Neil Hutcher Bariatric Surgeon M.D.,F.A.C.S.
32 yr Experience
32 yr in Bariatrics
95% Practice is Bariatrics
Min Age of Patient is 15
32 yr Experience
32 yr in Bariatrics
95% Practice is Bariatrics
Min Age of Patient is 15
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My first impression of Dr. Hutcher was that of an arrogant jerk. My mother and I saw him the same day because we were both getting insurance approval for this surgery. He answered many of her questions because she was very organized and I guess because I was just a 29-year-old pain in the ass... whereas she was a heart patient, had many comorbidities and was truly a candidate to have surgery SOON. He knew my insurance was going to be just as big a pain in the ass as I am... lol
Pretty much, he didn't answer many of my questions and he was kind of "holier than thou".
HOWEVER, I DID NOT elect to have a surgeon I could be buddies with. I didn't really CARE if he was personable or friendly... I wanted the BEST. I researched and researched, talked to countless people who had been cut on by MANY different surgeons at MANY hospitals in the Virginia region. In my opinion, Dr. Hutcher, who is the Secretary/Tresurer for the National Gastric Bypass Association, was absolutely THE BEST hands I could be in. He has had VERY successful results in performing this surgery and he encouraged me to become educated in all areas of treatment... Nutrition, Dietary, Behavorial Modification, etc. He demands that classes be attended for each of these, as well as a Psychiatric Evaluation and support group attendance BEFORE surgery.
My mother also had Dr. Hutcher and found him to be personable and kind and gentle. She said she wished she'd had doctors like him throughout all her years of medical treatment. Ooooookaaaaay... and we really saw the SAME GUY??!! (**check out her profile, Jacqueline Lamphire**)
However - the day of surgery, when i was wheeled into the preop room and was being prepped for surgery, Dr. Hutcher came in, took my hand and asked me if i had any questions. I told him no, and said i was ready to get this thing going. He smiled gently, squeezed my hand and assured me i was going to do just fine. He removed my gall bladder and an ovarian cyst, as well as performed the bypass surgery. He did visit me for a few moments the day after surgery and told me I had been a model patient. He was really a great surgeon.
Did I LIKE him? Not really. Did i think his bedside manner was wonderful? Nope. Would I have sought another surgeon based soley on those issues? HELL no! He was the BEST for the job, and in my opinion, the results speak for themselves.
Dr. Hutcher seems to be a down to earth guy, and I felt that he really understood the issues that brought me to him. He is emphatic that aftercare is very important. We even briefly discussed having a structured aftercare program start in Fredericksburg since there are so many people from this area that have been to his group.
From my very first contact with Dr. Hutcher and Commonwealth Surgeons, I have been very impressed! All I had to do was call their office (804) 285-3225 (or people can send an e-mail to [email protected]), and I received a comprehensive packet including a videotape in which Dr. Hutcher thoroughly explains the procedure, risks, benefits, etc.
As I attended the several pre-surgery classes (orientation, nutrition, behavior modification, etc.) I soon realized that people were coming from quite a distance just to have Dr. Hutcher perform their surgery. I soon found out that he has performed over 3,000 gastric bypass surgeries, and that he has a morbidity and comlication rate that is far below the national average! (Those things were important to me, since this was my LIFE we were talking about!)
Throughout my pre-op, surgery and post-op experiences, I have marveled at the organization and thoroughness of the entire staff. Since Dr. Hutcher is such a renoun surgeon, they try to maximize his time so that he can spend most of actually performing the surgeries. (There was about a 4-month wait to have my surgery performed by him, even considering this!) They don't waste his valuable time doing things that others can capably do.
Dr. Hutcher is a sweet and personable man with a good sense of humor, who takes pride in his work and gets great satisfaction from helping people to "have a LIFE" instead of just living!
On occasions when I have called the office with questions, I have always received prompt call-backs. In each of my visits, I have had opportunity to ask all the questions I had, and every aspect of my care and recovery has been thoroughly explained.
I feel very blessed to have had the opportunity to have Dr. Hutcher perform my surgery! I feel like God led me to the very BEST, and I look forward to letting my life be a light that will show others the way to a healthier, happier life.
What was your first impression of him/her?
My first impression of Dr. Neil Hutcher is that he was very straight forward and to the point. He let me know this was a serious operation and so were my conditions that I had. I liked his open and honest information.
How did your impression change over time?
Dr. Hutcher was the same from day one, open, honest and very patient. He took the time and answered every question that I had.
How would you describe his/her office staff?
They are all very professional, friendly, and helpful too. I love all of them. Barbara is great, his nurse. If you have a question she gets back to you that very day. When you visit her for your post-op visits she is very informative and also takes as much time that is needed to answer any and all of your questions. She also give suggestions on situations, very helpful.
What did you like least about him/her?
I really can't think of anything to be honest. I can't think of a thing.
What should future patients know about him/her?
He is the BEST surgeon in Richmond. He has done about 3,000 gastric by-pass surgeries and he only does open to make sure he doesn't miss anything. He makes sure you are conformable in the hospital and he visited me every single morning and evening before he went home. I can't say enough great things about him.
On the last day that I was in the hospital, I got up extra early and was dressed and ready to go home when he came by to see me. I said I've been waiting for you and he just laughed. He has a good sense of humor too.
How much does he/she emphasize aftercare?
He does emphasize all follow-up visits and he is a very active participant in the gastric by-pass group at St. Mary's Hospital. We meet on the 2nd Thursday of each month and Dr. Hutcher is always there to support his patients and the group.
Does he/she have a structured aftercare program?
Yes, you go to see him for the first 6 weeks, every two weeks and then once every three months and then I think one every six months.
How did he/she address the risks of surgery?
He makes no beans about the serious nature of this surgery and does everything he can to prevent complications. I had a central line, was given strong antibiotics, work compression hoes, given heparin shots and encourage to walk as much as possible. I also had to use an incentive spirometer to prevent pneumonia every 2 hours. I also given TED stockings to wear in the hospital and while I was at home to prevent blood clots.
How would you rate him/her overall?
I would give him the highest rating there is, 100%. He saved my life!!!! and now I am much happier and I feel WONDERFUL.
Which is better, surgical competence, bedside
manner, or both great?
Both are great but I think of him as an EXPERT in the line of gastric by-pass surgery and the patients that have this done.
If you have any questions about Dr. Neil Hutcher or his staff please email me. You know you are in good hands with Dr. Hutcher.
What was your first impression of him/her?
- Professional, best of the best
How did your impression change over time?
- has not yet
How would you describe his/her office staff?
- A reflection of the Doctor
What did you like least about him/her?
- He looks tired
What should future patients know about him/her?
- Trust, Honesty
How much does he/she emphasize aftercare?
- 100%
Does he/she have a structured aftercare program?
- Yes
How did he/she address the risks of surgery?
- Yes, but not as much as I would have liked
How would you rate him/her overall?
- 9/10
Which is better, surgical competence, bedside
manner, or both great?
- So far both
Dr. Hutcher was wonderful and very informative he talked to me for almost 1 hr.
explaining everything.
his staff was kind and office was nice.
His after care is for life and he is very strong about that.
Dr. Hutcher is a very forthcoming doctor who doesn't sugar coat anything. He shoots straight from the hip and I like that about him. I had a list of questions and I interviewed him very carefully. He was patient and thoughtful with his answers. I even asked him what kind of music he has on in the operating room. (its country usually). His staff especially Hilarie are wonderful people. They are kind and very thorough. I always have had answers to my questions by the close of the business day.
Dr. Hutcher strongly suggests aftercare. it is vital to your long term sucess and he stresses that to you.
I believe in Dr. Hutcher. I have talked with many of his patients and all of them have said he is the best. Some didn't care for his bedside manner. But when you think of the whole program of going through gastric bypass, his bedside manner is the least of my problems.
I have my first consult with Dr Hutcher on July 28th.
As you have read in my profile I have had to changes surgeons in the middle of this process so I will have to update this part later.
I did go to an informational meeting last night (June 12th) he seems to have a personality and very caring all from what I saw of him last night I didn't get to talk to him so I will have my one on one in July
July 31,2003
I met Dr Hutcher on July 28,2003
Dr Hutcher knows his business. I will be honest at first I thought he was blount but that is ok as long as your honest and he seems very honest and after the last surgeon I guess I am being a bit caucious (sp?) So far all the people I have met in his office were very nice. I think they would like Dr hutcher. He is very stright forward and very through.