Commonwealth Surgeons, LTD. Bariatric Center

Very professional, honest about risks and advantages of wls, when you follow your doctors directions to the "T"!


I still think he is an awesome surgeon, and I am thankful that I chose Dr. Hutcher, because I am 4 months post-op and still losing about .93815 pounds per day.


I think it says a lot about his professionality and personality when his daughter is an employee, because it tells me that he is very family oriented. Barbara Kayes, his nurse practitioner, has also been a very valuable asset in my pre-op and post-op experiences. She has given me a lot of insight and practical information that will make me a successful post-op patient.
I presently do not have any negative comments about him, because I am very pleased with my progress and results.

He is kind, considerate, compassionate, and very caring towards his patients before and after surgery. At his sponsored support group at St. Mary's hospital, he often speaks to the group and or answers any questions you may have. He always brings the support group up to date with the new techniques and procedures or modifications that he has implemented in the Distal Rouxeny. He is very involved with the political and insurance end; making speaches at the state level and national level regarding insurance policies.

His emphasis on the progress of his post-op patients has no end, as he considers every patient important regardless of his or her statis.

Dr. Hutcher, with his caring and motivated staff of Commonwealth Surgeons, Inc. Ltd. offers unlimited structured aftercare, including the option for post-ops to revisit or retake the pre-op educational classes. He is nearly always present at the monthly support group meetings whether or not he is the keynote speaker, and he doesn't shy away from answering questions, because in his mind all questions are important and deserve answers.

He thoroughly explains the procedure in a video tape and verbally tells you, during your initial visit. He is always willing to answer any questions during any visit with him. Often the risks of not having this procedure done leads to an early or untimely death or limits the patient to a obscure lifestyle and progressively worse health conditions.

I would give Dr. Hutcher a "10"; but would also be willing to confirm him as one of the best bariatric surgeons in the country, because of the following attributes: For excellence and positive attitude, very knowledgeable and willingness to share his knowledge, his personality, his compassion, his honesty and sincerity.


His surgical competence and beside manner warrant no improvements.

I can never have enough good to say about Dr. Hutcher and his caring staff. The education provided before surgery and the patient care following are excellent. I am doing so well and my husband who also had the surgery is a true success story. If you live in the Richmond area, Dr. Hutcher and his associate Dr. Harrington are the true friends of the obese!! We continue to see Dr. Hutcher and know that without his support we would be lost. My husband recently was bitten by a dog and had some severe dumping from the antibiotic; a call later to Dr. Hutcher's staff and feeling much better.

The first time I went to see DR. Hutcher I felt he really understood my feelings and then I knew I made the right decision with getting my surgery. Everyone in his office has been so wonderful. The classes that he require for you to take was very educational.

My first impression of Dr. Hutcher....I think he's great! He is so understanding. He explained all the thousands of risks associated with the surgery. Some minor, some major. I liked him b/c he is honest. He mentioned pros AND cons!! He emphasized the aftercare. This is as important as the surgery itself. He states the surgery is just the beginning. He has one of the best (so I here - I'll be sure to let you know) aftercare programs available.

I met with Dr. Hutcher on May 10, 2000. I found him to be very informative. I feel I can trust him with my operation. I am now waiting to here from the insurance company. The Doctor did tell me that if I did not have the operation, I have literally cut 10 to 15 years off my life. I will keep you updated. Pray for me and all of us on the waiting list with the insurance companies.

My surgeon is Dr. John Husted in Nashville, Tn. He seems to be very caring and serious about his patients. He had question about doing my surgery due to a previous surgery i had and actually called DR. Phobi (spelling Unknown) in California and talk to him before deciding to go ahead with me. Stop smoking as soon as you decide you might want a weight loss surgery. I became a little impatient with his staff more than once but i dont think it was due to anything they did or didnt do it was simply because i was just that impatient.

I met with Dr Hutcher July 26, 1999. Prior to my appointment I was sent a video describing the surgery. It was very informative and answered most of my questions. I was very impressed with Dr Hutcher. He explained everything thoroughly including the risks and the extra precautions he takes to minimize the risks. I had some minor problems with my paperwork otherwise the office staff was great.
Dr Hutcher has a great aftercare program as well. So far he is great!

UPDATE: March 30, 2000
I just wanted to say that the staff at ST. Mary's hospital is excellent. The nurses were so helpful and nice and most of them seemed to just always be there doing something for me. Of course they didn't let me sleep much... LOL, but they were just great! I couldn't believe how helpful they were!

I was very meticulous in my research for this surgery. For a year I interviews with former patients of numerous doctors in the Richmond, Va area. I spoke with other doctors and health professionals for recommendations. And I research on the internet. I concluded that Dr. Neil Hutcher was the Doctor that satisfied my stringent criteria. Dr Hutcher....
1) is top in his field
2) has the highest surgical success with a minimum of complications
3) has the high long term average weight loss percentage per patient.
4) has proven to be caring to the special needs of his patients and is upfront with the risks of this surgery.
5. has an pre and post op educational program to prepare the patient for the necessary nutritional, psychological and physical adjustments.
After my first consult with him I knew I had made the right decision, I had a doctor which inspired in me the utmost confidence. He even let me put on my earphones and listen to nature sounds while I was being prepped for surgery. My hospital stay was so much brighter with his visits, he was always very excited to see me and his other patients.
After I got out of the hospital I have had only the good experiences with the after care I have received from his very competent staff. The only regret I have is not being able to see Dr. Hutcher after I left the hospital. I somehow feel a little cheated, but I it is conforting to know he is saving somebody else's life with that time. He has given me with his expertise...a new life with absolutely no major complications.

I use to work for my surgeon performing this surgery on other patients, so I knew what type of doctor he was and what his results were like. Dr. Hutcher changed my life and I will be forever grateful. He gave me the needed boost to go ahead and do things I had always wanted to do in life but let the weight stop me. Even though I am no longer in Virginia, Dr. Hutcher and I still keep in touch, and whenever I go home I can always go by and let him know how well I am still doing.

Dr Hutcher was straight foward with me and I appreciated that. The office staff were very helpful.I would like to see Dr hutcher more often in the office but I know he is busy. He did great work. After care is done often as every 2 weeks. Support groups are offered.
Both competence and bed side manner were good. overall Dr Hutcher is a very good doctor!