Lyudmila S. Pupkova Bariatric Surgeon M.D.,F.A.C.S.

Dr. Pupkova seemed very willing to help and answer whatever questions were directed to her.At first I was skeptical.. because of her accent.. but once you get to know her.. she's really cool.
As time passed we also learned that she adds some humor to an experience that may be overwhelming for some.
The office staff is extremely helpful, and myself and my husband have not had any issues.Its still in the beginning. I have not had the surgery yet.. and neither has my husband.We are going through this together!
Dr. Pupkova is great. She is down to earth, helpful, and justseems to be a very awesome person, in my eyes. She makes you feel comfortable.
My husband and myself have been to a Pre-Op meeting.. and I havent had my surgery as of yet ( today being 1-10-05)( I am scheduled for Jan. 17th, 2005). In the Pre-op meeting alone... I was already given instructions on what to expect and a diet to follow, as well as, to call the office for anything regarding the surgery, or nutritional aspects. All the risks were explained, and any questions asked.. were addressed in a simple manner.. no crazy medical talk.. just real straight answers. Dr. Pupkova, overall, is just a great person, and an EXCELLENT DR.
I beleive surgical competence and bedside manner both go hand in hand! Both are essential and great. The real bedside manner I will learn soon enough!

1/20/05
I am 3 days post-op.. Dr. Pupkova breezed through the surgery..as well as the assisting doctors. She made sure I was ok after surgery and even came to see me another time before I left. She is WONDEFUL. I would highly recommend her!

3/4/05
She's THE BEST!!!

I really liked Doctor Bertha, but he wasn't really talkative. It was ok though since I was rooting for his experience. After my surgery though, I never saw him again since his schedule was too crazy, and he was busy doing surgeries. I was given one of his many "other associates" for many months post-op and was given many explanations as to why I might have been in pain. It didn't seem like a "group" effort at that point and I was disappointed since they said its so important to "report everything", but when no one is consistant to LISTEN, it seemed all in vain. Finally I happened upon Dr. Pupkova during a check up that was scheduled because the pain was unbearable. I didn't understand her accent and wondered if this was another dead end of no help, but quickly realized that she cared and gave me original answers. Since then I've had 5 procedures and finally, last week had a revision of my original surgery. Dr.Pupkova did it and she was great. I think the team over all is a good team. But you might get thrown from doctor to doctor once the procedure is done. But if you are thrown to Pupkova... thank your lucky stars. :)

I was so impressed with Dr. Pupkova because she took all the time that I needed to go over everything. She first ask me what my goals were and any questions I had before she explained her methods and risks involved. Many other doctors I had previously seen did a marketing pitch and it felt less personal.
As I got to know Dr. Lyudmila Pupkova, her dedication and passion for what she is doing became evident. She helped me in ways I wouldn't have expected from doctors. Her caring and explanations and always being there for me, made this whole intense process go so much smoother for me.
The staff was helpful and pleasant, although they didn't bill until I called. The office was nice. And sometimes the staff didin't call back.
There's nothing I can say against Dr. Pupkova. She was knowledgable, has procedures in that will prevent leakages, and checked in with me often, even calling me at night after the surgery to see how I was doing.
Aftercare is scheduled and I am in a situation where I live out of state so she is working with my doctor to ensure all is going well.
I would rate her 200% out of 200%!!! For me surggical competence is most important with an ability to discuss issues freely.

This doctor is the best. She takes the time to explain everything to my wife and I. I have been in contact with her serveral times and each time it just gets better and better. Her office staff are friendly and always willing to help in any way. If you want to pursue this type of surgery then I recommend her to you. Any questions feel free to e-mail me.

I heard about Dr. Pupkova's associates at an orientation meeting at Morristown Memorial Hospital anfd made an appt w/their office. I had not heard of Dr. Pupkova, but she was available and I became her patient. The day I met her was truly one of the luckiest days in my life. As a surgeon she is skillful, direct, competent and cautious. Surgical competence and experience are fundamentally important. In the hospital, the professional bariatric staff respects her. In fact, one of them referred to her as an angel.

But as a person, and perhaps as important she is compassionate, caring, dedicated and diciplined. Her sense of discipline makes me want to work harder and maker her proud. She makes me feel as if we are a team. Her job and mine are inexorably linked and dependent on the hard work of each. She has high expectations and now so do I. At my first month post op visit, I proudly told her I was able to walk a mile. She said "Walk a mile and a half" and I did. For Dr. Pupkova, failure is not an option and with her encouragement, I agree.

My first impression was she was a bit nervous speaking in front of the group.

My impression changed greatly after having my initial office visit. She is very knowledgeable. I got the feeling she really was there to help me. She was truthful about the work I would have to do for a successful surgery.

The office staff seems okay.

There isn't anything I like least about her.

Future patients should know that although she has a thick accent, she is an excellent doctor. Don't let her accent be the decision for not having her as a doctor. It would be a great loss to them if they did.

She greatly emphasizes aftercare. It is extremely important for all follow up visits and labs. She looks at the whole patient and if there are other medical issues not releated to her she still emphasizes following up with the appropriate doctor.

Yes, there is the 1 week post op.
Followed by lab work then 1 month visit.
Then more lab for 3 month visit
then more lab for 6 month vist,
then more lab for yearly visist.

She was very honest and upfront about risks of surgery.

I would rate her a 9-10

Both her surigal competence and beside manner are great

Dr. Pupkova was very straightforward and to the point with me. She obviously knows what she is doing and I feel very safe going under with her as my surgeon. Throughout out entire consultation she made excellent eye contact with my mother and I, and explained every question I had in depth. The office staff are efficient and I think that because they do not have overcrowding of staff that they function more efficiently. I liked everything about Dr. Pupkova except her accent, sometimes I have difficulty understanding her, but I'm sure what she's saying is correct. She does emphasize aftercare very much, and encouraged me to lose weight before my surgery to make it easier for herself and I. She could have gone into the risks of the surgery more in depth with me, but I am not concerned. Overall, I rate Dr. Pupkova a 9.9/10. NO ONE is perfect!! I would also like to add that during the pre-op class she was very caring and took the time to speak with me privately and addressed all of my concerns. She is a wonderful doctor and person.

My first impression of Dr. Pupkova was very good. While I have seen some complain about her accent, I did not have any problems. She was very knowledgeable, warm and sincere.

The office (as many others have said) is very busy, but there is still a certain feeling that you matter, even though you are one of many. Erin, who schedules, is very helpful and nice. I have also spoken to several other office members since then (Deborah and CiCi (sp?)) who have been equally helpful.

There seems to be a structured aftercare program, although I will write more once I know more. I will be attneding my pre-op meeting this Thursday (12/2) and I will get a better feel.

Well, I've only met with her twice so far but I like her. She's confident and friendly, she was very thorough and everything.

The office staff is generally a very nice bunch of people and are usually very helpful, however the one problem I have with them is that they didn't submit my file to Aetna until like, 2-3 weeks after they said they were going to. And I was pretty pressed for time since I'll be back in school in January so that kind of pissed me off. But overall I like them.

Dr. Pupkova was very informative in all aspects of the surgery & aftercare. She insists on walking alot & exercising after surgery. She says it like it is.