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

I have done extensive research online but my family physician said that if she were to ever have this surgery she would have Dr. Hutcher do it ... so, since I value her opinion, it was a "no brainer" to become involved with his surgical group, Commonwealth Surgeons. Ltd here in Richmond, VA. First impression - kindly older man with much wisdom and a genuine feel for people that are obese - his wanting to help is as clear as a bell - he has a good sense of humor (I saw this side of him at a support group meeting) and he puts you at ease immediately when you meet him for your first appointment. Over time, I have come to realize that this is him ... he is genuine, 100% devoted to his patients - a fact that has been proven out with almost anyone I have met associated with that group. The day I went for my physical, I finally ran across a woman in the office that was kind of "terse" on the phone when I called them to let them know I would be late - I said "ah haa!" to myself - "there is a rude person up there, afterall". Well, as it turned out, I got lost (what goes around, comes around) and turned around on the one way streets and ended up being 25 minutes late (I like to be anywhere at least 15 min early; I finally got to my appt 10 minutes later than my appointment) and for more emphasis on "what goes around comes around" - my van is a high top and wouldn't fit in the parking garage - I couldn't find a parking place and finally had to use the free valet parking !!! I got up to the office and found out that her stress was due to an emergency earlier that Friday AM ... so I was given my own dose of stress to make sure I realizes that NOBODY can be 100% upbeat, helpful, all the time, period. I ended up having to wait an hour anyway so ... no biggie. I know that if I were to need the medical emergency care then I would have it !!

This group (Commonwealth Surgeons, Ltd) does a procedure that makes more sense than any others I have read about or heard about. The new stomach pouch and the old stomach are completely seperated during surgery. There is obviously less problem with leakage and the big stomach continues to secrete digestive juices for use further "down the line". It makes more sense to me - to others, it may not, but this is my preference.

Prior to surgery - you have 4 classes to attent and after surgery you have extensive after care - as a matter of fact, I will be going there for an annual checkup for the rest of my life. That part alone makes me feel that this group is 100% committed to their patients - it doesn't HAVE to be that way - they demand it. It has been proven that aftercare is as much a part of the success of these patients than anything - those that don't have a success with this surgery don't do the followup care and don't follow the program as recommended. Why someone would go through this procedure and NOT take advantage of all the care and support that is available, I can't imagine.

All the risks are given for you to consider -however, they( I have met two of the others surgeons from this group besides Dr. Hutcher) have a very positiove approach to even the complications - they assure you that they can deal with any problems that arise.

This group also requires a psychological screening prior to surgery and the "shrink" they have on call has had extensive experience with bariatric surgery patients. She meets with you for a full hour and screens your attitude, past clinical history and really works with you on a casce by case basis. I even felt at ease with her ! One of the classes is given by her staff through the surgical groups program - about behavior modificatioin and how your life is going to change and how to deal with it. The "open door" attitude they have also makes you realize that if you hit a snag at this level, then you can also get professional help here, as well. So - you have alot of people "on your staff" of caregivers ... a team like this is there for each of us ... we are already "a group" by the time we get a surgery date !! Sort of like astronauts in training for a space shuttle flight !!! They make sure that you are aware of everything - the classes are an excellent means for us as patients to be educated, at ease and knowledgeable in what to expect. It helps to meet with and see other people "in the same boat" as you are, too.

11/18/02 I meet with Dr.Hutcher today, What a nut! He was so funny. He came into the examinating room doing a silly jig, I thought I was going to pee in my pants laughing at him. I think he did that to ease the tension, because he could see how nervous I was. Well let me tell ya it worked. Dr. Hutcher seems to be a real sincere person who really cares for obese persons. He answerd all of my questions.He assured me that I was difinitely a candidate for the surgery. He was surprised to see how many co-morbitys that I have at my age. I told him I agree, and thats why I want to have this surgery before they all kill me.I highly recommend Dr.Hutcher and his staff, they are wonderful,compassionate, and sincere, Oh and Gina at the reseption desk is hilarious.Bless her heart she never gets a break from the phone, but she manages to stay rite on track with what shes doing.

I could not have had a better first impression of anyone in my life. He was so kind and eager to answer any questions that I had. He did not try to talk over your head. He treated me like a human being instead of another fat person looking for an easy way out. My impression of Dr. Hutcher had only improved over time. The office staff is wonderful. They are willing to help you in any way that they can. You actually feel like Dr. Hutcher and his staff truely care about what you are going through. Future patients should know that he is not playing with anyone! If you are not serious about bariatric surgery and all it curtails, do not waste his or your time. Aftercare is high priority to Dr. Hutcher and his staff. There is a very structured pre and post op program. There are several classes each patient must take before you can even have the surgery.Dr. Hutcher addresses the risks of surgery at a group meeting that is held prior to your initital consult with him. He tells you exactly what can and might happen from the get go. Overall I would rate Dr. Hutcher and his staff a 10!!!!!!!!!! Both are great. I have not had my surgery yet(January 21,2003) but if you compare his percentage rate of complications to anyone around here, he cannot be beat!!!! This was just MY personal impressions from my own experience. Someone else may feel totally different.Someone else may see Dr. Hutcher and have a totally different experience!!

My first impression of Dr. Hutcher was good. I was very impressed with the packet of info his office sends out before your consultation. It includes a very in-depth video in which Dr. Hutcher himself explains very clearly the exacts of the surgery. Not in medical terms either, but in plain talk. It informed me so much I really didn't have many questions when I met with him. He was a very to the point man. A bit intimidating, but also confident. Which is a good thing for a surgeon. He told me that this was not a cure, simply a tool. He said I would have to make the difference. He was willing to answer my questions as long as I needed him too. His office staff are very helpful, and prompt. My insurance approved my surgery 3 weeks after my first visit!! Dr. Hutcher is a very reknowned speaker on the subject of obesity. He is strong to stress to many organizations that obesity is a disease and our society needs to start treating it in that way, and being more sensitive to obese people. He is also an accomplished surgeon. He's been perfoming bariatric surgery for 30 years nows.

My first impression of Dr. Hutcher, was that he was going to help me. All the other doctors were just talk I felt with Dr. Hutcher that he really cared. The office staff was helpfull and answered all my questions. If I called or emailed they were answered within minutes.

My first impression of Dr. Hutcher was he is pretty funny
but is very upfront about what you need to do and what he will
except and not except. Being a smoker for a good 30+ years, it
was hard for me to except the fact that this man is standing
up there telling me that he will not operate on anyone who has
not been at least 12 weeks without a smoke. Who did he think he was!!
But I have quite smoking and I do feel alot better about that. So
I just have something else I can add to the list to be thankful
for from Dr. Hutcher.

Dr. Hutcher's office staff so far has been great. My surgery is
not scheduled until 10/10/02, so I haven't had a whole lot of
contact with them yet, but I am sure that will be changing.

I had a great impression of Dr. Hutcher. My daughter had recently fractured her arm and was in attendance with me for my initial consult and he was so generous and kind to her. He even asked the office staff to get her some pain medicine and ice. During our meeting my 8-year-old kept interrupting and he was so patient and expressed to me that he was glad she was there. I feel he went above and beyond what most busy doctors would have done. He was very informative and had plenty of time to answer all of my questions. I feel confident with his credentials and experience. The office staff was very helpful(not only for my injured daughter), but Ms. Surratt always returned my calls within a few hours. Impressive. I'm hoping to have my surgery in the middle of October and will update then.

I was initially referred to Dr Hutcher by my Orthopedic Surgeon. Before making an appointment, I attended St Mary's Bariatric Support Group, "Forever Thin". I felt like I had attended a pep ralley. LOL

Dr Hutcher's nurse, Barbara, was there to answer questions. I also learned later that Dr Hutcher almost always attends these meetings--even if he doesn't speak.

I'm not sure of what others have felt, but any physician who shows that much concern is outside my realm of experience.

My initial contact with Dr Hutcher was at an evening seminar in his offices. He requires everyone attend before making an appointment. He explained everything in great detail, in addition, he was sensitive to feelings of the MOs in the room.

My physical with Dr Hutcher was complete and informative. He explained before setting surgery date, I needed to get insurance approval. Now, I'm not the most patient person in the world and after waiting a month of approval I started bugging Tricare Prime.

I sincerely liked Dr Hutcher, but more importantly, I respect and appreciate his expertise and ongoing research into Bariatric Surgery. He wants to provide the most effective and healthy weight loss procedure possible. I've heard that some patients get a little upset that they only see Dr Hutcher once before the surgery, but that thought does not bother me. I really only am concerned with his expertise. He can pass me on to his staff in between and after surgery (as long as he's in the OR (LOL)

He explained all of the risks, but quite frankly I'm more at risk not having the surgery.

I have every confidence in Dr. Hutcher and would recommend him to others without hesitation.

He is very nice and personable. I have only met him twice, once in a group session and once at his office. The staff has been really informative. Ms. Surratt, the bariatric nurse, always calls me back the same day. My primary care doctor referred me to the informational session. I had my office visit two weeks later. Two weeks after that, I was approved by my insurance company. I have attended one of the monthly support group meetings and I plan to continue. Dr. Hutcher stresses the importance of the aftercare. He explained all of the risks to myself and my husband.

Dr. Hutcher is a great doctor that is not gonna sugar coat anything. He tells you like it is. He is very smart and informative. He really stresses the importance of after care. The office staff is also great. I would highly recommend Dr. Hutcher to anyone thinking about undergoing bariatric surgery.