Michael P. Hocking M.D. Bariatrics Bariatric Center

8/30/2001
I got a referral from my Primary Care Physician today for Dr. Hocking. I spoke with Mariam at Dr. Hocking's office and set up an initial consultation for November 9, 2001, to evaluate my eligibility for surgery. I was considering a lap-band but after careful review of all my options, I decided on R-N-Y. And so, based on my research and several recommendations, I've decided on Dr. Hocking as my surgeon. I'll keep all posted on my progress.

11/9/2001
I met Dr. Hocking today. He is truely a wonderful, caring physician/surgeon. He answered all my questions and provided me with answers to all my questions. He drew diagrams and charts and made comparisons -- to ensure that I had all the information I needed to make an informed decision. He didn't seem rushed or make me feel that I was Patient No. 10 out of 100. I am very glad I made the decision to have Dr. Hocking as my surgeon and I am even happier that he agreed to accept my case :)

10/12/2001
Dr. Hocking is very caring, concerned and knowledgeable surgeon. His staff is positive and upbeat. He laid out exactly what he does and why in language easily understood and was patient with all my questions and concerns, all of which I am sure he has heard hundreds of times over the 10+ years he has been doing this surgery.

11/05/2001
Dr. Hocking's staff is the BEST! They got approval from my insurance company very quickly!

Dr. Hocking was a very caring and patient surgeon. When I first arrived there, he never made me feel as thought I was less of a person or sub-human for having a weight problem. He was very understanding and never spoke to me as anything but his equal.

His office is in the middle of Shands Medical center, sometimes it's very crowded and hectic but I never waited for more than 20 minutes and his nursing staff was caring and patient as well. The staff was knowledgeable and helpful whenever I had questions or needs.

Dr. Hocking has after care and I had scheduled numerous visits and I have always seen him not just an assistant or medical student. Although all the medical students were very patient and helpful (Shands is a teaching hospital so there are always students around). This sometimes made me nervous but I realize that people need to learn to help others.

Dr. Hocking answered all my questions and made sure I was at ease at all times. He explained the procedure, possible complications and made sure my family and I knew what was happening at all times. Dr. Hocking didn't sugar coat anything, but he also made sure I wasn't scared or nervous beyond what is normal.

The only part of Dr. Hocking's office that I had a problem with was that it took 2 months for me to get an appointment. Then 2 more months before my surgery date. But it was well worth the wait. And I hear because of the popularity of the surgery many surgeons have even longer waiting periods.

I think Dr. Hocking was an outstanding surgeon and I would reccomend him to anyone. If you have any questions regarding Dr. Hocking please email me. I will be happy to help you out.

Dr Hocking is a very kind and excellent surgeon. The office staff working for him are knowlegable and pleasant to be around. Him and his staff will do whatever they can to come to the aid of the patient. The one thing I liked least about him was the wait time for an appointment, but since he is in demand I understand the wait time. Dr Hocking went out of his way to make sure I was well taken care of in the hospital post surgery. There was a paitent in the room next to me that had the same surgery by a differnt physician and Dr Hocking still went and checked in on him to make sure everything was going well. Dr Hocking has been there for me through email these past 4 weeks and made me an appointment when I thought the incision looked funny. His aftercare has made me feel like I am not alone in this life changing process. I would rate him a 10 for overall care and would rate Shands hospital an 8. I think that surgical competence and bedside manner go hand and hand. I know some surgeons that have great surgical competence but have very bad bedside manner and their patients do not seem to progress after as well. I am very thankful my doctor has both great surgical compentence and a super bedside manner, I would recommend him to everyone.

dr hocking appeared to be a very kind and understanding doctor. he is willing to listen and eager to give feed back. he has good bedside manners and encourage you to research and ask questions. and he will answer. his staff was also pleasant.

VERY NICE, SEEMS TO KNOW ALOT AND VERY HELPFUL IN EXPLAINING TO YOU WANT THE SURGERY IS ALL ABOUT PROS AND CONS. I FEEL BETTER ABOUT HAVING THE SURGERY AND COMFORTABLE WITH THE DOCTOR I HAVE CHOSEN. OFFICE STAFF WAS VERY PLEASANT AND HELPFUL. HOW THEY GOT MY APPOINTMENT DATE MIXED UP AND IT ENDED UP BEING ANOTHER MTH BEFORE I COULD GET TO SEE THE DR. WHICH PROLONGS EVERYTHING ELSE.. SO FAR GO SEE HIM HE SEEMS TO BE GREAT SEEN HIM ON 5/18. HE STRESSES AFTERCARE THAT ITS THE MOST IMPORTANT. NOT ALL SURE YET. THAT IT IS VERY SERIOUS. IT A PERMENT THING. THAT IT IS VERY IMPROTANT THAT I TAKE MY TIME AND EAT, NOT DO ANYTHING ELSE. SO FAR THE DOCTOR HIMSELF ON TIME AND CARE 1-10, 10 BEING THE BEST 20. OVER ALL GREAT.

Michael Hocking is a very informative surgeon though he seems a little stern at first. He answers all of your questions clearly and doesn't make you feel like he's got one hand on the door. Dr. Hocking likes to get right to business and I reccoment having your questions ready for him- and get to the point! :)
His nurses were VERY helpful- all of the office staff were great in their efforts on getting me approved. (thank you Jennika (i know i butchered your name) and Lesia)
Dr. Hocking answered my questions and drew me pictures and everything. He is very clear and to the point.
I can't comment on his bedside manner yet but I think after the surgery he will be calm and caring. I have heard nothing but raving reviews of this surgeon and I definately reccomend him thusfar. I will post again after Halloween (date of RNY)

My husband and I were very impressed with Dr. Hocking. My husband said that he had never had a doctor sit and listen to what the patient had to say without interrupting like Dr Hocking did.

His office staff is extremely nice and polite. All of the women who work for him are very nice and helpful.

I would highly recommend Dr Hocking to anyone who is considering this surgery. He is extremely well liked and very good at his work, and best of all he really cares....

So far, my knowledge of this Doctor is based on third party, but lord, this man is amazing. I am in awe of him. And get this, He has NEVER met me, heard of me, talked to me, nothing, I send him an email, he not only reads it, he answers me, and he answers me in the way a person can only answer if they had actually "percieved" what they read, and if that is not a sign of a good person, let alone a good DOCTOR..tell me what is, AND..tooo BOOT..he is the PROFESSOR of Surgery, booked for months, probably hasnt seen his wife or family in days, and he takes the time to answer my puny letter. God love him, I am sure if I meet him, he will continue to inspire me.
04-20-01
Inspire? Way too SMALL a word. My first impression of Dr. Hocking, was wow, he is just as human in real life as he is in my brain!! His office staff (other than ANGELA) is lovely. My two angels, Miriam and Jennica, what sweethearts. Miriam is a temp unfortunately and wont be there for long. I think future patients can rest assured, that if they are educated prior to meeting with him, that any questions they ask, no matter how silly or redundant will be answered with aplomb. Also, I think this Doctor is very realistic. He does not set you up for expectations that would encourage you to believe in fantasy results. He also takes responsibility. Risks of surgery, well, I think that he realiszes as we all do, that fate has a hand in that, and while he stresses the importance of both quality surgical procedures and good after care, he is also aware that God has a plan.

I think this man is just a walking example of good medicine. If more Doctors were like him, this world would be a happy, healthier place! (I would go on, but some of you are probably experiencing nauseau post op anyway! hehe)

Oh and negative comments? with regards to him? hmm. I think he bites his fingernails! lol

July 30th 2001

I know it is wierd but I just have to continue my hero worship of this man, he is so good to me, he emails me even on vacation! God love him and his family. He is truly the nicest man, and a superb doctor. Thanks God for letting me find Dr. Michael Hocking!

I dont think it can be said enough about someone who will essentially have your life in his hands~~Dr. Hocking is truly a great doctor and person at that.
I had open rny 2-9-00, and 7-01 had to have a revisional bypass, it was a terrifying experience the second time around because of how painful it was the first, but it went soooo much smoother.
Dr. Hocking was kind enough to remove the massive amount of excess skin on my stomach.
He is very kind and as has been stated before, he is reached easily through his email addy, I dont think I have ever waited any longer than the next day on a response from him.
MOST of his residents are fantastic, as is his office staff.
There is not one thing about him, however that I can come up with that is negative!!!


Almost forgot, if you are going in for surgery and generally have a LOW tolerance for pain~~TELL HIM before the surgery, this is the kind of thing a surgeon absolutely needs to know!! Ultimately YOU are responsible for your care, take good care of yourself both before and after surgery.