Anita Courcoulas Bariatric Surgeon M.D., M.P.H., F.A.C.S.
11 yr Experience
11 yr in Bariatrics
8 yr in Laparoscopic Surgery
8 yr in Laparoscopic Bariatrics
80% Practice is Bariatrics
Min Age of Patient is 14
Max Age of Patient is 70
11 yr Experience
11 yr in Bariatrics
8 yr in Laparoscopic Surgery
8 yr in Laparoscopic Bariatrics
80% Practice is Bariatrics
Min Age of Patient is 14
Max Age of Patient is 70
I thought she was very warm and friendly. I was really comfortable with her. rnrnrnDr Courcoulas made sure that I was educated on the possible risks. She didn't hold anything back. She also informed me of the possible complications that can arise from reverting back to old eating patterns, or trying to at least.rnrnI think Dr Courcoulas was wonderful and would definitely recommend herrnrn
Dr. Anita Courcoulas struck me initially as very stern and sometimes difficult to take due to her demeanor and personality. At first she seemed very cold and matter of factly if that makes sense. I was probably about an inch away of saying some choice words to her and walking out of her office. Something made me stay and I am FOREVER grateful to her and her wonderful caring and compassionate staff for the surgery and follow up care that I have been given since my surgery almost 10 months ago.rnAnita is extremely thorough in every aspect of your care from all the pre-testing to the actual surgery and subsequent follow up visits. She still is stern, but that is all for the good long term care of her patients.rnObviously, she is a wonderfully skilled surgeon that is well respected in the medical community throughout the country.rnI would have NO problem recommending Dr. Courcoulas to anyone who is contemplating have gastric bypass surgery. She is truly my GUARDIAN ANGEL and has given me back my life. She has a gift from GOD to help others in such a wonderful way....by giving a person's life back to them.rnHer ancillary staff is equally as talented in their respective positions in her practice. Everyone is always ready to help out or lend a kind word of support.
Initially I was going to go to a surgeon in my own town, but after many unreturned phone calls, impolite people, and lost medical records... I decided to go to Pittsburgh and have my surgery done at Magee Women’s Hospital. My one friend had recently gotten the surgery done there and recommended her surgeon. I called to make an appointment with her surgeon, but was unable to do so because he was so booked up. Instead, I got an appointment with Dr. Courcoulas. Let me just say, I could not have been happier. She is an EXTREMELY friendly, down to earth, knowledgeable, and educated person. I am so very thankful and happy that I had her as my surgeon!!! Her office personnel is extremely well organized and on top of things as well as extremely kind and understanding. If I had to go back and do it again, I would go back to her and Magee. She is amazing, and I am very thankful to her and her staff for giving me a new start!! I would recommend her to ANYONE!!
My first impression of dr courcoulas was very good, I felt I had picked the right surgeon
As I went through my process with her, I found out how right I was, she is very thourough and truly covers all the bases, before "she" clears you for the surgery, I was cleared by my insurance in may, she was ready to do the surgery in oct.
Her staff is very helpful and ready to share information freely, they welcome questions and take time to help you.
She is big on aftercare, her patients are encouraged to participate in the monthly suport group meetinngs at shadyside hospital and recieve assistance from the weight management center staff that run the meetings.
She was good about explaining all aspects of the surgery, what to expect and the problems that could arise.She even came in to see me while I was in prep getting ready to go to surgery to make sure everything was okay with me.
I think both competence and bedside manner are important, but competence has to take preference. Fortunately she has both. I shopped for the best surgeon I could find before my surgery and I am totally satisfied that I chose her and would and do recommend her to everyone who is thinking about having this surgery
At the bottom of this question session, it asks if I had anything negative to say. I can honestly say that the ONLY negative thing I can say about dealing with dr courcoulas is the time spent in her waiting room for visits. She is very busy and the time she takes with patients puts her behind schedule on a regular basis. My first visit, I had a problem getting there on time and was two hours late, I was in contact with the staff and they were like "don't worry it's okay" when I got there I found out why, I waited another hour and a half to see the dr...that is the only downside I have experienced dealing with dr courcoulas
I was impressed with Dr. Courcoulas-she seems to be pretty supportive of her patients-and is much in demand. The wait in her office was loooonnnnngggg, but I had the heads up on that ahead of time, so I was prepared for it. Her office staff calls me every few weeks to see how I'm doing and to keep me on track with the 6 months of Dr. supervised diet and the other requirements of my insurance. She addressed the risks of surgery well, and let me know it wouldn't be easy-but that she was willing to help me get there.
I liked her very much!
I was impressed with her honesty about the risks.
Every one I talked to in her office was kind and helpful with all my questions.
I have nothing bad to say about Dr. Courcoulas, she is tops!
She tells you like it is. If you smoke stop she will not operate if you do in the month before your surgery!
yes
Yes she told me all of the risks even with the problems with my kidneys
The best!
Both
The doctor was kind, gentle ,non -judgemental and had a great bedside manner.
the office staff was great especially the nurses who always answered my questions with much knowledege whether at the office or over the phone.(Yes they always returned my calls within hours)
Support group meetings are offered though I never attended them due to the distance involved.I heard they are very helpful.
Immediate follow up was great though I think there need to be some type of long term follow up.
I would highly recommend her.