USC Verdugo Hills Hospital Hospital

Dr. Katkouda seemed very professional--not a warm, fuzzy kind of guy, but very upfront, kind and supportive. I was so calm after meeting with him, and feel like I am ready for surgery. He is great!

Anna, his personal assistant, is a jewel. Willing to help. Hard to get them to call back when you leave a message, but once you get her...willing to help.

He went over everything. Safety is number one with him...after care is very important.

He went over the risks, and his rate of complications (0%, mortality rate for him personally (0%).

I would highly recommend him to anyone. He is a pioneer in the field of laparoscopic surgery...one of the best!

I was introduced to Kr. Katkhouda by one of his team members. (He was doing my sister's surgery).
He is chief of the laproscopic surgery department at USC University Hospital. He is also a professor of laproscopic surgery. He has a world renown reputation as a laproscic surgeon and has published numerus articles and books on the subject.

First impression was that he was very serious, well dressed, highly professional and down to business. He was pointed with his questions....and there were many.

As the consult went on, he lightened up and had a delightful personality. He was totally honest about everything, life style changes, after care requirements, risks etc. At the same time, he was very reassuring and easy to talk to and ask questins of. I felt so good after the consult. I knew that I had made the right choice.

He strongly emphasizes aftr care. He has just started a support group for his patients that he will attend as well.

His assistant Anna is very helpful, friendly and pleasent to deal with. She handles so many things for the patients. She has become too busy however and really needs an assistnt herself. Hopefully he will hire one.

I rate him highly...a 10 for sure.

Because of my insurance and location I was able to choose from some of he most popular and well know WLS surgeons around. I chose Dr. Katkhouda and am so happy that I did.

My first impression of Dr. Katkhouda was that he seemed a little cold. He was also really tough during his consultation, but he also warned me that he was going to be really tough. I have had NO contact with him since my consultation, however, everything has preceded quickly and without any snags
He is a great surgeon, but I haven't had enough contact with him for my opinion to change.

I have dealt mainly with Anna, who works for Dr. Katkhouda. She seems very busy, and I usually call her for stuff, not the other way around. I believe if I had not called for pre-op tests, or for a surgery date, that I would still be waiting. From Everything I have heard, the Dr. is really dedicated to this type of surgery and he is good. I understand that he likes to do the surgery first thing in the morning and that he and his staff are very attentive.
I suppose I will have more to post after the surgery though :)

I had my first post-op with my doctor, and I have to say he is growing on me! My doctor is a GREAT surgeon, extremely skilled. That was and is important to me. If you are the kind of person that prefers alot of contact with your doctor, or someone with that Dr. Welby feel, he may not be for you, but I thought he was great.

Sure enough my opinion has changed. I love my doctor, No he isn't Dr. Welby, but he really cares about his patients and his work. He is committed to this surgery and his patients and their post-op care. I am very happy with the quality of care I have received.

Dr. Katkhouda is a very skilled surgeon. I met him at a seminar and later e-mailed him. He called me personally said my inspiring e-mail generated a phone call instead of an e-mail. He has been so encouraging, caring and has supportive. He helped get my pre-test done in a fast manner. His Assistant name is Anna. She organized surgeries, times dates etc. She is so dedicated to her job and highly believes in Katkouda's skills.

He has been very detailed and thorough in educating me about the surgery and my new life style.

My sister Anne had her surgery in Texas in June 2001. She has done very well. I feel so confidant with her example of success, Dr. Katkouda's dedication to his work and because I have faith in myself as well.

I will return to this support enity to let you know of my progress and I look forward to the day I can post before and after pictures.