| Comments From Patients |
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jimfll
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As a physician myself you would think this would have been an easy decision to make.I always thought I would never consider such a major surgery for weight loss. However out of curiosity, I thought I would go and speak to Dr F. ( really wondering about Lapband and very skeptical about any surgery).
Before the visit I did a lot of research about his skills, experience and expertise. It all seemed too good to be true. He had published extensively on the topic of Laproscopic Gastric Bypass, he had done more of the surgeries than any other MD I could find(really important in this type surgery, where data shows that experience effects outcome). He had only converted one surgery to the open approach which is an execeptional result. Very importantly many of the techniques and some... [Click here for more] of the surgical instruments for this procedure were based on his research.
I was even more skeptical, but after one visit I knew if I was going to have this done it would be him to do it( despite the fact that he was not in my insurance network and I would have to pay for a much bigger part of surgery costs).
He was very confident but not arrogant. He made me feel comfortable. He was direct and answered questions honestly. I felt like he really could help me succeed in this scary endeavor. Most importantly, he didn't try and sell me on the surgery. He said "You seem skeptical, if your interested call me back and well set you up". He also does some modifications to the standard procedure which help to prevent the worst of the side effects, even though he could skip the modifications and do the easier approch. This was so important in making my decison to go forward.
Feeling well informed and questions answered, It was less than 24 hours before I was ready to have a surgery , I would never have considered six months before.
His staff is great and some of them have had the surgery which was nice since I could ask questions about their perspective.
It would be hard to find a surgeon, for this procedure, who has as much technical expertise, knowledge, experience, an impeccable record in terms of outcomes and maintains such an open and caring approach to the patient.Be sure to consider this when picking your surgeon.
The surgery has gone really well. I wish I had seen him 5 years ago.
From a physician turned patient I can't reccomend him more highly!
I have no complaints (and I am generally not easily impressed by most physicians).
Remember this type of surgery is all about the skill and experience of your surgeon.
UPDATE
At less than 11 months I had already lost 165 pounds. I feel great. I work out 7 times a week and eat all the foods I like (just in moderation). I have a new healthy life with a normal blood sugar(previously newly diagnosed diabetic), no more acid reflux, the arthritis in my hip which prevented me from standing more than 10 minutes seems to have cleared. My cholesterol previously dangerously high is very low now.
I walk everywhere and take the steps every chance I get.
I owe my healthy new life all Dr F and the confidence he had in his abilities and in me to do this.
Posted on 02/06/2010 |
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brinson8101
Evanston, IL
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Three years ago at age at 57 I weighed 286lb, I had two heart attacks and a heart bypass surgery. In conversation with my regular doctor, I jokingly said that perhaps I need to have "that stomach surgery". He took a look at me and said, "It will add 15 years to your life". Obviously, that got my attention. He recommended that I speak with Dr. Frantzides to gather more information.
I was seen by Dr. Frantzides promptly,and he gave me all of the time I needed to talk about the procedure, what would come from it, and what I could expect long-term.
Dr. Frantzides explained to me how his procedures were somewhat different, in that he preserved the vagus nerve. I had the surgery 3 months later, after being cleared by the insurance. I returned to work 1 week later and began loosing... [Click here for more] weight immediately. I was pretty carefull to follow his directions about what I ate. Over the course of the next year, I lost 100 lb, and other issues like blood pressure, and marginal sugar issues all went away.
Since then, I have put some weight back on. I am now 2.25 years post surgery and in discussing the weight that I put on, I understand now that the surgery is not a solution, but a tool to help me maintain a healthy weight; I still have to eat wisely.
I am determined that I will loose the 20 pound that have I put back on.
This is one of the best decision I have made; I expect to enjoy my grandchildren for years to come.
Posted on 02/04/2010 |
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stevens
Chicago, IL
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This is ten days after my gastric bypass surgery, I feel great, I have absolutely no regrets. I chose to have the surgery for health reasons and I know it was definetely a good choice because the swelling in my ankles already stopped. Dr. Frantzides is the best doctor because he never hesitates a second to answer a question, he encourages questions and has a very educated and thorough answer for every concern. Being a health care professional myself he made very comfortable with his knowladge and experience. I went to the hospital the day of the surgery with no anxiety at all. I really feel like I have been given a new start and I would recommand this to my best friend, in fact I am doing so. Best of all I am not not hungy. Posted on 02/04/2010 |
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wynterjjoi
Harvey, IL
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My surgeon, I love him, he changed my life, his staff made me feel very comfortable and excited about the decision I made and made me look forward to the new me. My life has changed completely, I am 4 years out and happy.People look at me differently, positively. When I show people my pictures form before they cannot even believe I am the same person. I couldn't have picked a better surgeon then Dr. Frantzides. Posted on 01/07/2010 |
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Mthdmn00
Buffalo Grove, IL
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I had my surgery 5 mo ago and so far I lost 60 lb. After the surgery my energy level went up,I sleep better, I excercise daily, I do my part. I still enjoy all the food I like only in smaller portions. The reason I am able to eat withou restrictions is because Dr. Frantzides does not cut the vagus nerve. I did my research and decided to go with him. He is the best, I recommend him highly, my life is normal again, I am very happy. Posted on 01/07/2010 |
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Maura21
Highland Park, IL
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It has been 6 months today since my gastric bypass and I lost almost 80 lb and feel fabulous. I chose Dr. Frantzides because a friend of mine went to him and he did her surgery. She had very positive results and no complications associated with the surgery. I myself did a lot of reasearch and found that a lot of people did have complications after the surgery so I knew that finding a surgeon with a very good track record was very important. 6 mo later I am happy to report that I too have no complications and all of my problems including diabetes, high blood pressure and sleep apnea are gone, I am off of all my medicine. My biggest fear prior to surgery was that I would never be able to eat a big meal and even worse I would not be able to eat certain foods ever again. I have... [Click here for more] found that I don't miss eating the quantities that I ate prior to the surgery and I can eat whatever I want including sweets because Dr. Frantzides does not cut the vagus nerve. Also of my fears was that when I would go to the movies and I would not be able to eat popcorn, but I found that eating half a bag of popcorn is satisfaying and I no longer have to the large one. It si such a pleasure to go into a clothing store and not have to go for the large sizes. I no longer look for comfortable clothes but try to focus on buying fasionable clothes. I have a whole new attitude about the way I look. I am confidant in social situations and have lost all the insecurities that played my life for so long. I owe soo much to Dr. Frantzides and his staff, they have changed my life.
Posted on 01/07/2010 |
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bella82jc
Evanston, IL
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I had gastric bypass surgery 6 months ago and so far I lost 50lb. I decided to have the surgery not just because I was overweight but also because I was having some of the problems associated with obesity despite my young age of 27. Now half year later I no longer have high blood pressure and my knee pain is gone too. Thanks to Dr. Frantzides' method for surgery I don't have the dumping syndrome that other people whose surgeon cuts the vital vagus nerve experience. I am able eat all the things that I like including sweets without any cosequences. I am now shoping for the clothes that I once couldn't wear, and I love all the complements I get when I run into old friends and people that haven't seen me in a while. I really feel good. Posted on 12/23/2009 |
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bibbity
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For ten years I was overweight after having 3 children. I had very low energy, high cholesterol, and sleep apnea. When I met Dr. Frantzides he was very down to earth, kind, and interested in my story. He answered all of my questions about the surgery and did not put any pressure on me whatsoever.I hose to have gastric bypass surgery. Everyone in his office made me feel very comfortable.Recovery after surgery was without complications. Since then I have lost 80 lb. All of the health issues mentioned above disappeared and I finally have my confidence and happiness back. I did not suffer any side effects from the surgery. I am able to eat everything that I want only in smaller portions now. I highly recommend Dr. Frantzides if you are considering weight loss surgery. Posted on 12/17/2009 |
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archi
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3 and 1/5 months ago I had my gastric bypass revision from lap band by another surgeon. The main reason for the revision was because I did not get satisfying result form the lap band. I found Dr. Frantzides on the obesity help web site, and was impressed with the reviews of his patients. We approached him and were amazed by his proficiency in gastric bypass surgery and we knew that he was the right one. He explained the reasons why gastric bypass is more effective then lap aand and answered all of our concerns which helped us to make the decision that gasrtic bypass is safe. My surgery was done laparoscopically and I find that my incisions have healed much faster then my lap band incisions. I am also happy that the results are a lot better than expected and having started from... [Click here for more] a comperatively low weight I was happy to see that I lost 30 lb in 3 months. I am also happy that I did not have any health complications unlikeafter the lap band when I had burning sensation around the band area and was unable to sleep on the right side. The doctor has also been helpfull in suggesting the do's and dont's right from the day of the surgery. Based on my experience I would recommend gastric bypass over lap band and it is not as complicated as some people make it to be when done righ. I would recommend Dr. Frantzides to anyone who is considering a wight loss surgery or any relevant laparoscopic surgery.
Posted on 12/10/2009 |
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LuckyMama
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I am finally on the other side, as I dreamed and hoped for 13 months as I fought my HMO plan. Today, I am two weeks post-op and 29 pounds lighter, healthier and happier than I was two weeks ago. But let me tell you a little bit about how all this happen...
In Sept. 2008 I came to this webstite looking for help, just like you, and I found it - in the credentials of Dr. Frantzides. From this moment on, I didnt look back. I read anything and everything I could dig about him, his work, his fellows, his publications, his patients, their reviews, their success. I could very easily say, I pretty much obsesessed myself with him :) I did all that because I wanted to make sure that I have found THE BEST doctor, who could finally help me, once and for all, and save my life.
I booked my... [Click here for more] appoitment and we began the process but my HMO was such a pain that it took 13 months to fight. I had to hire legal help and even go to the Department of Insurance, so for you out there who think that there is no end and you give up, DONT. Dr. Frantzides calls me his "star" patient because I am the fist one to beat the HMO in his practice for so long. So, please, just stick to it, be persistent, dont give up. I fought for my health, to be taken care of by the best doctor in this country, with the benefits I already pay for, so if you ask me, I didnt do anything wrong. You shouldnt feel bad either, stand up to your insurance plan and demand what is yours and this is your health. If you have any questions you can email me at tinahooker@gmail.com I would like to help all Dr. Frantzides patiens, the best I can.
About the procedure..I had RNY, Laparoscopically (which means, that I had 6 small insicions) on my abdomen, which by the way, by week two now, are almost gone. They were about 1cm (Sorry, I am European)..maybe 1/2 an inch wide :)..pretty much nothing. I am sure you had worse from your cats or dogs. Right after surgery if I didnt see my insicions on the right side I wouldnt even know I had surgery, but the two on the left hurt, as the doctor told me. I still have a slight discomfort, but you cant even discribe it as pain any longer. I just want want to make clear one thing: Dr. Frantzides do not promise pain free surgery, there is no such thing. It is a surgery and there is pain, and everyone experience pain differently. For some it may be super severe, for some like walk in the park, simply because people are different. Anyway,what Dr. Frantzides will do for you in this surgical room is something you will cherish to the rest of your HEALTY life. Isnt that more important, that two or three days of pain? And lets be honest, being obese we are in constant pain all the time..pain from swollen ankels, shame, shortness of breath and millions of others, so please if you are scared to see the Dr. and have the surgery just because it may hurt, Dont. I was there. I know. I would do it over and over and over again for the way I feel today, and I am only 29 lighter. Well, I dont even know how would I feel when I will be at goal.
At the end, I just want to say that again that I fought 13 months to have the best Dr. in the country and he means everything to me. He saved my life and my family and I will always love him more than he will ever know. Thank you Dr. Frantzides, you are my Archbishop :)
Posted on 12/07/2009 |
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