Chicago Institute of Minimally Invasive Surgery Bariatric Center

I am 14 months after my laparoscopic revision gastric bypass with Dr. Frantzides. I have reached my goal of weight loss and I am quite happy for that. My journey however started as a bumpy road because of bad decisions. I originally had a lap band placed by another surgeon and when it started malfunctioning, they had to remove it. I decided later on to take my chances again and though the operation was supposed to be a gastric bypass they were unable to do it because of adhesions and I was given a Sleeve Gastrectomy. This procedure wasn’t any better than the lap band and I kept having reflux and unable to lose weight. Being in desperation I did thorough search to find the doctor who would be able and willing to take up the task of performing a laparoscopic revision of the sleeve to gastric bypass. It didn’t take long to find Dr. Frantzides and the rest is history. I consider myself very lucky to have Dr. Frantzides as my doctor and both my family and I love him very much.

I am 1 week out of surgery and I am up and driving. I had a revision to my Roux N Y from 9 years ago. The original surgeon performed an open incision but Dr. Frantzides did my procedure laproscopically and it was great. My incision sites are sore but not painful. The surgery went very well and I am already down 10 pounds! Dr. Frantzides and Teresa are fantastic. You will not get any better treatment from any other doctor.

After being sick for over 2 years with hip pain, anemia, significant vitamin deficiency and being overweight again, I decided to seek medical help and treatment. In 2001, I had a gastric bypass and did not know there were revisions available for this procedure. I sought out assistance from another facility regarding my concerns about a revision and was sent for an upper GI test and was told I would be contacted with the results. I was contacted not by the doctor but by a physician assistant who said there was nothing wrong with my original surgery. I was turned away even though their organization said they did revisions.
I still did not feel well and continued to gain weight and sought out the help and assistance of Dr. Frantzides and it has been the best experience I have ever had for numerous reasons.
I previously underwent two abdominal surgeries and was familiar with the pain and long healing process that is associated with these surgeries. I underwent a subtotal colectomy in 1998 and in 2001 had gastric bypass surgery. Both operations required being traditionally cut open and a hospitalization of seven days for each, not being able to drive for six weeks, and giving myself heparin shots for ten days. Both of these surgeries do not compare to the wonderful experience with Dr. Frantzides.
After consulting with Dr. Frantzides, I was sent for an upper GI and this time the test revealed three problems an internal hernia, hiatal hernia, and a problem with my esophagus, as well as the revision of the gastric bypass. Dr. Frantzides was fantastic about explaining all that was wrong and the method of less evasive laparoscopic surgery.
Dr. Frantzides and his team provides a hands-on approach by sharing their knowledge about the laparoscopic procedure and explaining exactly what the procedure entails and what to expect all along the way. My surgery was not an easy task due to my prior surgeries and my operation was 8 hours, 3 of which were spent removing scar tissue. The nurse at St. Francis told my family in her 26 years as a surgical nurse she has never seen an abdomen that looked frozen like Antarctica with scar tissue like this. It took Dr. Frantzides three hours to get through the scar tissue.
The best part of my surgery is I was up and walking that same evening. I remained in the hospital another day and during that time I was up and walking five to six times. The reason I mention this is because I felt well and strong enough to do so and this definitely made a difference in my recovery.
After arriving home, Dr. Frantzides and his team called me each day to check on my progress and the care and concern in addition to the excellent skill as a surgeon has been an unbelievable positive and great experience. No one wants to be sick and surgery is always serious and Dr. Frantzides provided me as a patient the ability to feel confident about another surgery and the end result would be a quick recovery.
Everyone heals differently but I can honestly say from two previous surgeries, nothing can compare to the gentle laparoscopic approach Dr. Frantzides practices. Dr. Frantzides is a gentleman and scholar who answered all of my questions and concerns and made me feel confident about the laparoscopic procedure. Dr. Frantzides was very caring, professional and direct regarding providing me high quality care and setting me up for success and not failure.

Dr. Frantzides has a wonderful staff that provided a hands-on approach to my patient care. Teresa in his office called me for two days to check on my well being and that was never done before. Dr. Frantzides’ team is professional, caring and compliments the fantastic surgeon and quality care that Dr. Frantzides provides his patients and I am truly grateful for the wonderful experience because it was everything and more and I thank Dr. Frantzides and his wonderful team.

I have been a registered nurse for 45 years and I have been battling my weight for the last 35 years. I am diagnosed with hypertension, high cholesterol, and pre diabetes and rather than having to start on diabetic medication I decided on laparoscopic surgery for weight loss. I decided to go see Dr. Frantzides after doing research with my friend. I met with the doctor and found him to be extremely personable, knowledgeable, and very compassionate. After answering all my questions and concerns I was very impressed and immediately followed through and had the procedure he thought was best for me. Now I am on my way thanks to a wonderful man to being ideal body weight. In addition to my gastric bypass Dr. Frantzides also repaired my hiatal hernia and my umbilical hernia all at the same time. If I knew it was going to be this easy I would have done it much sooner. I stayed in the hospital overnight only and 3 days later I was fully back to my daily activities. GOD BLESS Dr. Frantzides.

I have been over weight since I was 8 or 9. It was a struggle growing up as an overweight child because I got picked on constantly and continually until college. In some ways I am grateful because it caused me to develop a strong personality and I got to find out how to develop true friendships. My parents were very concerned. My dad is an endocrinologist and my mother struggled with weight as well. So they were very determined for me not to have a weight problem. They did not succeed they kind of made it worse by trying to control my diet. It caused me to go rebel and eat whatever I wanted when I wasn't around them. It has been a hardship that has lead to diabetes, low self esteem, low self image and I have had battles with addiction. After conquering my addictions for over three years, my parents encouraged me to talk to Dr. Frantzides (who my dad researched and had several of his clients go to with amazing long term results). He was convinced Dr. Frantzides was the best and I agreed to meet. After meeting Dr. Frantzides the first time I was convinced if I was going to have the gastric bypass surgery that this was the guy to do it. Since I lived in another state and fear of such a great lifestyle change it took a year to organize the date and move back home in order to get it done. I moved home and had all the tests necessary me to clear me for surgery and finally the date came. I had my surgery and was up and walking only a few hours after my surgery. When I went into surgery I was 318lbs. Currently I am 280.6lbs having lost 37.4lbs just 15 days after surger. I trust this man with my life and follow his directors to the T. I am so grateful to have had this surgery done and I can see a vision of myself happy and fulfilled when my outsides finally catch up with my insides. I believe today that that dream will be my reality.

My original RNY was done at a bariatric center in Illinois in 2001. I recently revised to the Distal RNY Nov. 26, 2012 with Dr. Frantzides. Mind you, this goes against the grain since everyone today seems to advocate for the Duoedenal Switch (DS), these days. I believe everyone should make the best choice for themself. This is not a cookie-cutter process. For me the DS was just a little too radical, especially since my original surgery was successful. I knew I needed help getting back to the basics and this time making sure I followed all the rules. During my original surgery I went from 267lbs to 169lbs. By the time I found Dr. Frantzides, I had gone up to 243 lbs. Thats 24 lbs away from my original weight.

Dr. Frantzides recommended the Distal RNY and also would reduce my pouch. He said he would do all of this laprascopically and I was quite relieved.

The day of surgery I remembered all the pain I went through during my original RNY, from the moment I woke up in the recovery room. I had felt like I was runover by a mack truck and the memories caused me to become apprehensive. I expressed my fears and Dr. Frantzides assured me the pain would be manageable.

Waking up from my revision surgery, I didn't feel an ounce of pain. I was incredulous! The next day the pain was minimal and knew I could get through this. I was out of the hospital in a jiffy WITHOUT A DRAINTUBE!! It only gets better, within a day of getting home I was off of my prescription meds (which Theresa kindly called in ahead of time to prevent delay)and I was walking up and down the stairs of my home and showering with very little discomfort. This is a far cry from my initial surgery, which took me a month to recover from; even though it was also done laprascopically. My original surgery sent me home with a drain tube sticking out of my side and I was on pain meds for weeks.

I am currently driving, running errands and doing schoolwork on my masters program and will also return to work full time on Monday, Dec. 10, 2012 by choice; not need. And the best news: I now weigh 223lbs!! I've lost 20lbs in 10 days! My bowel movements are normal and I do not have body odor, which is a complaint I've heard some people had after their Distal RNY.

I'm just so overwhelmed with gratefulness. Dr. Frantzides has been my biggest support and fan. He believes in my successs and he knows his skills will help me get to where I need to go. His amazing personality translates to everyone he meets. My kids are in love with him and my niece was enraptured. Theresa is also amazing. Kind, understanding and a fountain of knowledge. She has been very helpful on this journey so far. I'm so excited to see what is in store for me.

I am so happy with my choice to see Dr. Frantzides. He preformed gastric bypass surgery on me 3 months ago. I have had no complications and am very pleased with the results. I have lost 52 pounds in 3 months and am feeling great. I was able to return to life as normal very quickly after my surgery. Dr. Frantzides and his staff were there for me all the way.

It's been 18 months since the surgery. I feel outstanding and look great. I reached my goal and my weight has plateaud but my energy has increased and have a much more positive attitude. I go to the gym at least three times a week and have a personal trainer for two of them. My trainer tries her best to beat me down but with my new found energy, step up to the challenge she throws at me forcing her to change things up. Bottom line, I'm have more fun today at 42 than when I was at 24. Glad I made the decision to have the surgery done, just wish I made the decision years ago.

I saw Dr. Frantzides in August. I was so sure that nothing was going to work for me, and pretty much gave up on ever being "normal" again. My whole family (Husband, Daughter, Mom) came to the appointment because they were not sure if they liked the idea of me getting the surgery. The first thing he said to me was "This is not your fault. Its not your fault that you cant lose the weight" Why is it that this is ALWAYS the first thing we think about...that we are FAILURES. By the time the appointment was over (2 hours later) I knew every aspect of the surgery, what to expect after, and what to expect in the long run. When all four of us left his office, we ALL said how amazing he is. He is the most kind hearted, nice Doctor I have ever met! And on top of it all HE HAS A SENSE OF HUMOR!!!

I had my surgery on September 10th. I was out of the hospital on September 11th. I have not had ANY complications, but I have also followed his plan to a T! I cant say enough about this. Today he told me that with this surgery I have added at least 15 years onto my life. I look at my 9 year old daughter and think...Thank God (Or just Dr. Frantzides) or as my mother calls him...Dr. Fabulous! If you are looking for a Doctor, and cant make up your mind...He's the one! If you would like any additional information feel free to email me: [email protected].

Oh...btw...in 1 month...I'm 35 pounds down!

Dr Frantzides has been wonderful through this whole processes from first appointment to post op visits. He speaks in a very gentle and easy to understand manor and works with our whole family to ensure we have a thorough understanding of the process. He has treated me with great patience and care and even has taken calls off hours to answer questions. I would highly recommend Dr Frantzides to anyone considering any type of bariatric surgery.