Neil Hutcher Bariatric Surgeon M.D.,F.A.C.S.

I have known Dr. Hutcher for many years as he operated on me long ago for something totally different. He is a straight forward man and tells you the bad as well as the good of this surgery. He takes out "the sweet stuff" from the begining. His staff has been absolutely wonderful. His nurse Joanna has always been very kind and explained things to me very thorough. Hillarie , his coordinator, has been wonderful. She has helped me with scheduling things in a quick manner and answers each of my emails as soon as she receives them. Barbara, his nurse practioner, has been so helpful in answering questions about medical procedures and what to expect the day of surgery. Overall, I would say I am blessed to have Dr. Hutcher and his wonderful staff.
05/12/03 - I had surgery 4 weeks ago yesterday and I would continue saying Dr. Hutcher is the greatest surgeon but my opinion of his staff sure has changed. After surgery I started experiencing leg cramps, a burning sensation within my upp left thigh, and numbness to the touch. Each time I have called Dr. Hutcher's office and spoke with someone they were very rude and left me feeling as though I was a bother. I have finally gotten Barbara to understand that Tylenol does nothing for me and I want a proper diagnosis as to what is going on. Their best guess is a pinched nerve because of the way I might have been laying during surgery. I now have an appointment with a neurologist but I think this could have been done sooner than now so I wouldn't have to suffer. Dr. Hutcher's office overall has been good to me but, "one bad apple can make the whole bunch seem rotten" specially when your in pain.

ATTENTION! THE FOLLOWING STATEMENTS ARE FROM *MY* PERSONAL EXPERIENCE. THIS IS IN *NO WAY* THE EXPERIENCE OF OTHERS! PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING AND REMEMBER, THIS IS STRICTLY MY OPINION!<BR>
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It just so happend my mother, father and I all met with Dr. Hutcher together. My mother's surgery date is December 6th. My insurance has denied my initial request and is in appeals. (UPDATE - I was approved after the third denial, and it went to an unbiased company for review. They approved it within 15 days! I'd fought for over 18 months!)<br>
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My first impression of Dr. Hutcher was he was a bit meek (gentlemanly). However, after speaking with him, it was apparent he's a bit arrogant and not meek at ALL! :) Now, what I mean by arrogant is this:<br>
Dr. Hutcher is an incredible doctor, and if I had done as many surgeries in this field as he has, I would probably be just like him. He was very abrupt at times, because I am a smoker. <br>
He asked me, "How long have you been SMOKE-FREE?" I stated, "ummmmm, I guess I'll have to quit." He said, "The correct answer is 'since right now!'" He told me, "Don't kid yourself if you think I won't turn you away on the operating table. I take blood gases before surgery, and if your oxygen level isn't what it's supposed to be, I'll know. I WILL turn you away the day of surgery if you aren't smoke-free." <br>
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I understood immediately, he wasn't playing around. I decided I'd quit once I had approval, because it usually takes about 2 months for a surgery date after you've been approved. <br>
I was approved July 18th, 2002. I quit smoking July 18th, 2002 cold-turkey. My surgery date was scheduled and performed on September 24th 2002.<br>
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Upon leaving the initial consultation, my dad asked me what I thought. I said, "You want an honest opinion?" He said "Yes." (BIG mistake!!) I said, "I think he's an A**hole!" My dad started laughing. He asked me why I felt that way. As I elaborated, I explained what i meant. I don't have to LIKE Dr. Hutcher to feel he's competent in what he does. And he doesn't have to like me, either - I just want the best - and in my opinion, he IS the best.<br>
He's VERY matter-of-fact, he pulls NO punches, and he doesn't tell you what you WANT to hear...he's quite honest. THAT, I appreciate and admire. He's very blunt in what he expects of you as a patient, and he asks if you have any expectations as well. He's very informative about surgery, but doesn't get into specifics because each patient reacts differently.<br>
I told him, "I want my back to get better... losing weight is a side effect, as far as I'm concerned. I want to be able to bend over and kiss my sons goodbye as they leave for school - without feeling intense pain." He is certain he can help my condition - and for that, I give him all the praise in the world. (UPDATE: 5/3/03 - Since surgery, my back has improved significantly. I no longer have daily pain. I have had one episode since surgery (Dec. 26th), where I woke up and my back was out of whack. I was on Flexoril for approximately 2 weeks. Since then, I've had no further episodes and I can walk for long periods, and stand for long periods with no back pain!! *happy dance*)<br>
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Again - I have NO hard feelings towards Dr. Hutcher - he's an INCREDIBLE doctor. I may not like his bedside manner so much (my mother's opinion of him is much different than mine - see Jacqueline Lamphire's profile), but that doesn't mean I won't go to him for this surgery. I don't have to like him in order to respect and appreciate him or what he does. He has helped so many people - and I only pray he is able to help me half as much; it would be the difference between exisiting and actually LIVING.<br>
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UPDATE: 5/3/03 - I haven't put this down yet, and feel THIS is where I need to do it. The morning of surgery, I was Dr. Hutcher's first patient. I said my "see ya later's" to my family and was taken back by the nurse. They took my B.P. and had me change into a gown. They gave me the hair cap to wear, and the booties. The nurse and I talked for a moment, and then I was wheeled on a bed into a holding curtain for what seemed like forever, but was (i think) about 30 minutes. Dr. Hutcher then came back and took my arm. He spoke gently and softly and POSITIVELY. He explained that the "drug guy" was going to come put an IV in my neck, and that it would be virtually pain-free (it wasn't. It was pain-LESS. I felt nothing.) He came back a few minutes later and we chit-chatted. He smiled after we'd talked for a few minutes and asked if I was ready. I said, "you'd better believe it." He smiled again, nodded, and said, "I'll see ya in a few." The next time I saw him was very hazy. It was after the IV had been put in, and the "drug guy" had given me the "happy drugs", and I drifted off looking at Dr. Hutcher and the "drug guy." (I'm saying "drug guy" cuz i can't spell an-est-theee-zee-all-uh-just!) <br>
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Anyway, I am very touched by his compassion, very impressed by his professionalism, and extremely indebted to his skill.

I had previously saw Dr. Hutcher at an informational session. On 5/1/03, I officially met Dr. Hutcher at my first appointment and he was great! I have never had a doctor act like he had all the time in the world to talk to me and answer my questions and evaluate my situation. Usually I am being rushed, or feel like the doctor is talking over me. Dr. Hutcher and his staff should be applauded for the positive way they treat their patients. While the office staff was EXTREMELY busy, they took time to smile and speak to everyone who came in. I would highly recommend them to anyone consider this surgeon (in fact, just today I've had 2 people in my office say they wanted to talk to me about Dr. Hutcher because they are considering surgery!). I know other people may have had different experiences, but my first impression is very favorable.

Dr. Hutcher was very personable. He is so down to earth and understanding(very supportive.) Dr. Hutcher has a aftercare that he suggest you attend and also wants you to attend support group meetings. I asked Dr. Hutcher about the risks of surgery and his answer to me was the risks were the same as other major surgeries. I would rate him overall as a very informed Dr. with a heart of gold. His surgical competence along with bedside manners are great.

I met Doctor Hutcher for the first time 4/3/03. He was extremely helpful and willing to take whatever time was needed
to answer my questions. He definately seems to know his stuff, has good bed-side manner, and was eager to make me feel comfortable.
I would highly recommend him as a physician.

Sheryl H.

I went to Dr Huthcers office on 3-31-03 for my one on one consultation. I found Dr Hutcher to be a very wise man. His group session was very informative. I believe that is a good way for you to sit back and listen to him about the pro's and con's of surgery. The best part was his staff they are GREAT!!! I am now waiting for insurance approval.. Wish me luck

Dr. Hutcher was great. He was very informative. Did not just over sell the highs but made sure that I understood the risks.

I met with Dr. Hutcher today for my first consultation. I found him to be very friendly and informative and did not make me feel like he was in a rush. He took his time and made me feel very comfortable and at ease. The entire program at Commonwealth Surgeons is very impressive! So far, so good!

I INITIALLY MET DOCTOR HUTCHER AT AN INFORMATION SESSION ON 11/05/02. HE STRUCK ME AS BEING VERY DIRECT AND PERSONABLE.

MY IMPRESSION REMAINED THE SAME OVER TIME. HE WENT OUT OF HIS WAY TO MAKE SURE THE RISKS AND BENEFITS OF WLS WERE CLEARLY UNDERSTOOD.

HIS OFFICE STAFF WERE VERY PROFESSIONAL AND RESPONDED TO ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS THAT CAME UP PROMPTLY.

THUS FAR, I HAVE ONLY GOOD THINGS TO SAY ABOUT DR. HUTCHER AND HIS STAFF. I AM SURE THAT I WILL CONTINUE TO HAVE POSITIVE FEELINGS ABOUT THEM.

I THINK THAT FUTURE PATIENTS SHOULD COME TO DR. HUTCHER AFTER VERY SERIOUS SELF EVALUATION. THEY MUST BE UP TO THE CHALLENGES THAT WILL COME DOWN THE ROAD. THEY MUST ALSO BE PREPARED TO BE ACTIVE IN THE PROCESS. REALIZING THAT WLS IS ONLY A TOOL. THEY MUST BE PREPARED TO DO THE WORK!!!

DR. HUTCHER'S PROGRAM ENCOURAGES THE USE OF THE SUPPORT GROUPS BEFORE AND AFTER SURGERY. THEY ALSO ENCOURAGE THE USE OF THEIR COUNSELORS TO HANDLE ANY ISSUES THAT MAY ARISE. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT SOME ADDITIONAL AFTER CARE SERVICES ARE IN THE WORKS.

DURING THE INFORMATION SESSION, HE WAS VERY DETAILED AND PRESENTED THE INFORMATION IN TERMS THAT EVERY ONE COULD UNDERSTAND. DR.HUTCHER UTILIZED SLIDES AND WRITTEN MATERIAL. HE AND HIS STAFF WERE AVAILABLE FOR ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS.

THUS FAR, I WOULD RATE HIM AS A "7". I SAY THIS BECAUSE I HAVE TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS DURING SURGERY.

I THINK A COMBINATION OF BOTH SURGICAL COMPETENCE AND BEDSIDE MANNER IS GREAT. AFTER ALL THEY MUST TREAT THE WHOLE PERSON, AND ADDRESS THE PHYSICAL AS WELL AS THE MENTAL.

I have met Dr. Hutcher in an informational meeting he holds prior to be allowed to set an appt. He is a very personable man. He seems gentle and mild mannered. Of course he is very knowledgeable about the type of surgery he provides and explains things well.

Post-Op I felt he had little to no time for me. He gave me a piece of paper with info as to what I was to do. He cared more before the surgery. Afterwards I felt as if I were used surgery gloves he removed and tossed.

Bedside manner rate: 0

Surgeon: Wait and see. He did cut straight and centered it.