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

Dr. Hocking is an angel!! I was nervous during my first visit but he immediately put my fears to rest. He was polite and friendly and really made me feel like he cared about me. He is a highly respected surgeon and I can now see why. He was encouraging and positive from the very beginning. He also has a wonderful team that works with him. There are several surgeons studying under him and they are all just as terrific!! Dr. Bonnell (I hope I spelled it right) assisted with my surgery and truly touched my heart. When my lung collapsed and I was so scared, he held my hand and looked me right in the eyes, telling me I would be okay. That meant a lot to me. He understood how scared I was and took the time to stay with me and calm me down. Everyday in the hospital, when they did their rounds, they were full of smiles and encouraging words. In short, Dr, Hocking and his team really made this experience as easy and comfortable as possible! I recommend him to anybody!

Dr. Michael Hocking of Shands Hospital in Gainesville is a great surgeon. Since I had researched this surgery for so long, he agreed to schedule my date right away. His office staff are all very nice, also. What don't I like about him? I haven't really found anything that I haven't liked. He does emphasize aftercare ... he wants you back at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year. That is the only structured aftercare program he has. Because I had so much info on this surgery, he didn't address the risks. I would rate him a very fine surgeon overall! Personally, I rate surgical competence higher than bedside manner, but Dr. Hocking rated very high in both categories.

Dr. Michael Hocking??? He is on the doc list , but not here. I was very pleased. The surgery went well, everything was explained. THe results are great. His dietician Mary Branegan(??)is terrific and very helpful. I'm 7 months post op and looking forward to support groups, soon, I hope.

Office staff was very helpful and friendly.

If I were to do it over I would be very satisfied to have same surgeon.

After care was pretty flexible, whatever I could handle. I had the feeding tube in for over a week after I came home. THat was more painful than anything. I would reccommend trying to get that out before you leave hospital if possible. Especially if you have to travel to Gainsville.

My scar doesn't sound as neat as others have described, but I consider it a small price to pay.

Dr. Hocking is a very gifted surgeon along with having
an excellent personality. I had open RNY 1/7/99. My surgical
experience was excellent. I had little or no pain in the
hospital - the bariatric staff is well-trained and the
anesthesiologists are great. Today (19 months post-op - I reached goal weight at 13 months) I am 161 lbs. lighter
at my goal of 135 lbs. My scar is minimal and will
barely be visible with time. Everything went very well for me.

I CHOSE DR. HOCKINGS OVER AT SHANDS UNIVERSITY IN GAINESVILLE. HE WAS VERY PLEASANT AND ANSWERED ALOT OF QUESTITIONS. I WISH I HAD ASKED A FEW MORE. HIS STAFF IS VERY HELPFUL.

My first impression of Dr. Hocking was in October of 1999 when he was about to perform the RNY on my sister. I thought this man is mighty quiet is he really all that concerned? But as time went by I learned that Dr. Hockings is a sweetheart of a man and a darned GOOD surgeon. I am very impressed with his skill, knowledge, and experience!

I was so impressed with Dr. Hocking. He did not rush through our appointment and was very thorough. I really like him! He appears to be very compassionate and concerned. I feel safe knowing God is putting my life in his hands to do this surgery.

Dr. Hocking is a very nice man who seems truly interested in helping me. I just met with him for a consult and actually had not had an appointment with him but he saw me anyway because I had driven 5 hours to meet with another doctor who recommended the surgery. I was in shock and could not think of any questions, but he gave me his email address and when I emailed him yesterday he wrote me back. He answered my questions and seems very enthusiastic and supportive.

I have met with him and I was very impressed with how he came across. He has a way of making you feel more comfortable in a situation that could be uncomfortable. I look forward to working with him and his staff.

Dr, Michael Hocking, Shands teaching Hospital, in Gainesville, Florida was my doctor. I highly recomend him and all his staff. They are all top rate. Having spent 23 years in the medical field myself, I know what quality care really is all about. They were very thorough and complete in giving information and follow up after the surgery. Their kindness and personal concern for each patient is wonderful.
In my case , I had multiple health problems, severe sleep apnea, a pacemaker, very high blood pressure, circulatory problems and massive edema in my legs and feet. I thought I could not possibly be a candidate for surgery, but, Dr. Hocking covered all of those issues and made me feel well at ease. Another thing I can share with you is that he will tell you that he is a tool in God's hands and that God is the one in charge. In pre-op, he, and several of his staff, gathered at my bedside with my family and we had prayer before I went in to surgery. On a scale of 1 to 10 this man gets a 10 and at least 5 stars !!