Magee Womens Hospital of UPMC Hospital

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.

Disclaimer; I work for MWH of UPMC. However, I based my decision on where to have the surgery on first-hand reviews of people having undergone weight loss treatment/surgery as well as the quality of services I know my employer demands. I worry about the little things that can be big things--hand hygiene, patient identifyers, drug safety, etc. I felt secure going in that my personal safety was the most important job of every single worker I encountered. I am not here to say other places do not participate in the same safety practices--I cannot speak for others. But I can say I was relaxed and confident that everyone there was doing their best to ensure my safety, security and privacy every step of the way. ***My only less than 5 star review was regarding "restful quietness." During normal sleeping hours, the staff greatly exceeded my expectation. I experienced absolutely no inappropriate noise or interruptions. The reason I gave 4 stars is because like every hospital stay I've ever had anywhere, it seems there is an endless parade thru the night of people collecting lab samples, getting my vitals, and providing medication. That's their job. Right? I've just always felt that at a time when rest is so important...there has to be a better way. :-)

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!

I love Dr. Hammad and her staff. She is amazing and her PA Mike is great! He always answers all my questions and is super nice. I can't wait for her to do my surgery, I'm almost there. Hopefully will have it before Christmas! I couldn't have picked a better surgeon, I'm so glad she is doing my gastric bypass! I'd recommend her to anyone!

Dr. Hamad is a God sent for me. She is amazing all around. When I saw her for my first consultation appointment, she listened to everything I needed to talk about. I never felt like I wasn't important to her or that I was on a time limit. She was even walking out of the room and I had a last minute question, she came all the way back in the room, shut the door and talked all about it with me. She explained to me all my options and honestly answered me when I asked what her opinion of which surgery I should have, we mutually agreed on Bypass. She honestly told me Lap Band and Sleeve wouldn't help me, she will be open and honest with you about everything. She told me all the risks of the surgery and how often she sees them. She has 21 years of experience and you can tell she definitely knows what she is doing. Her team is also wonderful. I have had no problems with any of them. I told her she came highly recommended and she took none of the credit, she said it's all her team. I haven't had surgery yet so I don't know about bed side manner and all that but from what I've heard, it's great so when i have it, I'll let you know. If your thinking about surgery, go see Dr. Hamad!

Dr Giselle Hamad is a wonderful wonderful doctor. My friend recommended her as I was considering the sugery. At the begining, I was headed to Sewickley to have the procedure done. I have NEVER been so please with the decision to switch & have this bypass done by Dr. Hamad.

Dr. Hamad is caring, personable and genuine. When you are having a technique such as the bypass done, the skilled person is the one to select...no question & she fills the bill. I admire her and wish her well with everything she takes on. She is the best in my book.

By the way, don't want to post without saying her staff is SUPER also !!!

Kim F. :-)

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 absolutely love, love, LOVE Dr Hamad. I feel so comfortable with her. She answered all my questions and never made me feel like I was on a time limit at my appt. Her PA-C Mike is also great!!
The entire staff that I've dealt with personally or on the phone are pleasant, welcoming, and most helpful!
My surgery is scheduled for November 2012. I can't wait to be her next success story. I have 100% confidence in her and her team!

I must say.... I have done my research, I have searched high and low for anyone around the Cleveland, Columbus, or Pittsburgh area looking for a bariatric surgeon. Someone I would trust with my life in their hands, someone who would understand that nothing couldhappen to me, I'm a mom of 3 and a wife...... I found Dr. Ramanathan out of The Center for Minimally Evasive Bariatric Center... A center of excellence..... And I could not be more happier that I did. There are 6 drs out of that office and I'm glad I chose mine. He was amazing, his staff was amazing, the hospital itself... Amazing!!!! So please do not hesitate to chose DR RAMANATHAN as your dr. Your in great hands!!