Magee Womens Hospital of UPMC Hospital

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.

She was very nice, I felt confident I chose the right Doctor for Me rnOver time Impression just got better&betterrnStaff was very friendly & Helpful @all times

I loved Dr Hamad. She will make sure you are fully informed about the risks that you are taking. rnrnHowever, her office staff is just horrible! I've had the worse experience ever with the people who handle insurance in that office. I sometimes wonder if they even care! They dont return my phone calls. I've had Blue Cross & Blue Shield tell me one thing and then the office tell me another thing. It's pretty sad for once I can say that I am not fighting with my insurance company but I am fighting with my surgeons office staff! At first I thought that maybe it was just they were having a bad day. But its always happening. I am actually thinking about filing a formal complaint with the hospital.

Dr. Hamad is wonderful....even though she was running late with appointments, she did not rush me, answered all my questions, and was so knowledgeable and understanding. I truly feel that I am in good hands with her. She is quite thorough, and a stickler with certain medical issues that are important in keeping you as healthy as possible for the surgery and post operatively. I even had to take a test, and got 100% on it!!

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!!

When I first met Dr. Hamad, she seemed a little intimidating. I found out that she is that way because she wants you to understand the severity of this procedure. I have come to learn that she is very understanding and thinks of us all as "her kids". She looks out for us and is concerned primarily with our safety. Everyone at her office is so friendly and helpful. They always helped me with any questions or concerns that I had. I would honestly tell anyone considering this surgery to go see Dr. Hamad. I don't know that I would be able to trust anyone else to do such a massive surgery. I can't say enough about her. I had my surgery on Dec. 29, 2005 and I felt great ever since I woke up. She and her hospital staff made me feel important and comfortable. When I told Dr. Hamad that she came highly recommended, she simply told me that all she does is the operation. The rest of her "team" does all the hard work. Can you imagine a surgeon saying that??!!! She is so down to earth and really truly cares about her patients. Her office addressed all of my aftercare concerns and I can't think of anyone I would rather deal with.
This is just my opinion, always do your research before deciding which surgeon or hospital to go to. I researched it for a year before I decided to do it!

I have only met Dr. Ramanathan one time so far. In my initial group consultation his assistant Delaine explained the different types of surgery, insurance issues, the process, etc. The doctor came in at the end of the presentation to introduce himself and answer questions. He was very straight-forward, but very caring. I look forward to meeting him for my one-on-one consultation soon.

I first met Dr. Ramanathan at the workshop on 3/1/05 and was glad to find out he had "0" mortality rate. That was very comforting to me. And once he came in and spoke to the group,his friendly smile and willingness to answer all our questions was great. He never seems to rush you if you have questions. I was very happy when I woke up and had NO DRAINS....that was one of the things I was not looking forward to. All of my experiences with Dr Ramanathan and his staff have been positive ones.The only negative thing I would say would be that while in the hospital I saw his "Fellow" and didnt see him until the day he released me, but I wouldnt even say that was a bad thing I was taken care of very well in the hospital.

RNY December 12, 2005

Where do I begin about Dr. Hamad or as I call her "My Gentle Giant" for the petite woman that she is. Dr. Hamad made it very comfortable for me to be around her. She was friendly but very business at hand. She wanted to do her best for me but expected me to do my part and do it well. She is very upfront and forward and to the point. But that is what I needed in a professional, someone that tells it all and leaves no stone unturned. It was not always easy to swallow, this is a hard decision to make and if you can get through the frankness and it still feels right then you know you are ready to make a decison. There are numberous testing to accomplish before surgery. I find this to be a benefit also. I wanted to know as much as possible about my body and health for Dr. Hamad before surgery. Her staff is very professional and friendly and eager to help you in any way. Just ask. The monthly support group they offer are very helpful also. The risk of surgery is explained to you in both a video and in person. There are always papers (before and after surgery) that go home with you that reinforce what was discussed with you at your visits. I find it to be a very organized caring system. I was totally ready for surgery before hand. My care at McGee's Woman Hospital was outstanding. The nursing staff is very caring and well educated about Gastric Bypass Surgery and took very good care of my needs. My health and safety were always thought of first. My aftercare program is very important to Dr. Hamad. It is all in writing what I needed to do and to keep my scheduled appointments. Between appointments I am only a phone call away from anything I need to know. The surgeon and her staff are very competent and the bedside manner is wonderful (but so was mine :-) ). I only get what I put into it and I kept an open mind as to what I wanted to acomplished for my health and my future. As of today, January 8th, 2006 I am doing great ! ! ! I will do what is necessary to continue on this path. I owe that to Dr. Hamad. She has treated me well and really cares about my outcome and so do I.
She did her part, now it is time for me to do my part and to do it well. Thank you Dr. Hamad and staff.

Dr. Hamad and her entire staff are top notch, by far the best I have ever encountered for any medical help. I would reccomend her to any anyone considering RNY surgery. Her great bedside manner matches her surgical competance. Her background and education are outstanding and her laproscopic skills are highly regarded. The pre-op testing and prep are extremely thorough, as is the aftercare. All of the risks are addressed. I would rate Dr. Hamad and her staff at the highest possible level. The care after surgery in the hospital was also very good.