Constantine T. Frantzides Bariatric Surgeon MD, PhD, FACS

This has been a long time coming and I have made it. I have all to thank 2 wonderful men. First Dr. Constaintine Frantzides, This talented brilliant man was wonderful before surgery and after surgery and even now during my post-op time. Could you believe after all of this he has a great personality and is quite handsom. The second man who was getting some more training from Dr. Frantzides was John Z this man was the best I could not tell that he was in training he was truly a gentleman. Wonderful Wonderful surgent is John who has now took his practice to Ohio. If you love Dr. Frantzides you got to Love John. I cannot forget no one in his office from the receptionist who worked very hard with me to the magnificent Karen (who is the bariatric cordinator for Dr.Frantzides office. If you are considering this surgeery by all means this is the man for you. If you have any questions or want to know anything else about me or my surgent please do not hesitate to send me an email.

July 2002, this is the second surgeon I am being referred to after the first was dropped by my insurer. Found out five months after the fact. Met with Dr. Frantzides and I really like him and his staff, they are all very friendly and extremely straight-forward. I am in the process of setting up an appt with my pcp to send off the approval letter. Wish me luck. Got a great deal of information at the first visit. He expects a lot from his patients, which some people may not be accustomed to, but I found it refreshing. As for appts, schedule one early; the waiting room was packed full when my appt. was done. Overall, I am very pleased with him. I really like Kathleen. She seems to have a good handle on things. However, since I had to handle all the processing with my insurer I am feeling a little bit in the dark with regard to that issue. But I do understand there was little my surgeon's office could do in this area. Humana wants the pcp to make the request.
September 2002,had the surgery and it took 1 1/2 hours, no complications and no leaks. Dr. Frantzides came by every day to the hospital. He has a very good bedside manner and I maintained pretty good spirits overall. The hospital staff that first day left a lot to be desired and left me with a bad feeling, but the other days were better. Never got the machine to use with the compression hose. Glad that did not turn out to be a problem. Would definitely like to see that kind of thing better prepared for than that. I have a follow up appt. this Friday.
Follow up went well and I went back to work after four weeks. However, I developed muscle spasms once back at work (not surgery related) and that caused me a great deal of pain. Both my pcp and surgeon were very good in dealing with this. Dr. Frantzides called me at work and was very nice and helpful. I appreciated that alot. Still can't say enough nice things about Kathleen. She is always pleasant and helpful. My rating overall is a 9. Nobody is perfect.
July 2003, I am now 10 months out from surgery. My last appointment, I saw Dr. Moore, but I understand he went down south to start his own practice. I wish him luck. This was the first time I was told a weight that "they" thought I was likely to achieve. Funny thing is, the weight is 7 pounds less than my actual goal. We will see what happens.
I can say that my experience with Dr. Frantzides and his staff has been excellent. There was one time I had a concern because of billing and it was addressed in a professional and prompt manner. This is especially refreshing as I was quite distressed at the source of the problem. Thankfully, everyone I spoke with remained much calmer and we were all able to work through it. That says a lot in my book. Dr. Frantzides and his office staff have just moved up to a "10" Big SMILE here doc!
June 29, 2004. Almost two years out and awaiting my mother's surgery in two weeks. I would recommend Dr. Frantzides to anyone considering gastric bypass surgery. I have on a number of occasions. As for my own surgery I find that many people see your success with surgery and assume, incorrectly, that they can go anywhere and have the same results. I have to remind them that each surgeon is different and that they are the best predictors of their own success. Being actively involved in your own health care is vital to long-term success with WLS. My suggestion, ask a lot of questions and do your homework. What matters to you about your surgeon? What do other physicians feel about them? What is their standing and the current standings of their partners? There is a surgeon in my area who is partners with a man who has just been arrested for medicare fraud and prescribing oxycodone illegally. Would you trust this man's partners with your life?
Thank you Dr. Frantzides for all that you have done and continue to do.

If you are considering Gastric Bypass surgery, Dr Frantzides should be your only choice. His experience with this type of surgery is extensive and he does almost exclusively laproscopic surgery....not open....no matter what your size. His philosophy is "everyone deserves a chance at laproscopic because the recovery time is so much less".

I am, at this point, three months post op and doing wonderfully...no complications...up and about within days...back to work in less than two weeks and losing weight consistently...because of my extreme weight, I could not be considered a candidate for laproscopic with other surgeons.

When your searching for a laproscopic surgeon, experience...experience...experience is the operative word.......and Dr Frantzides is the "go to" Surgeon of choice!

Geographically, Dr Frantzides was not the most convenient choice for me, but the trip from Evergreen Park (Southwest side of Chicago) to Evanston took only about 1 hour 15 minutes...and it was WELL WORTH THE DRIVE!

My name is Kerry, and I had gastric bypass surgery on April 13, 2004. Dr.Frantzides, Dr.Zografakis, and Karen have all been amazing throughout the entire process- all have been extremely supportive and open to my questions, and have been very congratulatory of any progress I make, whether I perceive it to be a small or large success. Both John and Dr.F have a great bedside manner, and both are extremely honest. If you don't like honesty, Dr.F is not the doctor for you!
I felt knowledgable about the surgery I was about to undergo, and I feel knowledgable about what I am supposed to follow up with. I have lost 51 lbs and counting in the last two months. My mother just had the surgery last Tuesday and is doing very well also. Thanks to the whole team!

DR. FRANTZIDES IS A WONDERFUL DOCTOR. HE TAKES TIME WITH YOU AND EXPLAINS THINGS TO YOU. HE MAKES YOU FEEL VERY COMFORTABLE AND SECURE IN THE CARE HE GIVES YOU. HE HAS A GREAT SENSE OF HUMOR. I AM SO GREATFUL I FOUND HIM. I WOULD RECOMMEND DR. FRANTZIDES TO ANY ONE CONSIDERING HAVING SURGERY. ALL OF THE PEOPLE WHO WORK WITH DR. FRANTZIDES ARE GREAT. DR. J IS VERY COMFORTABLE TO TALK TO JUST LIKE DR. FRANTZIDES. THEY BOTH MAKE IT SEEM LIKE YOU ARE THERE ONLY PATIENT AND THEY SPEND ALOT OF TIME WITH YOU AND ANSWER ALL OF YOUR QUESTIONS AND CALM YOUR FEARS. KAREN THOMAS IS GREAT. I HAVE CALLED HER MANY OCCASIONS WITH QUESTIONS OR IF I WAS NOT FEELING RIGHT AND WAS NOT SURE IF IT WAS NORMAL OR TO SEE IF I WAS DOING SOMETHING WRONG AND SHE ALWAYS CALLS ME BACK RIGHT AWAY AND HELPS ME. EVERY ONE IS SO COMPASSIONITE AND CARING. THEY ARE A GREAT GROUP OF PROFESSIONALS AND ANYONE THINKING ABOUT HAVING THIS SURGERY WOULD BE IN EXCELLENT CARE WITH DR. FRANTIZIDES, DR. J. AND KAREN.

I am now 10 days out from my surgery and I wanted to say a few things about my surgeon, Dr, Frantzides. What a great job he did! MY first impression of Dr. F. was that hew very confident and conveyed a comforting assurance. It was obvious that he knew what he was talking about. The staff at Evanston Northwestern (ENH) was great, especially Karen Thomas (nurse) and Dr. John Z. (not sure of spelling).
Before the operation, during the hospital stay, and post op follow up has been great. All three stopped by to see me each day I was in the hospital and during my follow up visit. I am still amazed that Dr. F was able to keep the operation laparoscopic. You see, along with my gastric bypass Rou en Y I also had to have my stomach removed. During the EGD they found a tumor in my stomach that required a gastractamy for me to have the gastric bypass. Dr. F was great and able to do it all laparoscopically. Due to that I was out of the hospital in only 4 days. I am confident a lesser surgeon would have insisted on opening me up fully and my recovery would have needed to be much longer.

Dr.. Franzides is an incredible caring person that took extra special care of me as well as his caring staff Dr. John, Kathy and Karen. Dr.Franzides makes you 100%comfortable. My first meeting with him was great, I was scared to death not knowing what this surgery would do to me, at one point I had tears in my eyes Dr. Franzides broke it down to me and said, " don't cry i'm going to take good care of you don't worry " till today 8 months after surgery once insulin dependent,260 pounds,didn't think I'd reach 50 years old arthritis pain, high cholesterol, depression, high blood pressure, and a box of medications a day he's kept his word he has not let me down once I'm not insulin dependent anymore ,no high blood pressure, no arthritis pain and depression has gotten much better and no box of medications daily anymore, now down to 180 pounds... As far as I'm concerned I'll stand by him always hes a great knowledgeable surgeon with a tremendous caring ability and means what he says!!! HATS OFF TO YOU DR. FRANZIDES AND YOUR GREAT STAFF FOR A JOB WELL DONE!!!

Dr. Franzides was very warm and caring. He understood my concerns, including financial, and spent alot of time answering questions. The longer I have known him, the more impressed I am. He is genuinely available for me, considerate of my whole family, and an excellent surgeon. The office staff is friendly, professional, caring and kind. Some office appointments run very late, but I rather have that and know that when I do see the doctor I won't be rushed. He is a great surgeon with a wonderful bedside manner. The office staff is terrific and his nurse(Karen) is the best! Aftercare is a high priority and there are many support groups as well as follow up visits. The risks of surgery were explained numerous times as well as part of his excellent written package. I would rate him an AAAplus! Both his bedside manner and surgical competence are outstanding.

DR. FRANTZIDES IS THE BEST DOCTOR I HAVE EVER EXPERIENCED, NOT ONLY IS HE A WELL KNOWN IN ILLINOIS HE HAS TRAVELED ALL OVER THE WORLD TO TEACH OTHER SURGEONS THIS PROCEDURE. HE IS A VERY PROMPT AND HONEST DOCTOR. KNOWING THE IS A VERY RISKY PROCEDURE HE DOESN'T BEAT AROUND THE BUSH, BUSH HIS EXTREME KNOWEDLEGE OF THIS AND OTHER PROCEDURES LIKE IT GIVES THE PATIENT THE UTMOST CONFIDENT IN GOING FORTH WITH THE PROCEDURE. HIS STAFF PROVIDES YOU WITH A COMPLETE PACKET EXPLAIN THE DOCTORS SUCCESS, THE PROCEDURE, AND TESTIMONIES OF OTHERS WHO HAVE WENT FORTH WITH HAVING THE PROCEDURE.

ALSO THE EVASTON HOSPITAL AND ITS STAFF WERE ALSO SUPERB. THIS BEING MY FIRST HOSPITAL STAY EVER THEY WELCOMED ME AS IF I WERE PART OF THEIR FAMILY. THAT WAS SOMETHING I REALLY NEEDED. OVERALL I GIVE THIS EXPERIENCE WITH MY DOCTOR AND STAFF A BIG 10.
I ALSO WOULD RECOMMEND HIM TO ANYONE THINKING ABOUT HAVING THIS PROCEDURE.

I have to say going to see Dr. Frantzides was like a breath of fresh air. It felt so great to have someone on your side of this crazy journey. Anyway, his associate Dr. John walks in and right away I felt at ease. It was like talking to my brother, he had my husband and I laughing and joking. I had over 40 questions to ask and he just sat there and answered everyone. I think he would have sat there however long it took!!After talking with Dr. John I felt so sure this is the best thing for me. Then just when I didnt think it could get any better. In walks Dr. Frantzides. What a great man. I was going to self pay for this and he says to me "no no I am already rich I dont want your money, lets try to go thru your insurance and go from there." I just about fell out of my chair. Dr. Frantzides sat and answered a bunch more questions and put my mind at such ease that I feel so confident about my sucess with this surgery. I have to say other than the long wait to see him, I was worth it. Even my husband who still is nervous about it liked him and Dr. John alot. And karen Thomas!!! What a sweetheart! Loved her right off the bat. Very nice and she knows whats going on in that office. So if your going to have Lap RNY and go to any doctor, he is the man to go to. His credencials alone speak for themselves and he is a very nice and down to earth person to speak with.