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

I haven't met my surgeon yet but will update when I do...

1-29-01 I saw Dr.Courcoulas for the first time,and instantly liked her.She was friendly,professional,and kind.She spent a considerable amount of time with me,and answered all of my questions too.I especially appreciated her honesty.She made sure I knew what I was getting into,and explained all of my options,and what to expect before,during,and after the surgery.Her nurse Vicki was very friendly,and helpful too in answering my questions,and giving me instructions.Also,her nurse Cheryl has been extremly helpful and friendly over the phone too.Although medical compitence is very important to me,Bedside manner is more,because I need to feel comfortable with the person,to feel comfortable with the diognosis and treatment,or surgery in this case.With Dr.Courcoulas and her staff,I felt very relaxed,and comfortable with putting my health in their hands.

very professional
very busy, she needs a partner, but always helps me
I love her office staff, very helpful
I hate that she is so busy
I wish I had talk to a psychology professional before surgery to be better able to handle post-op emotions
i meet with the doctor once a month and go to support groups once a month
the doctor decribed all the health physical risks but i am now suffering from depression
i give her an 8 on a scale of 1-10, 10 being the best
both her beside manner is great and surgical competence but i didn't see her alot in the hospital, she's very busy, but always addresses my concerns, I know the depression will pass soon, I just want my life back, It will just take time and that's the hardest to get through, but my doctor was great to help me with my problems and her office staff is the best
2-10-01
I disagree with what I said earlier about my surgen. I am 4 months out of surgey and still sick. The aftercare program at this office is terrible. I feel like I am not listened to. I feel like my problems are not addressed promptly. I am four month out and can't eat, my doctor sees nothing wrong? There is definetly a problem here. I seem to be the only person with a problem though. Everyone at the support meetings say that they have had no problems.

Dr Courcoulas appears to me to be very thorough, possibly a perfectionist and that is good for me.
Her office staff are fantastic. I have never had to listen to voice mail and calls are returned, often very promptly.
There is a monthly support group meeting, and office visits are scheduled monthly after surgery i believe.

She was very down to earth and helpful and made me feel confident in her abilities. The staff was warm and friendly and easy to get along with. They were also very helpful. I would recomend them to anyone. Doc has been doing these surgeries for 10 years now and does them everyday.
Even when I felt there was a problem with the the clearance for surgery, Dr. Courcoulas called me herself to fix the problem. I was very impressed with that. I feel very safe in her skilled hands.

The only thing I can say is that I HATE the long time between appt. and the date.

VERY SURE OF HER SKILLS, and that made me sure of her. SHE and DR> JAMES LUKETICH will be doing lap r n y. IVE also met HIM and he is very personable and extremely capable. I believe in what they are doing and they make a good team! there is nothing i disliked about them. Both drs offices were kind and understanding. I must follow through with after care and i am fully aware of the risks involved. I have been telling people i know that are looking for a dr. to please consider this team at upmc . i am looking forward to a quality life DENIED BY MEDICAID total waste of time and my expectations were blown away.... by incompetent office ....... I dont think anyone on medicaid should even make an appointment here. Oh yes, I would like to add that someone is being very untruthful about dr.c doing these surgeries every day... NOT what I was told,, ALSO wasted my time meeting with dr. luketich ,,,,Obviously they are not working together as I was told..WAITED IN HIS OFFICE FOR 6 hrs ... was never told of ANY changes AT ALL. I believe that these dr.s are extremely busy and that they should hire more efficient office people,, like maybe people with a heart....11/26/00

This is one of the finest surgeons in my book. She only preceded to get better. She is very concerned with each and every patient. Her staff to are very concerned and really show they care. I have nothing that I dislike about her or her staff. I was well aware of everything going on. She keeps you well informed and I just had a really good experience. Overall this lady is a 10.

I,ve met with dr. Courcoulas for the first time, she is......WONDERFUL! She tells you absolutely everthing, good bad or indifferent. we're waiting to hear from my insurance co. She has and is very supportive with everything you go through from beginning and hopefully to the end.

I had a very good first impression of her. I had serious doubts about the surgery until my initial visit with Dr. Courcoulas. Where she strait out told me all that I would go through and how it would benefit me. She also has great nurses who has also answered any questions I had. Sometimes I have had long waiting times at an appointment. I think that I had made the best choice in picking a surgeon, even though she was the only surgeon I talked to.