Michael Hocking Bariatric Surgeon M.D., F.A.C.S.


I had RNY surgery in 2002, Everything was going well until about four years ago and I started purging all the time. I still can't keep protein down most of the time but I am able to keep carbs, sugars,fats, and everying I'm not suppose to keep down. It is getting worse and worse. I lost over 237 lbs and felt great and then I got down to 135lbs which was too thin for my frame but I still felt good. I then started throwing up all the time and started putting the weight back on. Since the RNY surgery I had hernia surgery, plastic surgery on my arms and stomach. I also had both of my knees replaced. In the begining my diabeties went away as did my high blood pressue and high cholestrol, but they are also on the rise again. I've had to have my throat stretched three times and my MD says I have another hernia. Today I had the throat and colonoscopy done. The DR. said nothing is wrong and that I don't have a hernia! I'm so confused. I asked why the throwing up .loosing my teeth.tiredness and constant pain. He siad it was because of the RNY surgery and that Dr's fail to tell you that you will have these problems. I felt Dr. Hocking was very truthful with me and he said zI only had a 10% chance of keeping the weight off and that 90% of the people put all the weight plus back on in 5 years. I thought I had it made after 10 years of no problems. Now I have these problems and don't know what to do. I am so sick and tired of Drs telling me all my sickness are a direct result of the RNY surgery. When I was young all my problems were blamed on me having a nervous breakdown and Mono. When I got older I was told that it was depression and I'm still being treated for that. Then the pain was blamed on Fibromylgia and my kinees. Now the RNY surgery is being blamed for all my problems. If they truly don't know what is wrong at least have the decency to tell me the truth,

I really liked Dr Hocking. He didn't sugar coat the risks. His operation is different than many bariatric surgeons becuase he usually chooses to keep the stomach in one peice, and put 4 rows of staples in it.rnrnMy mom is extremely happy about my stomach staying in one piece due to the decreased risks. rnrnEveryone at the clinic is very friendly. I had to wait about an hour and 15 mins to be seen.rnrnI think his bedside manner is great. He made jokes and kept the consultation friendly...

What was your first impression of him/her? - Very compitent and knowledgable
How did your impression change over time? - I trust him with my life
How would you describe his/her office staff? - very friendly and helpful
What did you like least about him/her? - I honestly don't have any complaints about him.
What should future patients know about him/her? - he is a very dedicated surgeon and he will answer any questions you may have
How much does he/she emphasize aftercare? - very strong aftercare
Does he/she have a structured aftercare program? - Yes
How did he/she address the risks of surgery? - He informs you of the risks - he is very honest and straight forward
How would you rate him/her overall? Stellar
Which is better, surgical competence, bedside manner, or both great? Both are superb
Dr. Hocking was able to fit me in to his busy schedule when my insurance company said I had to have the surgery within weeks or not have it at all. He wasn't even taking on new patients and he took me. He makes himself available to me every day to answer any questions I have. We are in constant communication via email and he details the answers in a way that I can understand them easily without having to know medical jargon. He is a wonderful doctor.

I first met Dr. Hocking when my mom was preparing for her surgery. He was funny, honest and direct - perfect for dealing with my mom and now me.
He has a wonderful bedside manner and does a great job of making sure that you are fully informed about what the surgery entails and how your body will react as you lose weight. He also takes the time to listen to you and your concerns as well as those of your loved ones. I know I probably drove him crazy asking questions when my mom was preparing for hers.
Overall, I would HIGHLY recommend Dr. Hocking and his staff. My mom has lost over 200 pounds and is in wonderful shape. She and Dr. Hocking are the reasons I've chosen to proceed with WLS.

My first impression of him is that he is very friendly and straight to the point.
I would describe his office staff tried. I got there at the end of the day.
He emphasize aftercare very important.
His aftercare is very important for the rest of your life.
He address the risks of surgery straight to the point.
For my first visit i would rate Dr. Hockings as being caring.

Dr. Hocking appeared to be calm, interested in all I had to say, and nice. All my family were with me when I met him and they all asked questions. I found he has a real sense of humor. In talking with him, I sensed that he is a Christian who lives his faith. That made ME comfortable. I have tried to live my life in the way I feel the Lord wants (I do fall short); however, when I feel at peace and comfortable with a situation or with someone, I feel God is talking to me. I think I will be in good hands. I am grateful for a second chance at surgery and life wherever God leads me.
Judy Gall