Dr. Frantzides...Anyone?

Hello everyone, I was wondering if anyone on here, at  least those who might read this thread, has had Dr. Frantzides before? I have an appointment with him next thursday for an initial consulation. I am very, very nervous about it. Im terrified that its going to be another lost hope. If anyone has had him before can you tell me what your experience has been like? Thanks!

why do you feel it would be a lost hope? He was my last hope!! Dr Frantzides is the best!!! I went to him and in 3 weeks I had surgery. I had to pay for it because he doesn't take medicaid, but I got a discount because the hospital does. He is warm, funny, caring, He really wants to help! And to top it off he is the best! HE perserves the nerve that make you dump. He does it laproscopit when some dr say it can't be done. He has worked at all the top notch hospital!! He invented some of the tools to use for lap. He is my life saver and my angel. He gave me my life back!  His staff is awesome too! Jerri she had surgery and looks great! Leslie is the nicest sweetest person you will meet. Dr Jones I still can't belive she is a doctor she look amazing. ok so I guess you can tell I love them all!! if you have any questions feel free to ask!! dee

Im sorry. What I meant to portray was that he is my last hope. If he should tell me no for some reason, then I would feel like my hope would be lost. you see I live downstate IL. I have contacted everyone I could possibly find down here to help me. I found one surgeon in Clinton IL who would do the surgery, but does not take the medical card at all, and wont even consider it. So I would have to pay almost $16,000 for the surgery. Obviously thats a problem. Out of all the other phone numbers I was given to try, I found one other surgeon who would take the medical card, BUT only if I had three major comorbities.... heart disease, hbp, diabetes, or sleep apnea. I was told I had to have at least three of these to even be considered. Since I dont, YET, they wont even talk to me about an appointment. I found Dr. Frantzides on here. I called up there a couple weeks ago and my appointment is next Thursday. Since I only have a BMI of 35-36 it certainly makes things more difficult. They told me that I would have to pay about $8000 for his fees. Im just scared that because I dont have any of the major lifethreatening comorbities  (at least not presently diagnosed) that he will turn me away. Im so tired of the constant backaches, the depression, peeing my pants from a simple cough---sorry to be gross, heartburn, and all the other "smaller and insignificant" problems associated with this weight. I hope this clears my position up a little. Im just so incredibly hopeful and nervous. I just wanted to hear positive feedback. Thank you!

I hope i didn't seem *****y I was just wondering! Sometime I think one thing and I type it another lol! seriously You made a good decision! If anyone can do it Dr Frantzides will be able to. I live by st louis so I understand your concern with the drive. On a better note you can have all your testing done by your house and then fax them to his office. good luck!! dee

I was wondering if you could tell me something. My appointment with Dr. Franzides is on Thursday June 14th. Ive talked to their office a couple different times, but no one mentioned anything about how payment is made. Did you have to pay anything up front. Since I am also coming from downstate, its going to be a rather expensive trip up there.  I just dont want to have a big suprise like having to pay an upfront fee of $300 or something. If you could share this part of your experience with Dr. Frantzides office, I would appreciate it. Thanks! Sheri

do you already have financing? I went thru care credit and since that was already taken care of I didn't have to pay the consultation fee when I went there. I would def call them and see how much the consult is and if you have to pay it up front. I would make sure you have financing before you go! or have the ca**** make it go so much faster!  Also i like to tell people about where he is located! they are inside the mall! it is an outside mall but the office is in the middle. The easiest way to mapquest it is to use bloomingdales address then you can park at bloomingdales and walk to the physicians office building. They tell you that you can park underground  under tom price furniture but I couldn't find it so I just park at bloomingdales and walk. let me know if you need anymore info. Oh yea the directions will say go to dempster but the exit is closed for construction you have to get off at touhy the 2nd exit and follow the signs.

Thanks for the information! Im sure it will definetly help us out alot on Thursday when we get there. I kinda sorta already have some of the financing done. I am going to be able to access my student loans for about $6000. I know, I know not exactly a great choice, but since I am a struggling single parent who is also a full time college student I dont exactly have alot of money or ways to start paying the care credit loan back right away. My very loving and supportive boyfriend has offered to help, but I hate to do that....but we'll see. Im still trying to figure out how Im going to come up with the last two thousand. Anyway, Ive thought about trying to apply for the care credit loan, but Im just not sure if I will qualify. But, I guess I wont know until I try, right? I really hope I am making the right choice. I feel in my heart and sould I am, but all of this (especially the financial aspect) is making me so nervous. I just hope that it all works out relatively smoothly....

I echo everything Dee has said. He is an amazing, compassionate man. You will love him.... he saved my life. He is the best there is! Let me know how it goes Shar

There office is great I went there a few months back for a consultation, but they are out of my network for insurance. If I had the money I would pay in full to have him do it...

Hi There, Don't worry, if  can have the surgery and meet the qualifications, Dr. F. is a fantastic doctor.  He performed my surgery via lap when most doctors would have refused based upon prior abdominal surgeries.  He was great.  You will have to go through your insurance for their approval and keep in mind that he is out of network for many insurance companies.  Just know that if it can be done his staff will work with you to help you gain approval.  Keep a positive outlook. Regards, Mary