A gentle surgical approach to obesity

Saint Francis Hospital Offers Free Seminar on Minimally Invasive Weight Loss Surgery 

Evanston, IL (January 29, 2008) – Saint Francis Hospital today announced that it is working with Constantine Frantzides, MD, PhD, Fellow of the American College of Surgery, Professor of Surgery at Northwestern University, to help eliminate obesity the gentle, effective way: through minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery. A free discussion and information session will be held on Saturday, February 23, 2008 in the hospital’s Wolf Auditorium from 10 a.m. to Noon. Saint Francis Hospital is located at 355 Ridge Avenue in Evanston, IL. The discussion is free and open to the public.

Dr. Frantzides, a world-recognized bariatric and laparoscopic surgeon,  is a pioneer in minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques and procedures for weight loss.  He has helped hundreds of patients change their lives and lose excess weight with a less painful surgery that requires only small punctures in the abdominal wall.

“Today there are more options than ever for those who need to lose weight,” said Frantzides.  “Patients undergoing laparoscopic procedures generally experience less pain and scarring, and usually leave the hospital the next day.”

During the free seminar, Frantzides will discuss the chronic condition of obesity and the serious medical complications it can cause, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, sleep apnea and osteoarthritis.  He will also describe how minimally invasive approaches to weight loss surgery can result in less pain, minimal scarring, shorter recovery times and shorter hospitalizations when compared to other types of obesity surgeries.

“Dr. Frantzides and one of his bariatric patients were featured on the CBS Early Morning show last spring. We are honored that he will be working with us,” said Margo Schafer, Director of Marketing and Public Relations, Saint Francis Hospital.

Frantzides is a recognized worldwide expert in the field of laparoscopic surgery and is a charter member of the United States Laparoscopic Founders' Society. His experience in laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgery is one of the most extensive in the United States, and he has traveled internationally to perform and teach laparoscopic operations.

Frantzides was the first to introduce and perform twelve different laparoscopic procedures and has developed a new, safer technique for the laparoscopic gastric bypass. He is credited with inventing two surgical instruments used in laparoscopic surgery.

Registration is highly recommended, as space is limited. To register, call 1-877-RES-INFO (1-877-737-4636).  Saint Francis Hospital offers ample, free parking.

Saint Francis Hospital is a Level I Trauma Center in Evanston, IL and is home to the North Shore’s first and only accredited Chest Pain Center.

It is part of Resurrection Health Care, Chicago’s largest Catholic health care system, including hospitals, nursing homes, retirement communities, a surgery center, behavioral health services, a home health company, hospice services and outpatient and medical office facilities.

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