Anita Courcoulas Bariatric Surgeon M.D., M.P.H., F.A.C.S.

My surgery was over 2 months ago and I have only been aloud to see Dr. Courcoulas twice. Once for a 5 minute appointment to explain the surgery, and once immediately after surgery. None of my follow up appointments have been scheduled with her, instead it was always with her "minions." Dr. Courcoulas and her team have made this entire experience more traumatic than it ever needed to be. They were refusing to perform necessary tests that I knew I needed after surgery in order to get better. Finally, after 2 months I went into the ER and demanded they do the tests or I would be getting a lawyer. That got their butts in gear really quick. I am now happy and healthy since receiving the emergency care I needed, no thanks to Dr. Courcoulas and her team. They don't listen to their patients and seem to have a GOD complex about themselves. I would never recommend her as a surgeon.

I highly recommend Dr Courcoulas. I found her and her staff to be professional, competent and I felt safe in her care. I am making a nice recovery and doing very well.

Awesome doctor! She has a great bedside manner and her staff is really on top of everything! If you are outside of the area and considering coming to Pittsburgh for surgery-- DO IT! I am a lap band conversion to Rny and my experience with Dr. Courcoulas and Magee's Woman's Hospital is sooo much better than what I had at my local hospital. I was in far less pain, so the drive was worth it! LOVE her and her staff!

Dr Coulcoulas is amazing! Her office staff is wonderful also. They was with me all the way through all the testing and dr. clearances i need to get. The whole group is wonderful.

I can only say positive things about Dr. Courculous so far. She is a caring, compassionate Dr. She takes the time to answer all your questions and supplied information to you so that you didn't have to ask so many questions. The office staff is friendly..I mean there have been a couple who could be a little more pleasant, but I think you will have that no matter what Dr. you visit! Her after care program I don't know too much about. I am only one week out. Her surgical competence and her bedside manner were both excellent. I did have many things that I was not happy about with the hospital including the fact that I was never called the day before to even tell me what time the surgery was!!! I was on the phone until ten o'clock the night before to find out what time I had to be there the next morning. I, however, do not hold my Dr. accountable for that one. All in all, it was a good experience, and I am so thankful I had such a caring and skilled physician!!

What was your first impression of him/her?
That she is very confident, young, intelligent, way above expectations. Answered all my questions before they was specifically asked. Very Thorough and assuring to let my life be in her hands. I got a huge sense that she is a perfectionist-which I like and performs higher than others expectations. I think she is kind, and does not make her patients the next number on the chart.

How did your impression change over time? She takes pride in her work, of course and I have much respect for her and her staff.
How would you describe his/her office staff?So far they are helpful and courteous.
What did you like least about him/her? will update when needed
What should future patients know about him/her? Dr.C is the best choice
How much does he/she emphasize aftercare?Extremly!
Does he/she have a structured aftercare program? very much so
How did he/she address the risks of surgery? casually, personal as very caring yet direct, making sure I understood everything involved.
How would you rate him/her overall? will update
Which is better, surgical competence, bedside manner, or are both great? waiting surgery- will update afterwards. :)

nice and smaller than she looks on tv very fast but really seems like she cares
office staff is ok
not a lot of quality time but she is the best so its expected
i would rate her 8 it might go up as long as things continue to be going great
both are great

My surgeon is amazing! What an inspiration to women! I truely believe that I would not feel as good as I do if my surgeon wasn't as skilled as she is!

I liked her. I saw her on many commercials in my hometown.She was very patient, and answeredall my questions. Also she didn't waste any time giving me a date, so that was lovely.The overall program at Magee Women's hospital encompasses the care of women. The bariatric center there is great. I took my lifestyle classes there, (6mos) and also seen Nut and psych. All in one spot.All the testing and everything. I liked that it was very convenient and scheduled things all over a couple days,so I wouldn't have to miss too much work. Some of the office staff was kinda not to my liking. This is a serious situation. Me being a customer service rep, expects total and excellent care, because that is what I give others. When that doesn't happen, my feelings get hurt, and that makes me angry,not everyone on the staff, but about 3 out of 7, so......

Well, so far so good! I met Dr. C at the informational meeting back in 8/09 and then had my first appointment with her at the end of 10/09. She was really kind and very informative. That day, she was a bit rushed, but I had my questions for her and she answered all of them. She was really great about not pushing me into one surgery or another, bc i don't really have any health issues ASIDE from obesity. I'm looking forward to my surgery and I hope all goes well!