"My journey started in 2006 when I went to a weight loss seminar that was being held by a couple of surgeons in the western suburbs, they discussed gastric bypass along with Lap band surgery. I was intrigued so i made an appointment to so the doctor and after some lengthy discussions decided to go with the Lap band. The reason I chose the lap band was the fact that I was reassured that it was less invasive and it could be reversed easily. IT WAS THE COMPLETE OPPOSITE! The band seemed to work the first year but then after that I started gaining weight, they made adjustments and made it tighter and tighter and it didn't matter I could eat anything I wanted. Years went by and no matter what I did the band did nothing but cause discomfort while eating but did not restrict anything. Unfortunately the band that was non invasive and easily reversed had now really starting causing problems, I started searching out surgeons in IL to help me with this and no matter where I searched it all came back to Dr. Frantzides. I was super impressed with all the fine reviews I was finding along with all the publications and procedures that had Dr. Frantzides name attached to it. I decided to call and make an appointment even thou I was a bit nervous because anyone with accomplishments such as a doctor like this had to have a head larger than the sears tower and at that time I needed someone that was going to be compassionate to my situation and not boast about how great they are.
I called their office and spoke to Teresa, she was not only knowledgeable she was unbelievably pleasant to speak to. She was able to get me in within a week even thou it was right around the holidays. So the day was here I get to sit down with the King of gastric bypass Dr. Frantzides, Boy was I surprised Ive never met a more down to earth caring individual in my life! He took the time to listen to all my concerns and address them one by one. When I left his office that day I knew two things 1. I decided to go ahead and have the surgery 2. the only one in the world that I was going to allow to do this for me was Dr. Frantzides.
Fast forward to Surgery day....... I'm at St. Francis hospital and the staff is Great! they get me settled in, And I had a whole team of people come and meet with me. They discussed everything that was going to happen who they were and how they would be assisting the Doctor with the surgery. It was go time, the anesthesiologist gave me a little happy juice and the rest of that day is a blur. when I woke up I was in a beautiful suite with my family there to greet me. I was in some pain and that was to be expected but what my family had to tell me next was a bit alarming, the surgery took almost twice as long as expected and there was complications due to the band. When I spoke to the doctor about it he informed me that it was a challenge but it was nothing that he couldn't handle. He truly makes this look easy but I'm sure its not, I would be willing to bet that if it had been any other surgeon the would have opened me up instead of completing it laproscopically.
As challenging as the healing process can be I cant say enough about Dr. Frantzides and Teresa, they came to the hospital to check on me everyday. Once I was home Teresa called me everyday and if I had any questions for the doctor he would call me as soon as he got out of surgery. I am now a month out and am down 35 lbs and I'm feeling great. If you are considering weight loss surgery and you are looking for a surgeon, stop your search has ended because it doesn't get better than this. "
