lbs! I was encouraged by my sister to have this surgery. At that time she had had the surgery done 4 years earlier in the state of Washington. Her surgery was done "Open", while my was not. She lost 170 lbs over a 2 years and looks great. I have noticed that she has tremendous problems stillw ith "dumpning" and that was a major concern of mine. With my procedure the nerve was kept in tak, unlike my sisters, and Ihave yet to experience any "dumoing". My doctor says this is due to him keeping in place al nerve connections. I thank him for that and look forward to losing quite a bit more. I hav e not felt this healthly in a long while and continue to improve every day.

the best out come of the surgery is bringin me back to be able to walk and do things wiht my children. I am very happy to have had the surgery and to have been able to ind a gret surgen to performt he surgery.

I was very impressed with Dr. Frantzides, very warm and kind. I only found him to improve on his first impression with time. He is there for you as the patient and very helpful every step of the way.

The nurses and other staff are extremely kind people and helpful and encouraging throughout the process. Many of the staff have had the procedure themselves and their empathy shows it.

There wasn't anything I didn't like. I was very well treated and still am. I had my surgery on March 15th, just ten days ago.

Dr. Frantzides is supportive, caring, very well experienced and knowledgeable and a fine surgeon and even finer man. He has a great sense of humor and that helps.

Aftercare is heavily emphasized and rightly so. When I followed all recommendations and directions I healed much faster than many and felt less pain by walking, following all instructions, etc. Aftercare is vital. It really is a new life. I have lost 30# in ten days.

The risks of any surgery and this particular one were explained very well. The risks for me were much greater had I not done the surgery.

Dr. Frantzides and Dr. Zeni (his Fellow Dr.) are both #1 in my book. I have never received care with compassion as they did it. I have seen many Doctors over the years too.

Dr. Frantzides is not just a good surgeon, he teaches these gastric bypass procedures and does them with expertise. He even invented two of the instruments used in the surgery. His bedside manner is excellent and he makes you feel at ease.

I was cautious because of pain. With the Doctor and his staff, the pain was moderate but controlled by meds and subsided for the most part in a few days.

If you are contemplating having this procedure, I highly commend Dr. Frantzides to you.