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

My first impression of Dr. Courcoulas' office was great. All of the people were very friendly. Although there was a long wait to see her, it was very much worth it. She was so wonderful. explained everything to me in depth. took a lot of time answering all my questions thoroughly. They had everything ready for me of my next steps on a check list, and was extremely easy to follow.
My impression got even better when I went to a support group meeting, Dr. Courcoulas took time out of her busy schedule to attend. I believe she truely has a want to help and cares about her patients very much.
Her office staff is also exceptional. Cheryl knows all the insides and outs about the surgerys. If I ever need anything or have any questions I just call and ask her.
Aftercare is definitly emphasized. Patients are told how this is definitly a lifelong process and change.That medical check ups are definitly necessary for the rest of your life. And how we are aquiring the tools we need for the weight loss bu getting this surgery , but it is up to us, to keep it going.
I would rate her a 9.5 on a 10 point scale. With 10 being the best !
The worst thing about my experience would be the long waiting time to see her, and to get the surgery date with her.

i liked her she talked over everything with me.what i didn't like was after the surgery i saw her two times in the hall of the hospital and she never even checked me.the people in her office is great her nurse vicki will go out of her way to help you.future patients should just tell her that they what the time spent on them after the surgery. i rate her as a good doctor because i have been told this by many other patients and also my family doctor checked her out for me..i feel surgical competence is very important but i feel bedside manner is too..

My impression of Dr. Courcoulas was she is a very caring, understanding, and very intelligent surgeon. She told me everything about the surgery and I did not feel rushed in anyway. All my questions were answered, and I feel she was worth the wait I had to get a surgery date. My scheduled date was December 10, 2002, but was cancelled due to an unexpected illness I had. I am now rescheduled to February 11, 2003, and I can hardly wait. I feel I am in very good hands with God and Dr. Courcoulas...

Met with my surgeon yesterday. The wait in her office was quite lengthy, but it was definitely worth the wait. She is very compassionate and understanding! She took the time to go through everything with me and answer all of my questions and my husband's questions. I did not feel rushed; in fact she made me feel as if I was the only patient she had. Not sure how she does that with all the patients she has. She is one busy lady!
She carefully explained the risks and benefits of the surgery. She explained that this surgery is only a tool, which hit home with me because that is how I view weight loss surgey. It is not a "magic pill". I left her office feeling very confident in her capabilities as a surgeon and very comfortable in knowing that she will take very good care of me.

My first impression of Dr. Courcoulas was that She is very professional and pretty too. She made me feel at ease as did her staff and the other patients in the waiting room.

I have only had one visit with her and she attends the support meetings.

Her Office Staff is so nice and pleasant. Have been to her support meetings which are held monthly. Excellent. Friendly. Professional. She always has a guest speaker there too.

Future patients should realize that the first visit is the evaluation. It takes time to get that first appointment. Takes a long time at the interview too. Waiting room is usually full and there is a wait there also which I understand is the norm for this type of doctor.

Dr. Courcoulas emphasizes after care as of the utmost importance. Explains everything so well. Both she and her physician assistance's are so thorough and take their time with you. I never felt rushed.

As I understand it, the aftercare program is just as intense is the surgical procedure is.

She identified the risks of surgery and all of the drawbacks. You must follow her instructions to a Tee. This is not a quick fix as she stated. She explaines all the risks, the possibility of herniation, blockages, leakages, ruptures and even death. This is not a surgery to be taken lightly. It is very serious.

I would rate her as an excellent and very caring doctor. I have since met several of her patients at the support meeting and they are all extremely pleased with their care.

I think that the surgical competence is the most important factor when choosing your surgeon. Dr. Courcoulas seems so concerned for your wellbeing, so concerned for and about all her patients too.

I haven't had my initial consult with Dr. Courcoulas yet so can not really offer any information at this time but will revisit this page at a later date to update the information.
*********************************************4/29/02 I just met my surgeon today and she is very nice (she kind of reminds me of the actress Susan St James when she was younger, for those unfamiliar with the actress she played on the sitcom Kate and Allie with Jane Curtain) I thought she was very nice, and she answered all my questions (even though I took a list of questions with me there were some I forgot to ask, but I do feel she covered all the important items in her overview of the surgery). I feel very confident in her as a surgeon, as a matter of fact she told me she does about 1/3 of all the WLS in the area (which is Pittsburgh, Pa) I think thats very impressive and I'm certain she is highly qualified and very skilled at what she does.
Her staff was very friendly and pleasant and helpfull when I had other questions (such as needing directions, etc) Actually I was approximately a half hour late to the appt because I mistakenly went to the Dr's Administrative offices instead of the office where she sees patients, but there was never any criticism or negative comments from anyone in her staff about my lateness.

I met Dr. Coucoulas on 9/13/2001. She seems really competent and interested in her patients. Her staff was pleasant and knowledgeable. As all doctors, I did have to wait past my appointment time to be seen. She has performed over 1300 surgeries. I'd say she has experience.
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Surgery was 4/11/2002 at Shadyside hospital in PGH. Dr. C is TOPS!! Brains, skills and personality! I felt in EXCELLENT hands. I did not have to do alot of the pre-op preps that others do - had no tubes anywhere after surgery. I recommend her!

My surgeon and staff were excellent. We did have a long wait, which I expected after all she is a surgeon.She seems very knowledgable. There wasn't anything I could complain about.She has a very good program and would recommend her to any one considering this surgery.

Execllent surgeon.
Very compassionate.
Very well-known for her work.
Great personality.
Her staff took care of all of the insurace requirements and did an excellent job of coordinating all of the pre-op stuff.
My only negative comment is towards the hospital, UPMC Pres. which had a lack of nursing staff and very little infection control or housekeeping standards.

At first i thought how can she understand she is so thin and pretty. Then i realized she has to try hard to maintain her weight too. The office staff is very friendly. The wait is long but its worth it. She doesnt try to push you on the idea its up to you it doesnt feel like someone trying to sell you a car :) She is very commitied to her patients it seems and she wants you to succeed she doesnt make it out to be a miracle cure. She was blunt about the risks and didnt try to glorify them and left the decision up to me. I think she is an excellent doctor and i had a chance to talk to the other doctor that works with her...he is very friendly and doesnt talk to you like you are a child. The thing she said that stuck with me the most was that she would take care of me....she is very kind and reassuring. The long wait was well worth the visit and she spent a good amount of time with me.