Munroe Regional Medical Center Bariatric Program Bariatric Center
My doctor is so down to earth. He made me comfortable from the start. His assistant says he has been doing this surgery for 6 yrs. But, I still need more assurance. He is currently trying to get a support group together, but so far I only have 2 names his office gave me to call to ask questions. His office staff were great, respectful and helpful. I was not really informed much about after care, but maybe they think they would scared people away by telling them to much up front. I did most of my own research for the aftercare. I should know a lot more about aftercare in about 2 weeks, when I go in for my 1 week pre-op consultation. So, far the risks haven't been discussed most. I do know he generally removes the gall bladder to avoid the higher risk of stones. I again have done most of this research myself. Although I value bedside manner, surgical competence is my MAIN CONCERN! I need to be completely assured of this. I know his bedside manner is great, but I am not POSITIVE about his competency. It seems and sounds good. It is getting so close and I know I would have to wait if I wanted a different doctor, but I can not let that cloud my judgment. I am sure he is very good and his staff says so, but I really would like to hear from more of his patients. Any one heard of him or know anyone that had him?? Thanks.
I had my first vist with Dr Hoddinott on May 13,02..My first thought of him was how truly down too earth and so very friendly and that he was truly sincere..Because, he never treated me like a cash cow (no pun intended :) He answered all my questions without answering me like I was some idiot..(cause I know some of my questions where just stupid cause I was verrrrrrry nerves)
His nurse (I forget her name, sorry) who asked me some questions also, was just the sweetest thing..She didn't make feel uncomfortable about my answers...and just treated me with nothing but respect and honesty..
As for a aftercare program, from what I gotten from the nurse I think the're working on starting one...I truly hope so, cause speaking for myself...I would love to be in a support group..I just feel it's important too talk with other people about there fears and goals ect..
Dr Hoddinott did tell me about the risks of the surgery...But when he spoke of them...they seem so minor, I quess cause he's just a very confident surgeon and also if I just follow his instructions, everything will be fine..which makes a big diffence on me (cause I'm the biggest baby going, I get upset when I cut my finger) He's the 2rd surgeon I spoke with and the last...cause I found that there would be nobody better and who I would trust the most then Dr Hoddinott.
My first impression of Dr. Hoddinott was that he was a thru and thru professional..he did not pull any punches....he answered my questions on his experience and why he does the kind of surgery he does...he also took the time to tell me exactly what he would be doing...
My impression of Dr. Hoddinott is still good..he and I have only meant twice but each time he was great..
The office staff was great...Especially Karen, she told me right away that she would work to get the surgery approved and if I have any questions to call her and she would be happy to answer any thing she could.
there wasnt anything to dislike...he was kind and patience...
As for aftercare...he hasnt explained it all..but he wanted to make sure that i would be accepted before we went into that...
Dr. Hoddinott was very up front about the risks of the surgery...and he explained all the risk very throughly.
I would rate Dr. Hoddinott overall as a very good straight forward doctor..he is not going to pull any punches....he will tell you exactly what is happening and when.
I think his surgical competence is better...but I would rather have someone who knows what he is doing rather than a great bull---- artist...
Dr Hoddinott is very proffessional. His staff is great. They helped in every step of the way. They are quick to answer questions I have when I call on the phone. I would recomend anyone talk to Dr Hoddinott if they are considering surgery!!
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At 3 weeks post-op, Dr Hoddinott's staff has been so great at answering my questions or calling me back with answers (I feel like I call all the time). They are doing great.
my personall experience with my surgeon was relativly good. as i have never underwent any other surgury before i was very cautious and concerned. my impressions or time were only better. the staff was always withing to answer any questions no matter how silly i thought they may be. dr. hoddinott is quick and to the point on your post-op visits. he sees many poeple a day. my advise if you have questions write them on paper so your prepared to fire away when your visit begins. aftercare uis all up tp the patient. remember this si only a tool for the road to success, you do have to follow the rules. not much of a structured aftercare, i really which i could find support groups that meet personally,but there facility does not have one. the risks were basically the same for almost all overweight people, unless your undergoing ti with great amount of other issus already they may be more risks involved. i highly rate him. surgical competence was not even a fear factor for me and like i said this was my first surgury.
Very nice Doctor. He was very pleasant and explained every detail of the surgery and answered all of my questions. His office staff is great. I was very nervous when I went for my first appointment and the nurse knew it. She told me not to worry and that everything was going to go fine. That the hardest part of the whole thing was over with I had made the decsion to get help and that they would be there to help me through everything.
My first impression of Dr. Hoddinott was one of a ver compasionate man. He cared about my past, my present, and most of all my future. He continues to care about my felings, and concerns that I might have about the surgery. His office staff is the greatest. They are always willing to answer all my questions, and most of all are very patient. Future patients should know, he does not judge anyone. Dr. Hoddinott and his staff are very strong when they speak about aftercare. What I will need to do, and what I should expect. They have a nutritionist who consults with each patient. They talked about all the risks of this surgery.I would rate him between 1-100 as a 110!
The only down fall was my surgery was rescheduled twice.
My first impression was, this office is great!! everyone was so helpful, and Dr. Hoddinott is the best. He won my husband over, and that wasn't easy!! He really knows his stuff and takes great delight in seeing the metamorphisis of his patients! Rhonda is a gem! She told me I had nothing to worry about, they do everything, and I honestly left there feeling like I had nothing to worry about. I know this all sounds too good to be true.......But time will tell, and I'm trying to remain optimistic. 01/24/02 Follow-up....Dr. Hoddinott is a swell guy!! He certainly knows his stuff, and is completely trustworthy!! I look forward to having a VERY long-term relationship with him and his staff!! I recommend them highly to anyone in the Lehigh Valley interested in having this procedure.