I can only say positive things about Dr. Courculous so far. She is a caring, compassionate Dr. She takes the time to answer all your questions and supplied information to you so that you didn't have to ask so many questions. The office staff is friendly..I mean there have been a couple who could be a little more pleasant, but I think you will have that no matter what Dr. you visit! Her after care program I don't know too much about. I am only one week out. Her surgical competence and her bedside manner were both excellent. I did have many things that I was not happy about with the hospital including the fact that I was never called the day before to even tell me what time the surgery was!!! I was on the phone until ten o'clock the night before to find out what time I had to be there the next morning. I, however, do not hold my Dr. accountable for that one. All in all, it was a good experience, and I am so thankful I had such a caring and skilled physician!!

What was your first impression of him/her?
That she is very confident, young, intelligent, way above expectations. Answered all my questions before they was specifically asked. Very Thorough and assuring to let my life be in her hands. I got a huge sense that she is a perfectionist-which I like and performs higher than others expectations. I think she is kind, and does not make her patients the next number on the chart.

How did your impression change over time? She takes pride in her work, of course and I have much respect for her and her staff.
How would you describe his/her office staff?So far they are helpful and courteous.
What did you like least about him/her? will update when needed
What should future patients know about him/her? Dr.C is the best choice
How much does he/she emphasize aftercare?Extremly!
Does he/she have a structured aftercare program? very much so
How did he/she address the risks of surgery? casually, personal as very caring yet direct, making sure I understood everything involved.
How would you rate him/her overall? will update
Which is better, surgical competence, bedside manner, or are both great? waiting surgery- will update afterwards. :)

nice and smaller than she looks on tv very fast but really seems like she cares
office staff is ok
not a lot of quality time but she is the best so its expected
i would rate her 8 it might go up as long as things continue to be going great
both are great

My surgeon is amazing! What an inspiration to women! I truely believe that I would not feel as good as I do if my surgeon wasn't as skilled as she is!

I liked her. I saw her on many commercials in my hometown.She was very patient, and answeredall my questions. Also she didn't waste any time giving me a date, so that was lovely.The overall program at Magee Women's hospital encompasses the care of women. The bariatric center there is great. I took my lifestyle classes there, (6mos) and also seen Nut and psych. All in one spot.All the testing and everything. I liked that it was very convenient and scheduled things all over a couple days,so I wouldn't have to miss too much work. Some of the office staff was kinda not to my liking. This is a serious situation. Me being a customer service rep, expects total and excellent care, because that is what I give others. When that doesn't happen, my feelings get hurt, and that makes me angry,not everyone on the staff, but about 3 out of 7, so......

I met Dr. Courcoulas at an educational session at Magee Women's Hospital and spoke to her a couple of times before surgery. She has a lot of experience and is very confident and direct. She lays everything out for you so you understand it all.

Most post-op is with her staff as she is very busy. They have all been kind and couteous.

I least liked that I didn't have more contact with her but I understand she is very busy as people from all over come and have the surgery done with her.

They are very thorough about informing you about aftercare. They give you information in a handbook as well as in the hospital orally and in writing. You can call anytime to have questions answered as well. Post-op follow up visits are at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and every 2 months after that for the first year and you get your b-12 shots at those appointments as well.

One other thing I didn't like was when I stated to the pa that I wanted to take adult vitamins and calcium citrate, she seemed resistant because they wanted me on chewables. I explained that I was taking an adult chewable and she was okay with that. Then I asked about chewable calcium citrate and she told me to take caltrate. She insisted it was citrate but it is not. However, they specialize in surgery not vitamins so do your own research there.

Dr.Courcoulas talked about all the risks involved but also went over the percentage of complications they have at that hospital and it is extremely minimal.

Dr. Courcoulas is extremely competent and has a good bedside manner as well. I would highly recommend her as a surgeon.

Only had first appointment. They were extremely busy. I was there 3 hours, but only with someone for about an hour of that. Only spent about 15 minutes with Dr. Courcoulas. There was another doctor who was her assistant who spent most of the time with me.rnrnI still have tons of questions and the process is very confusing; such as what appointments do I need to have first,etc.rnrnShe went over the risks, told me I would never be able to eat red meat or white bread again and that was about it.

I weighed almost 400# and Dr.C is my hero!!My surgery was Nov.1999, I'm down to 220 but still want 30# more off . She was great following me but back then they had no support group that I knew of. Her staff was very supportive and my family too.Iwould rate her a 10 she always had time for me.