"DR. FRANTZIDES IS MY HERO!
I am 17 YEARS post surgery and have kept all 110 pounds off that I lost within year after the above surgery. As I re-read my post....I am taken back to that time and am so grateful to have chosen Dr. Frantzides and have been able to change my life back to who I was thru his ability to help me.
At first after the weight came off...it was relatively easy to maintain it...I just wasn't hungry. But as time went on...I became a work in process. I work with a trainer/pilates 3 times aweek...I walk 2-3 times a week and I work at eating healthy. But it has all been worth it...my life is healthier, happier and more enjoyable since my surgery.
My husband and I have watched all our children get married, we have become grandparents to 7 grandchildren...age 16 1/2 down thru 8...and I have been able to live a full and active life with all of them. How lucky I am and how lucky I was to find Dr. Frantzides!
...and once again, this past year...having Dr. Frantzides in my life has made all the difference to me. I became sick and my doctors couldn't figure out what was wrong. Six months ago it was suggested I needed to see a surgeon and so I went to see Dr. Frantzides. Of course...he knew what would be needed to do but worked with my doctors for 6 months as we went thru various check-ups, tests and 2nd opinions. In the end I needed surgery, so Dr. Frantzides was in charge.
In managing this process, I was in constant contact with Dr. Frantzides assistant, Teresa. She was so knowledgable about what was happening, what I needed to do and I knew when she took over any details...it would be done.
My surgery was successful...I am well...and I was taken care of by the best, Dr. Constantine Frantzides. He was there for me no matter time of day, even taking calls when he was overseas in the middle of the night during my recovery. He was always kind, respectful and loving. I truly feel as if I was cared for by "a member of my family".
I adore Dr. Frantzides and trust him to be a consultant for any question and concern I would ever have! I can't imagine life today without him!!!!"
"My first impression of Dr. Frantzides was at my first appointment in May, 2202. He seemed nice enough but the appointment was quick...a little rushed...and I left ther with a date for surgery (7-31) with understanding that we awaited insurance ok and I had yet to make decision for sure!!!
Over time, my impression changed because my husband and I knew he had the best reputation for this laproscopic procedure and my husband's connections at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's assurred us he was the finest. Also, in the hospital...when I saw him post-op, he was very kind, reassuring, and did have a warm and caring "bedsise manner".
His staff was extremely helpful. Kathleen was available to answer all questions pre-op and post-op. No question was unimportant whether about insurance or general prep for surgery or care once I returned home. And even when she was not available, I left a message and she returned my phone call within the day.
The only problem I had was getting surgical reports sent to my internist after surgery! I wanted to have a report in my internist's files so she could follow up with anything surgeon suggested. I felt it was important to have that"official" document in my files. But it did finally reach her office by Novemeber.
Also, I was seen by the surgeon's assistant, Dr. Moore who was extremely wonderful. He asked questions and examined me before Dr. Frantzides came in. I also got to know him at a support group meeting so by the time I saw him again at 4 month visit...he was like an old friend.
I feel the most important part of my care was meeting with the suggested nutritionist, Sue Mikolaitis, before the surgery. This was not something the Dr. suggested at time of my surgery but I did it under another patient's suggestion. Now I believe, it is told to all to see nutritionist beforehand.
I believe Dr. Frantzides was open and honest about risks of surgery and even the healing time...he emphasized how each recovery is different. I would rate him 100%. I believe all ideas and suggestions and concerns I had were treated with the utmost respect. He certainly made sure that he, Dr. Moore or kathleen folllowed up with anything I needed.
His aftercare program is becoming more structured. There is a support group that is trying to meet monthly but I found it better to direct ?s to nutritionist and talk to the one or two contacts I had made personally.
I believe the most important part of this surgery is the surgical competence of which there no doubt in my mind that Dr. Frantzides is the best. I have enjoyed meeting with him these last 2 times in the office as we have shared my experience and his desire to always make the office a patient friendly place. My opinion of his "bedside manner" has definitely grown and I think he is as excited by his patient's well-being and success as the patients are themselves!!!!
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