Michael P. Hocking M.D. Bariatrics Bariatric Center

My first impression of Dr.Hocking was that he is a very calm man-laid back and caring. He has a deep voice that does not match his laid back approach... He ask me what I did NOT know about the surgery and I told him that I have read a lot. He then drew me pictures of the procedure and explained everything to me.
I actually brought up the "risk" subject and he told me it was about 1 in 200. I said "WOW" and he reassured me that they deal with the worst cases and since I really have no co-morbs that he did not forsee any problems-Of course he told me that he could not promise that nothing would happen-he still made me feel confident. It was a short but productive visit-everyone in the office is very nice. He is worth every minute of my 6 hour drive to Gainesville.

Dr. Hocking was a wonderful man from the moment I walked in to his office.. I never felt that I was different because I was big.. He seems to really care about his patients. His office staff is also a wonderful team.. I look forward to going in and visiting them all.. I have Dr. Hocking's email address, so he is always available to me for questions or concerns and he always takes time to answer them and tell me how wonderful I am doing.

My first impression of Dr Hocking was that he was a very friendly person. His office staff was very kind and everyone I have dealt with has been very helpful.

HAD CONSULTATION WITH DR.HOCKING ON 3/23/01.HE IS GREAT. HE EXPLAINED ALL HE COULD TO ME AND AGREED TO DO SURGERY IF THE ANISTIOLOGIST WOULD PUT ME UNDER. MET WITH HIM , & HE ALSO AGREED ONLY IF I QUIT SMOKING NOW.
WILL BE GIVEN A SURGERY DATE THIS WEEK FOR SOMETIME AFTER THE 1ST OF JUNE.
CAN'T WAIT.BUT THEY ARE BOOKED UP.
DR. HOCKING REALLY APPRECIATES GOOD MEDICAL RECORDS & PATIENTS WHO DO A LOT OF RESEARCH.
GIVES HIS E-MAIL ADDRESS & STRESSES THAT IF ANY QUESTIONS ARISE , DROP HIM A NOTE.
BECAUSE OF MY PREVIOUS 3 HEART ATTACKS , MY RISK IS A LOT HIGHER , BUT IF I DON'T HAVE THIS SURGERY , I WILL DIE.CATCH22.
HAD SURGERY 5/21/01 AND HAD NO IDEA WHAT I HAD DONE. PAIN , SCARED TO EAT AFTER A CUP OF JELL-O THAT WAS NOT SUGAR FREE.
CAME HOME AFTER 6 DAYS & ALL IS GOING WELL.
DR. HOCKING IS GREAT. HIS STAFF ARE ALSO GREAT.ONLY COMPLAINT WAS WITH NURSING STAFF , & THEY WERE SLOW AT EVERYTHING.

I have not yet met with Dr. Hocking, I called to make my initial appointment. I was referred to Shands weight control center which I need to go to for an evaluation to get onto Dr. Hocking's appointment list. I have heard some very good things about Dr. Hocking and I can't wait to meet him.

He is a kind,understanding Dr.He truly is concerned for all his patients.He gives out his email address and will answer he same day.I adored and trusted him more everytime I met with him.His staff,well there are lots of them.Shands of Gainsville is a teaching hospital and everyone is friendly and tries to do the best job they can.Dr. Hocking explained the good,bad and the ugly about the surgery.I had researched all aspects completely,so I had few questions.He never rushed me during my appointment time.He was wonderful in the hospital.He even ordered me a new bed so I would be more comfortable.The bed would make a chair to make getting up easier.Before leaving the hospital I was given my 1st appointment,4weeks post-op.Dr. Hocking is the best Dr.anyone could ask for.He is A+++ in my book.

I havn't met him yet. First appt is March 16th!!!
Well the appointment went great. I felt very comfortable with Dr. Hocking. I had a med student take my history and I think he was more nervous than me! I feel very confident that it will go well. The office staff were great and made me feel almost at home. (well, close anyway)

Words can't describe how good this man is. He's caring and kind. I would and have recommened him to others. There isn't anything bad I can say about him. You'll be in good hands when he does your surgery. He's great with the after care, his office staff is a bit young but he has no control over who he has. If you ask him anything He'll give you your answer. You can also email him, which he answers everyday!! I would rate him a 12 on a scale of
1-10. Competence very!!! (he teaches others how to do the surgery)

I went to Dr. Hocking at Shand's hospital, in
Gainesville Florida.
He was very laid back and took his time with me.
He answered all my question's. His office staff
were pretty nice and helpful. I feel he did a
great job on my surgery. The nursing staff at
Shand's hospital was not so great, but surgery went
well.

Dr Hocking made me feel comfortable placing my life and my situation into his hands. I was extremely nervous prior to my consultation, the feeling subsided immediately once he sat down and began speaking with me. I was impressed with his knowledge as well as his compassion and understanding.